Using Christian Meditation in Addiction Recovery

From traditional meditation techniques to more unusual processes like meditation through dance, meditation is a popular practice that comes in many different shapes and forms.

As a faith-based residential rehab, we know it can help everyone from the devoted meditator to the recovering drug addict looking to start anew. There is a type of meditation for everyone, and for those looking to reconnect with God or strengthen their relationship with Him, Christian meditation could be the answer.

What Is Christian Meditation?

Christian meditation is a form of meditation that incorporates an awareness of God and his revelations. It goes beyond traditional mediation practices that focus on breathing and mental clarity. The goal is to not only train the mind for better awareness of the present like other forms of meditation, but Christian mediation also includes reflecting on and becoming aware of God’s grace.

Irene Kraegel, a clinical psychologist and meditation teacher explains, “Meditation allows us to focus attention on the only place where God can be met - the present moment. In the process, it opens us up to God's good gifts through the ever-changing circumstances of life. When we meditate with an awareness that God is near, noticing that he is actively providing for us in each moment, this is Christian meditation.”

The Benefits of Christian Guided Meditation for Recovery

Meditation has many proven physical and mental health benefits, and for those people in addiction recovery, these benefits can be even more important. Research shows that meditation can help people who struggle with addictions better control their impulses and increase their willpower.¹

Stress is also a big part of addiction recovery, as recovering addicts are trying to change their lives for the better, struggling with withdrawal symptoms, and learning to move forward without drugs or alcohol. All of these changes can cause enormous amounts of stress, but meditation is proven to reduce stress as well as a variety of stress-related health problems.²

Anxiety is a common ailment of people in addiction recovery as well. Can they make it through treatment? What happens if they relapse? What will they do after treatment? Mediation has been proven to lower anxiety levels and anxiety disorder symptoms.³

Christian meditation for addiction recovery also has added benefits beyond regular meditation practices. It allows patients to recognize God’s revelations and connect with Him. When battling an addiction, people may be feeling hopeless, lost, ashamed, and separated from God. Christian mediation in recovery allows them to work through these feelings and reconnect with the Lord. Whether our patients are in our residential or outpatient faith-based rehab program, we encourage them to try this type of mediation.

Trying Christian Meditation For The First Time

Meditation may sound easy, but that is not always the case. First-time Christian meditators may struggle, but that is okay. Jackie Trottmann, an author and speaker on meditation, shares a few tips explaining, “You can benefit by practicing meditation only 5-12 minutes a day. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. Also, the mind was created to think. So, if your laundry list pops up in your thoughts or what you are going to make for dinner, just let the thought gently pass and resume your practice. They call it practicing meditation because it takes practice.”

If you or a loved one still needs to take that first step in getting sober and want to integrate faith in your addiction recovery, we want to help. Our Christian addiction treatment center in Florida works with patients not only in overcoming their addiction problems but also building their relationship with God.

Get started today by calling 888-280-4763.

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