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  • Home
  • Program Components
    • San Diego Executive Addiction Treatment
    • AToN Center’s San Diego Detox
    • Trauma Treatment
    • Dual Diagnosis Treatment
    • Incidental Medical Services (IMS)
    • Non-12 Step Drug and Alcohol Rehab
    • What is SMART Recovery?
    • 12 Step Rehab Program at AToN Center
    • Family Therapy at AToN Center
  • Staff
    • Staff Videos
  • Tour AToN
  • About Us
    • AToN Center Philosophy
    • History of AToN Center: Private Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center
    • What Makes us Different
    • Research Outcomes
  • Reviews
  • Admissions
  • Blog
  • Contact

Mindfullness Based Relapse Prevention

Researchers Support Mindfulness When Addressing Co-Occurring Depression and Substance Use Disorders

August 7, 2017 //  by Aton Center

Meditation and Mindfulness are practices that call to attention our current thoughts, feelings and opinions. Theravada Buddhism which helped establish the practice of Mindfulness was established over 3000 years ago. Modern science is increasingly assessing the benefits of Mindfulness. Those suffering from Co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis may find much needed help through practicing Mindfulness.

 Mindfulness helps lessen the feelings of anxiety and depression and helps lessen the severity of triggers and cravings that often lead to relapsing on drugs or alcohol.

The following research article in Addiction, published by the Society for the Study of Addiction finds merit in Mindfulness for those suffering from co-occurring disorders (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2905496/);

“A recent consensus definition of mindfulness emphasizes two complementary elements:
1) the placement of attention on the immediate experience; and, 2) adopting an open, curious, accepting attitude toward that experience. Taken together, these data provide a rationale for the hypothesis that MT (Mindfulness) may target shared underlying mechanisms in MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and SUDs (Substance Use Disorders) in a dually diagnosed population.”

This research article suggests that Mindfulness helps the practicing individual not “ruminate” on feelings of depression, but rather practice healthy coping skills. When healthy coping skills are learned and practiced, the recovering individual is less likely to choose relapsing.

At AToN Center, we teach Mindfulness and Buddhist practice in conjunction with other evidenced based coping skills to help those suffering from dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders live healthy, happy lives.

Chris McDuffie, MA CADC II
Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Category: Co-occurring treatment, depression, healthy recovery, Mindfullness Based Relapse Prevention, mindfulnessTag: co-occurring disorders, depression, mindfullness

Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention

July 7, 2017 //  by Aton Center

Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention

At AToN Center we get to practice Mindfulness together in group and look at how it can be used in daily life and in high risk situations.

Mindfulness is moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, characterized mainly by “acceptance” – attention to thoughts and feelings without judging whether they are right or wrong. Mindfulness focuses the human brain on what is being sensed at each moment, instead of on its normal rumination on the past or on the future.

We practice the SOBER Breathing Space in group which can be used anywhere and at any time as it is brief and simple.

Here are the steps to SOBER Breathing Space

  • S-Stop : pause wherever you are.
  • O-Observe : what is happening in your body & mind?
  • B-Breath : bring focus to the breath to help you focus and stay present.
  • E-Expand awareness : to your whole body & surroundings.
  • R-Respond : mindfully vs. automatically.

Kristin Colton CATC II
CD Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Category: CATC, Kristin Colton, mindfullness, Mindfullness Based Relapse Prevention, sober breathing, sober livingTag: mindful recovery, sober breathing space

Relax

June 19, 2017 //  by Aton Center

Relax
Why is relaxation so important for those in recovery from addiction?

There are many benefits from practicing relaxation in recovery including stress reduction, physical relief, quieting the mind, and connecting within. All will help with relapse prevention.

Many individuals use substances to unwind and relieve the stress or avoid the difficult situations that tend to pile up in our lives if left unattended. Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention is a practice taught at AToN Center that allows our residents to explore how taking time to get centered and grounded can bring about a sense of well being and serenity.

When we learn to manage stress and cope with cravings as well as fully connect with the self we can walk with more confidence in recovery and feel prepared for the challenges life throws our way. Give yourself a gift: Relax… Take it all in… And let go… Just Breathe.

Kristin Colton CATC II
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Category: AToN Center, cravings, mindfullness, Mindfullness Based Relapse Prevention, recovery, relapse prevention, relaxation, Stress reductionTag: relax in recovery

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