Addiction, Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness

(Post share from the IRATAD Blog)

I recently read a book by Miriam Boleyn-Fitzgerald (2010), Pictures of the Mind: what the new neuroscience tells us about who we are. This book explains how new technology is contributing to groundbreaking discoveries related to how the brain works and its influence on our behavior. . . .

I find it hopeful to know that we have the ability to change and heal within us because of neuroplasticity. Not only can we retrain our brains to heal and recover from addictions, but the author states researchers have identified neural pathways for spiritually significant mind states like empathy, compassion, and forgiveness . . .

Empathy, compassion, and forgiveness toward the self and other people are important skills to cultivate during the journey of recovery from addiction. Often recovery may feel like being on an emotional rollercoaster, making it more difficult to develop prosocial skills. It is helpful to remember that we are not our emotions. Emotions are fleeting lasting only a matter of seconds; it is our moods that are more pervasive. Being aware of the fleeting nature of emotions will make it easier to let them go and not identify with them.

To Those Who Suffer Addiction, May You Rebuild Your Lives, Gain Hope, and Heal

Paradise Creek Recovery Center is associated with The Institute for Research and Treatment of Addictive Disorders (IRATAD). Here is a segment of their introductory blog post:

Our hope, dreams and desire is that we can aid those individuals and families that are suffering from the depths of addiction, to rebuild their lives, to gain hope for a better future and to heal from this devastating illness that holds them bound. We want to disseminate information to the world that addictions are a brain disorder and have literally changed the way that the brain functions. We wish to offer hope, through education and treatment, to all those suffering or who have loved ones suffering from an addiction, that healing is possible.