Meditation and recovery is a topic that often brings some skepticism when first introduced to someone struggling with issues surrounding recovery from active addiction. Active addiction can not be limited to Alcohol or other drug use; in this sense we speak to the obsessive compulsive behavior that persists after the drugs are gone. When someone uses drugs in any form for a prolonged period of time they change the chemical composition of their body and mind. The physical compulsion will last for a while but with proper nutrition and exercise homeostasis will occur after a period of abstinence.

The obsessive nature of the disease of addiction seems to be imprinted on the brain of those afflicted. Where the body is able to assume some semblance of what it was prior to the onslaught of drug use this is just not so with the brain. Those in recovery seem to over do or obsess about every aspect of their lives. The term self-talk is familiar to all; describing the constant struggle in their minds. Every decision that must be made sets off a new debate leaving the person confused and exhausted.

While attending a Drug rehab Center I was introduced to self-hypnosis. Meditation and Self-Hypnosis are not the same but because of my initial experience, entering an altered state (without the use of drugs) was not unfamiliar and therefore much easier. Meditation is the way an addict/alcoholic reaches the mental state of balance so necessary for a lasting recovery. When meditation is successfully accomplished and the mind is still all resentments and self doubt are extinguished and tranquility is the reward.