Lower Opioid Cravings are Associated with Lower Depression, Higher Self-Regulation, and Higher Mindfulness

Lower Opioid Cravings are Associated with Lower Depression, Higher Self-Regulation, and Higher Mindfulness   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “mindfulness-based interventions could help people dependent on opioids increase their self-awareness and self-control over cravings and be less reactive to emotional and physical pain.” – Science Daily   Substance abuse and addiction is a […]

Improve the Psychological Well-Being of Opioid Users Undergoing Medicinal Therapy with Mindfulness

Improve the Psychological Well-Being of Opioid Users Undergoing Medicinal Therapy with Mindfulness   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “As individuals with [Substance Use Disorders] engage in mindfulness practices within [Mindfulness-Based Interventions], they learn to cultivate trait mindfulness, providing a bulwark against substance use and relapse.” – Sarah E Priddy   Substance abuse is […]

Mindfulness Reduces Addiction by Improving Pleasure Appreciation in Opioid Users

Mindfulness Reduces Addiction by Improving Pleasure Appreciation in Opioid Users   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “mindfulness-based interventions could help people dependent on opioids increase their self-awareness and self-control over cravings and be less reactive to emotional and physical pain. Individuals with an opioid addiction could also be taught to change their negative […]

Reduce Addictions with Mindfulness

Reduce Addictions with Mindfulness   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “it’s tempting to conclude that mindfulness is the “best new thing” for addiction treatment, but that in reality, further study is needed. “It absolutely has promise, we have a lot more to learn. This is the beginning.” – Sarah Bowen   Substance abuse […]

Reduce Substance Abuse with Yoga

Reduce Substance Abuse with Yoga By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “When people take substances, they’re seeking a certain experience, whether it’s escapist or transcendental or just wanting a different psychological state, to get away from whatever is making them unhappy. Yoga is an alternative, a positive way to generate a change in consciousness […]

Spirituality Improves Recovery from Addiction

In a previous post we described the relationship between spirituality and recovery from alcoholism. https://www.facebook.com/ContemplativeStudiesCenter/photos/a.628903887133541.1073741828.627681673922429/1032110166812909/?type=1&theater This is great, but, what about other addictions? Is spirituality helpful with these also? Substance abuse and addiction is a terrible problem. It isn’t just illicit drugs but includes many prescriptions drugs especially opioid pain relievers. It is estimated that […]