Mindfulness is the state of being aware of both cognitive and behavioral functions, also known as mind control. It is often taught through mediation that encourages an intense and active focus on surroundings, thoughts, and feelings in a mindset free from judgment.
The goal of mindfulness is to create an active and present mindset.
Mindfulness is a useful tool that can be utilized alongside several other therapeutic methods to provide relief and act as a treatment for several disorders, including substance use disorder, by increasing mind control. Not only that, but mindfulness can also boost the efficacy of other psychotherapies and counseling, increasing the likelihood of a successful recovery from addiction.1
Other benefits of utilizing mindfulness in both addiction and alcohol rehab, as well as daily meditational practices, include:
As a meditation, there are several different types of mindfulness, each one focused on elevating awareness of a certain aspect of the body or mind. The three main forms of mindfulness include body mindfulness, which can be developed through yoga or other physical practices to bring awareness to the body; mental mindfulness, which can be developed through meditative practices; and guided breathing.
Each type of mindfulness is dedicated to producing holistic mindfulness through selective activities focusing on slowly boosting awareness for improved results and long-lasting benefits.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction, commonly referred to as MBSR, is designed to incorporate the same practices and benefits of mindfulness-based meditations and activities in a medical setting for the treatment of different conditions, including substance abuse disorders and addiction, through the encouragement of mind control.
Most often, MBSR has used a way to provide patient independence and self-guidance in boosting awareness and the management of emotions.3 MBSR combined with psychotherapies and other treatments can aid in the promotion of healthy and safe coping mechanisms in response to triggers to aid in reducing the likelihood of relapse for those recovering from addiction.
Promoting mindfulness can easily be achieved through minimal lifestyle and routine changes. Basic techniques are easily incorporated into daily life and can provide benefits even with short-term utilization.
The easiest way to promote mindfulness in day-to-day life is to begin with the most basic techniques. These are activities or techniques that can be easily incorporated without structuring a routine change, which may be needed for activities such as yoga.
One of the first ways to be more mindful is to practice breathing techniques. These techniques promote awareness of breath and can help bring the mind and body into harmony. Focusing on being present is another basic technique that can easily be done with a change in priorities and attitude. It creates awareness of situations and how the body reacts to different interactions.
While still basic but involving more scheduling, limiting time with technology, and spending more time in nature to expand awareness can also be great methods of boosting mindfulness.
Promoting mindfulness in a rehabilitation setting has two benefits. First, being mindful can aid in recovery, especially for a substance abuse disorder or addiction that focuses on the relationship between cognition and behavior. This can increase the efficacy of in-patient treatment.
However, being mindful can also make rehabilitation itself a better and more comfortable experience. Mindfulness can be promoted in several different ways within a rehabilitation setting, including the basic techniques listed before as well as these three methods:
Zen is a meditational technique originating in China, specifically from Mahayana Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty before the 11th century. Zen revolves around cultivating a safe inner space that is founded on self-restraint and awareness.
Transcendental Meditation, also known as TM, is a type of mediation that utilizes mantras, positive sayings and ideas, to guide cognitive processes. Often, it is conducted alongside breathing techniques to promote holistic harmony and a change in perspective.
Guided imagery is another form of meditation that focuses on creating a healthy mental escape suitable to utilize as a coping mechanism. During this, patients are guided in creating peaceful, tranquil images that can become an idyllic escape during times of mental distress.
While the results of promoting mindfulness can be witnessed through personal experience and anecdotes, there have also been studies dedicated to exploring the effects. These studies have illustrated different anatomical and physiological effects, especially within the brain.4
Studies have shown that mediation in general, although especially mindfulness meditation, can rewire and change brain anatomy for improved physiology during rehab therapy.
Mindfulness can alter the amygdala, the region responsible for managing stress. This alteration allows for more peace of mind even during distressing situations, aiding in the prevention of relapse. While mindfulness mediation can minimize the amygdala, it can cause the hippocampus to thicken. The hippocampus is the area responsible for memory and learning
However, the hippocampus is not the only area of the brain that may be thickened by being mindful. Overall neural density can benefit from regular mindfulness practice, which can promote feelings of peace and awareness while also increasing cognitive functions. Improved neural density helps prepare the brain for treatment during rehabilitation programs. It can aid in the efficacy of a program, whether inpatient or outpatient and help lower the risk for relapse even after the frequencies of active mindfulness practices are reduced.
Gregory Ng is the CEO of Brooks Bell. In his nearly 25 years in marketing, Greg has created innovative solutions leading to digital and cognitive transformations for the biggest high-tech, retail and financial brands in the world. Greg adds knowledge in marketing strategy, content production, and brand awareness to the AHV advisory board.
Hunt Broyhill holds several positions within the Broyhill family offices and serves as President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of BMC Fund and Chief Executive Officer of Broyhill Asset Management. Hunt brings valuable experience in capital allocation, real estate, and investor relations to the AHV advisory board.
Alan Hughes was formerly the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. In addition to BCBS, Alan held officer positions in both operations and technology at GE Commercial Finance, Deutsche Bank, and American Express. Alan brings a unique combination of efficient process design and technological problem solving to the AHV advisory board.
Lynn is the CEO of Broadstep. Previously, Lynn held various roles in both healthcare and finance where she oversaw multi-site, multi-state organizations within primary care, acute and chronic services, hospitals, and pharmacies. Lynn brings valuable experience in healthcare leadership, recruiting, and growth strategy to the AHV advisory board.
John Roos is the retired Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Under Roos’s tenure, the company’s revenue grew from $1.5 billion to $9.5 billion, while adding 1 million members. John brings valuable experience in growth strategy, enterprise sales, and provider contracting to the AHV advisory board.
Dr. Hendree Jones is the Executive Director of UNC-Horizons and an internationally recognized expert in behavioral and pharmacologic treatments for pregnant women and their children. Dr. Jones has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1994 and has over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Jones is an advisor to the UN, WHO, SAMHSA, ASAM, and ACOG through which she consults throughout the United States and internationally. Dr. Jones brings valuable experience in grant writing, research, and healthcare administration to the AHV advisory board.
Brad is the CEO Emeritus for BCBSNC and Chair of the BCBSNC Foundation. He served as Gov. Jim Hunt’s general counsel and is a past chair of the UNC Board of Governors. Brad serves on numerous public and private boards and is a lifelong North Carolinian with degrees from Appalachian State, Wake Forest, and Duke. He brings valuable experience in healthcare, law, higher education, and politics.
Jake Summers is a passionate entrepreneur who is dedicated to bringing the energy of change to existing healthcare business models and making higher quality healthcare more accessible. Jake co-founded a mango farming/export company in Cambodia and serves as an advisor for a number of small businesses. Jake is the co-founder of Advaita Integrated Medicine and is the Development Director and a Partner of Green Hill.
Tripp Johnson is a serial healthcare entrepreneur who’s dedicated his post-military professional life to serving young adults. He is the co-founder of Advaita Integrated Medicine, Advaita Health Ventures, and Green Hill Recovery. Tripp is passionate about making quality healthcare more affordable and accessible through innovative business models and technology-focused solutions.