Mindfulness and Addiction

While mindfulness cannot solve everything – many people underestimate the power of mental wellbeing. For decades, researchers have documented the health benefits of mindfulness throughout the medical field.  

In a study published in the journal Diseases and Disorders, scientists investigated the efficacy of mindfulness as a tool to battle addiction.  

What was the point of their study? 

Opioid addiction is a huge problem, especially in the United States. Many patients find themselves hooked on the painkillers they innocently took after an injury are surgery landed them with a prescription. Many researchers are trying to find effective and risk-free treatments for addiction.  

This study explored the effectiveness of cognitive interventions for addiction. The specific intervention used was MORE, or Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement. Researchers measured brain activity in participants, looking to see whether or not MORE use changed opioid perception.  

What did they find? 

Participants that underwent MORE conditions experienced a “decreased opioid cue-reactivity and “enhanced capacity to regulate responses to both opioid and natural cues.” In other words, undergoing these mindfulness activities had a significant impact on patients.  

This landmark study is the first to provide neurophysiological evidence that mindfulness impacts addiction treatments.  

What does this mean for the future of addiction treatments? 

While this is a critical study – this wouldn’t be the first time scientists investigated mindfulness in the context of addiction. Many studies previously investigated these claims. Many of these studies determined that mindfulness is a surprisingly effective tool.  

This particular study proposed that the results of their analyses indicate the importance of integrative behavior treatments for those suffering from addiction. While this wouldn’t be an entirely novel concept – it could be a push in the right direction.  

Most addiction treatment plans incorporate mental exercises in one way or another, but this study may take a more systematic approach. While no one should underestimate the power of mindfulness, we also need to recognize it is not a miracle cure.  

It is essential to understand that these exercises don’t work for everybody while these can be helpful. Each person is an individual – and we cannot expect every experience to be comparable.  

Although mindfulness is a great low-risk activity to try out, understand that it is not the solution for everyone. Some people need a little extra support. This unfortunate circumstance is especially true for those recovering from opioid addictions who need to find different ways to treat their pain.  

With the legalization movement growing so rapidly, many are turning to hemp and CBD products to fight opioid addiction. While using CBD oil is considered relatively low risk – you must always talk with medical professionals before taking anything.  

You must always get expert advice and refrain from self-medicating.  

If you ever need any assistance finding alternative treatments, Holistic Hope is here for you. We are a non-profit aimed at confronting the opioid crisis head-on.  

About Holistic Hope  

Holistic Hope, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to reversing the opioid addiction crisis around the world.  

Our mission is built on helping survivors recover from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Through the development of emerging technologies, scientific discoveries, and alternative medicines, we actively work to remove the societal, regulatory, legal, legislative and ideological barriers that prevent opioid addiction survivors from accessing the treatment, care, and support they need to make a full recovery.  

Visit Holistic Hope online at https://holistichopenp.org/ today.