Mindfulness and Relapse Prevention

The other day I was asked: What does meditation have to do with wanting to stop using drugs?
Well, yes, I answered, it may have everything to do with it!

Imagine you can see the things you do automatically. Habits, thoughts, choices or so many other behaviors that you would often like to change, and some you may even regret for committing them again and again. And, not only that, think about being able to be more aware of your experiences and reactions, more options of responses to the world, having more clarity than is really important to you. Being able to identify your deepest needs and choose healthy ways to meet them. Anyway, I can say that meditating is being able to open yourself to what is present in your mind, in your body, in your emotions. Being able to direct your attention consciously to you and the world and identify better ways to live with everything that is present in your life experiences, daily.
And then they answered me: Ah, but to meditate I need to go to a quiet place, have a lot of time, not think about anything ...
No na!
The possibility of meditation can be perceived, for example, at this moment when you are able to keep your attention on this text, even for a matter of seconds. And yet, if you notice that you have left the text and lost yourself in thoughts involving the past, future or daydreams, then you notice the movement of your mind. From there, you can consciously and intentionally return your attention to what you are reading right now.
Done! You can now start meditating! That's what Mindfulness is all about: intentionally directing attention to the present moment, without judging or criticizing the natural movement that your mind has to engage randomly in thoughts.
In general, the practice of Mindfulness meditation can be initiated with the participation in groups, with the help of instructors who are dedicated and study to facilitate the practice of this type of meditation. Among the different Mindfulness protocols, there is one that was structured to assist in the Prevention of Relapse, known as MBRP. And something very interesting is that this same protocol is not only intended to recognize and prevent relapse to drug use, it is also suitable for any other behaviors that we wish to modify in ourselves.
Mindfulness can also be a good way for those who are looking for self-knowledge, develop more attentive capacity, decrease reactivity to everyday situations, and learn to better regulate their emotions and develop self-care skills, among other points that can lead better quality of life and relationships.
Be curious, look for more information and open yourself to the possibilities of meditation.

Tirza Marques Martinez - CRP 07/9368
Psychologist of individuals, couples and families
Certified Mindfulness Instructor