Mindifulness or mindfulness is a state of mind in which the mind achieves mindfulness in the present, without judgment, with the ability to accept the experience as it is.
In this way it is possible to add awareness in life, as well as to break with the automatic patterns of non-reflective response, which helps to prevent addictions and their behaviors. Thanks to the realization of this, the impulse that generates the addiction as such can be cut off.
This is a review of the latest studies, pointing out the scientific evidence on its clinical application in addictions and its possible benefits if practiced regularly.
Mindfulness to treat addictions
The experience in this case is about changing one of the central elements, craving or desire.
In this case, the default neural network patterns are modified with mindfulness. People who have addiction problems can generate new habits, such as a monitoring of thought processes or automatic behaviors, such as dissociating the behavior and stop activating the addictive loop.
Generally, practices help prevent relapse through:
- Increasing self-awareness
- Acting consistently
- Reducing reactivity to cravings
- Reducing negative states of affect
Thanks to Mindfulness, people’s attention control is increased by increasing the ability to perceive triggers, as well as the ability to stop and to observe and analyze the experience. Discomfort and fear are kept under observation, and it is the natural mechanisms of personal self-regulation that reduce symptoms.
At ITA Addictions we have a specific Mindfulness program, and the benefits both in the medium and long term are evident.
Patients become more reflective and less impulsive, and anticipate their desires and impulses, so they are more responsive to a possible relapse in both behavior and consumption.
For more information about Mindfulness, contact a specialist in Psychology or ITA Addictions.