Religions Free Full-Text Buddhist Approaches to Addiction Recovery

After the group meditation, there is another reading meant to inspire conversation. Group members then go around and share their thoughts on the readings. Members also have the option to share any of their experiences or struggles. The purpose of this wellness process is to let go of the need to have an intoxicating experience, also known as renunciation. The right team of compassionate professionals can help curate a treatment plan to suit every client’s needs. When it comes to addiction and recovery, there is no one-size-fits-all path.

What Can I Expect in a Recovery Dharma Meeting?

I’m disappointed, however, to see few magazine articles and opinion pieces by Buddhists who have found long-term recovery in AA. It’s in forums such as magazines where one can carry on (anonymously of course) meaningful dialogues about Buddhism and AA. I yearn to learn more about practicing the is it okay to mix antacids and alcohol Buddhist Way and the Twelve-Step Way together. I was re-reading “Koans for Troubled Times” by Joan Sutherland in Buddhadharma Magazine’s Spring 2008 issue when it dawned on me that Mazu Daoyi (709–788) and Shitou Xiqian (700–790), two famous Chan teachers of old, set an example for us today.

What Is Recovery Dharma?

For those experiencing urges and cravings, the practices taught in this healing modality can provide tools to work through them without relapsing. Additionally, when encountering stressors and triggers for addiction, these practices help bring one back to a centered state. Buddhist-based treatment for addiction encourages sobriety from all substances that can alter the mind. As part of living an ethical and fulfilling life, Recovery Dharma does require abstinence if an addiction involves harmful substances. Meditation is one of the pillars of Buddhist practices and is also an internal part of holistic recovery. Meditation and mindfulness are great coping strategies for those struggling with stressors or addictive urges.

Buddhism and the Twelve Steps

Daily reflection is at the heart of both Buddhist practice and Twelve Step programs. With the Buddhist emphasis on staying in the present moment and the Twelve Step admonition to take things “one day at a time,” the importance of not getting lost in the past or future is clear. With guidance on mindfulness meditation and thoughts on working the Steps, Buddhism & the Twelve Steps Daily Reflections provides a wide range of tools for healing and spiritual growth.

According to these teachings, practicing meditation, honoring the Four Noble Truths, and receiving support from the community (or sangha in Sanskrit) will enhance addiction recovery. You’ve called the Buddha a “spiritual revolutionary.” How does that fit with Refuge Recovery? There are so many levels to this anti-greed, anti-hatred, anti-delusion teaching that says, in this world that’s filled with confusion, let’s be unconfused. In a world filled with hatred and greed, let’s be generous and loving and forgiving. What Refuge Recovery and the Buddha’s teachings offer is an internal tool to go against greed, to practice renunciation, to not satisfy the cravings that arise. Each concept provides an opportunity to deepen understanding, explore personal inquiry, and connect with others.

1. He says, “More emphasis needs to be placed on preventive treatment, particularly in youth.
2. Buddhism places a huge emphasis on mindfulness and awareness of all phenomenon, but especially awareness of the mind.
3. For more information on addiction recovery, see the full treatment and recovery options or contact us.
4. Whether you are an addict or not, if you care about awakening, if you want to develop wisdom and compassion, then a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle is what the Buddha taught.

This type of Buddhist addiction recovery brings together those suffering from substance use disorders. The unity and bond shared between members help them become free from the suffering that addiction has caused. There are people who have been sober for 20 years in Twelve Steps and found that something was missing for them, and then they found Buddhism and that was the missing piece. And there are also brand-new people who have never meditated before, who got sober and started the Refuge program, which ensured their sobriety. I think Refuge Recovery fits well for people who are already Buddhist, and it fits well for people who need recovery and are agnostic or atheist.

In general terms, he does not advocate avoiding or pushing away addictive behaviours or substances in an obvious sense like some perspectives do, particularly Western ones. So of all the major religious views then, the Buddhist teaching and practice is the one most suited to observing and learning how the mind works. The meetings are also free of charge, but members can donate funds after the meeting. For those seeking addiction help, here is what to expect from a Recovery Dharma meeting. When it comes to relapse prevention, each individual will have a unique post-treatment plan.

The support provided creates a path to recovery and freedom. Recovery Dharma is a community of peers that encourages Buddhist-based recovery from addiction. Keep reading to learn more about Buddhist-based treatment for addiction and how it can help one recover from addiction.

Buddhism & the Twelve Steps Daily Reflections  offers an entry for each day of the year to support your recovery. Teachings on Buddhism, the Steps, mindfulness meditation, addiction, and recovery are all covered. Recovery Dharma offers a trauma-informed, empowered approach to recovery based on Buddhist principles. We welcome all those who wish to pursue recovery as part of alcohol definition formula and facts our community. Yutthadhammo repeatedly emphasises this in his videos – the Buddhist path is a gradual path and requires constant practice to build up the mindfulness required to let go of addictions and other strong attachments. In general terms, we would first like to lay out how the Buddhist tradition is so well suited to help people understand and deal with addiction.

Rules and guidelines prevent misconduct and promote ethical practices. Participants share experiences with the group but are not forced to do so. There is also often time to mingle and meet others after the meeting. 2c-b guide The weekly meetings help the group members come together to meditate, study the Dharma, and share their experiences. A typical meeting begins with some related readings, followed by a guided meditation.