mindful they are in observing physical urges and steering their body away from those urges, researchers stated.
The second modality of the three-pronged approach to addiction recovery was meditation, which helps practitioners develop the ability to “not think” or get rid of negative thoughts related to their substance use disorder, but rather to let them pass. The practice of meditation is designed to help people let go of certain triggers and find a “middle way” in which feelings and thoughts are neither repressed or acted out.
The final modality is self-examination or peer support, in which people share their experiences, and also participate in recovery literature group readings. Researchers found that when subjects in the study consistently participated in peer support they developed a connection with others and a sense of trust, which they may not have previously had.
The study was a pilot program, which was supported by Mobile Outreach Street Health, a Capital Health system of Nova Scotia program. Research was conducted on participants from a low-income neighborhood of Halifax, where there is a perceived prevalence of substance abuse. The pilot program was attended by eight men and women in recovery and conducted over 10 weeks.
Researchers stated they believe that the “near epidemic levels” of substance abuse around the world make programs such as theirs necessary in order to support a sustained recovery.
Author: Livia Areas-Holmblad
Livia Holmblad is an editor at Addiction Now and covers breaking news, features and everything in between. She moved to SoCal after living in NYC for about 10 years, where she worked for VICE and SinoVision as a writer, editor, host, producer, and director. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro. Contact Livia at liviah@addictionnow.com
