BUDDHISM AND TREATING ADDICTION

Buddhism is one of many ways to tackle addiction, and along with the 12-steps, many have found it very helpful in staying sober.

A number of rehabs use Buddhism to treat addiction and some rehab centers include Buddhist practices, including practicing mindfulness and meditation.

One addict who stayed sober with the help of Buddhism told The Fix, “In virtually every step there is an equivalent Buddhist practice. Accepting that we are powerless over something is very much the Buddhist approach to seeing suffering in our lives, and acknowledging it rather than running away.”

There are also strong links to Buddhism and CBT, or cognitive behavior therapy, and for some Buddhism is a good tool in fighting addiction, especially learning the four noble truths. In the third noble truth, “there is a way to overcome attachment,” and the fourth noble truth teaches you the path in overcoming attachment, which includes mindfulness, meaning you are present, aware, and acknowledging your feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them.

And for those who are seeking help but are not religious, Kevin Griffin, who teaches Buddhism, told Recovery.org, “I find that using certain Buddhist teachings as higher powers–the power of karma, the power of mindfulness, the power of loving kindness–is very useful for people who struggle with the kind of theistic tone of the language of the 12 steps.