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800-819-2978How Meditation and 12 Step Programs fit Together
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 12 Step or community based programs are often one of many valuable treatment methods for alcohol and drug addiction. An important part of any addiction treatment is being able to focus on addiction treatment. An excellent way to focus is through meditation and meditative techniques. Combing treatments is a common practice when it comes to addiction treatment and meditation is rapidly growing in popularity.
The Basic 12 Step Program
A basic 12 step program uses 12 steps to teach you how to get and remain sober. These 12 steps are not easy and consist of things like:
- Finding humility
- Accepting your flaws
- Reaching out to others
- Correcting the things that you have done wrong
- Examining yourself carefully and in great detail
- Letting go of negative thoughts and feelings
Meditation promotes relaxation and focus; necessary skills for addiction recovery.
These 12 steps are often accomplished through complex contemplation and sharing with others. In the 12 steps you have someone to guide you through each of them. Many of them have homework and other exercises to help you on your way to recovery.
Basic Meditation
Basic meditation is clearing your mind and relaxing. Most meditative techniques start with this. Most people start with a basic technique of focusing on one thing above all others. This is usually something simple such as a candle flame or shape.
Once they get better at meditation, they can meditate on certain things. Many people choose to solve problems by using meditation to focus on them. This focus is excellent for those who are in addiction treatment because they can negate triggers and cravings by practicing these techniques.
How the Two Work Together
12 step programs and meditation work together by giving a person in recovery direction. You can meditate on the 12 steps or any of the principles of 12 step programs. Most of the 12 steps are outlined for you but some of them have multiple meanings to different people.
Through meditation you can focus wholly on the meaning of the step you are on to improve your understanding of the concept. You can also use meditation to deal with cravings and triggers by changing the direction that your mind is going. This is what the 12 steps are designed to accomplish as well. Through using your mind to control the addiction you can combine the teaching of the 12 steps and meditation.
Prayer is also a part of the 12 step method of treatment. Prayer is often considered another form of meditation. When you pray you concentrate on a specific thing, asking a higher powers help in dealing with it. In meditation you use much the same process.
How to Find a 12 Step Program that Uses Meditation
There are hundreds of 12 step programs across the United States. Some of them use meditation as part of their program. These 12 step programs are not difficult to find. All you have to do is call 1-800-895-1695.