You want to commit to quitting abusing drugs or alcohol. You know that rehab is the way to go, but you’re not sure what happens there. Did you know that a meditation therapy program is part of the modalities? Here’s how it works.
The Intake Interview Sets the Tone for Treatment Protocol Customization
Steps to Recovery intake specialists work with you to find out your treatment needs. Rehab is the type of care that thrives on customization. Because every individual has different needs and backgrounds, the goal is to get you the care that speaks to you. They can help you whether it’s your first time in rehab or a redo of an earlier attempt.
In the process, counselors put together a treatment protocol. a meditation therapy program is typically an integral part of it. Of course, it can’t stand alone. Other modalities include:
- Individual counseling with licensed clinicians
- A process group therapy program that encourages community building
- 12-Step meetings attendance and program participation
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring conditions
- Family counseling program as a means for getting loved ones on board with your decision to quit using
How a Meditation Therapy Program Fits into Addiction Rehab
There’s substantial evidence that ties drug abuse to heredity and genetics. However, there’s also evidence that connects chemical dependency to inappropriate stress responses. Steps to Recovery therapists rely on psychotherapy and behavioral counseling for the first instance. They look to meditation therapy and a holistic approach for the latter.
Meditation forces you to slow down. In the past, you might have relied on a nervous system depressant to numb you. With that drug gone, you need to find a new way to relax. Most importantly, it must fit into your new sober lifestyle.
Meditation fits the bill. You focus on your breathing and learn to listen inward. Many people perceive their heartbeats for the first time. Did you know that your body has a rhythm?
Meditation lets you connect with your natural rhythm. Breathing exercises allow you slow down and relax. You become comfortable with sitting in silence and focusing inward. Similarly, you explore the thoughts and feelings that you suppressed in the past.
As you become aware of them, you don’t do so with embarrassment or guilt. Instead, you accept them as being part of your makeup. Above all, you learn to accept yourself for who you are. There’s nothing to suppress or feel wrong about.
Develop Coping Strategies for a Sober Lifestyle
Lifelong sobriety is the goal of rehab. Learning how to handle stressors is vital. While your initial instinct is to reach for a substance, you now shift to newly acquired behaviors. They include a meditation therapy program as a means of acknowledging stress. Therapists help you to integrate meditation into stress management methods.
You build coping skills that let you break down dysfunctional thoughts and negative feelings. As a result, your body doesn’t release the stress hormones that it used to. Therefore, you probably won’t have the anxiousness that you dealt with in the past. Meditation, sobriety, psychotherapy, and behavioral changes connect.
How Could Meditation Change Your Life for the Better?
Relapse prevention is a big part of rehab. Counselors work with you to anticipate stressful situations and practice your responses. You can try out some of your coping skills in group sessions because interacting with others can be stressful. Immediate feedback from caring counselors also helps.
Add a meditation therapy program to the mix, and envision yourself going through the exercises after graduation from the program. Isn’t it time to make the call? Contact Steps to Recovery by calling 267.719.8528 now.