Meditation can be defined as a set of techniques used to heighten self-awareness, focus attention, quiet the mind, and improve psychological well-being. Meditation has been used for thousands of years and finds its roots in Eastern medicine, though in recent times it has become a fundamental component of many substance use and mental health treatment programs throughout the U.S. The effective and evidence-based psychotherapeutic technique has proven extremely beneficial for those who are navigating addiction recovery. At CuraWest we believe that meditation is an important part of relapse prevention training, and it serves as a fundamental component of our holistically-rooted treatment program. 

Clients in both the medical detox and residential portions of our treatment program have access to regular meditation practices. Those in the residential portion of our treatment program are encouraged to participate in a guided meditation group every morning, allowing them the opportunity to get grounded and centered before the day of treatment begins. Clients have the freedom to explore which type of meditation resonates with them as they develop a solid spiritual practice that will continue to serve them as they progress in their personal journeys of recovery. To learn more about the benefits of meditation in the context of addiction treatment, contact us today. 

Many meditative practices date back thousands of years and first originated in Eastern traditions. The National Institutes of Health defines meditation as, “A variety of practices that focus on mind and body integration and are used to calm the mind and enhance overall well-being. Some types of meditation involve maintaining mental focus on a particular sensation, such as breathing, a sound, a visual image, or a mantra, which is a repeated word or phrase. Other forms of meditation include the practice of mindfulness, which involves maintaining attention or awareness of the present moment without making judgments.” 

The practice of meditation is not associated with any specific faith, and it is utilized by people across the world as a beneficial holistic technique in the context of many differing needs. Some use meditation as a method of stress-reduction, others use meditation as a way to develop and maintain spiritual connection. Meditation Therapy is extremely beneficial in its flexibility; we encourage clients to explore the ways in which meditation benefits them, and find a daily practice that resonates and can be easily incorporated into their routines. 

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports, “Several clinical trials have investigated if mindfulness-based approaches such as mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) might help people recover from substance use disorders. These approaches have been used to help people increase their awareness of the thoughts and feelings that trigger cravings and learn ways to reduce their automatic reactions to those cravings. A 2018 review of 37 studies (3,531 total participants) evaluated the effectiveness of several mindfulness-based approaches to substance use disorder treatment and found that they significantly decreased participants’ craving levels. The mindfulness-based practices were slightly better than other therapies at promoting abstinence from substance use.”

There are many types of meditation, each serving its own purpose but ultimately contributing to the path of spiritual development and enlightenment. At CuraWest we focus on introducing our clients to a range of practices so they can choose which resonate with them on a personal level. Morning meditations are often led by a therapist, holistic practitioner, or support staff member, and clients are encouraged to tap into the meditative tools they learn throughout the day or whenever necessary.

This type of meditation involves becoming completely aware of the present moment and taking note of current surroundings. Mindfulness meditation is most commonly used in an addiction treatment setting. It is a fundamental component of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. When a person engages in mindfulness meditation they acknowledge how they are feeling without passing judgment. 

One study reports that spiritual meditation is prevalent among former drinkers, pointing towards the fact that this specific type of meditation serves as a tool used to help people maintain sobriety.  This type of meditation fosters a deeper connection with a higher power — a concept which is very prevalent throughout Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12 Step programs. This type of meditation can take place on an individual basis or in a place of worship, like a church or synagogue.

Mantra meditation is prominent in Buddhist and Hindu cultures, and utilizes the repetition of a word or phrase to help clear the mind. When teaching this specific method of meditation we encourage clients to come up with their own mantra — a word or phrase that speaks to them, and helps them keep their thought patterns in a positive and self-serving place. Examples of a mantra someone might repeat internally (or audibly) during mantra meditation include, “I am worthy,” “I am enough,” or even, “I am sober.”

Loving-kindness meditation is utilized to help strengthen feelings of self-acceptance and compassion towards others. When a person engages in loving-kindness meditation they send feelings of love and praise towards themselves and those they are close to, and work on opening their hearts to the same love and praise. 

This type of meditation is extremely beneficial as a method of stress reduction. Visualization meditation involves focusing on a peaceful and relaxing scene or figure, or envisioning a positive environment or life in order to facilitate manifestation. For example, a person who is in the throes of a high-stress situation might visualize sitting by a peaceful stream in the middle of a forest, or sitting on a sandy beach in the warm sunshine in order to calm the mind.

Incorporating a meditative practice into your daily routine has proven physical, emotional, and mental benefits. Benefits of meditation and meditation therapy include:

• Developing healthy ways to cope with stress and other uncomfortable emotions.
• An effective, non-invasive resource for de-escalation and relapse prevention. 
• Increasing self-awareness without self-criticism or judgment. 
• An increased ability to focus on the present. 
• Reducing thought patterns that could potentially lead to relapse. 
• Increasing patience and tolerance for self and for others. 
• Lowering resting heart rate and blood pressure. 
• Improving quality of sleep. 
• Reducing physical symptoms of post-acute withdrawal. 

Meditation is only one of the holistic services we offer during the medical detoxification and residential inpatient portions of our clinical program. In addition, we offer:

• Yoga Therapy
• Horticulture Therapy 
• Gender Expression Groups
• Recreational Therapy 
• Reiki & Energy Healing 
• Individual, Group, & Family Therapy 
• Case Management Services 
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options 
• 12 Step Program Involvement 
• Alternative Peer Support Options 
• Life Skills Training 
• Relapse Prevention Training 

Meditation is only one of the proven holistic modalities offered at CuraWest. Our program of addiction recovery in Denver, Colorado is both integrated and individualized, providing clients with a treatment experience unlike any other. As soon as you make the decision to reach out for help, you will be put in contact with an experienced Treatment Advisor who will walk you through our simple admissions process. We begin by conducting a brief assessment which helps us determine whether or not our recovery program is right for you. If it is determined that you would benefit from our medical detox program and/or residential treatment program, we conduct a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check and help arrange local ground transportation to our facility. If you live out of state we will help you arrange more extensive travel plans, though additional travel expenses will be your responsibility. To learn more about our holistically-based treatment program or to get started on your own personal journey of addiction recovery, contact us today.