Essay On Mindfulness Meditation

People who are stressed may use drugs to cope, which can lead to addiction (Carlson & Larkin, 2009). Individuals who use drugs are often stressed because many stressors are associated with substance abuse (Carlson & Larkin, 2009). People who suffer from PTSD, mental illnesses, or who experienced significant stress in their childhood are more likely to abuse drugs if they do not learn healthy coping mechanisms (Carlson & Larkin, 2009). Substance abuse can cause stress because it often leads to arrest and incarceration, losing custody of children, and problems with family and friends (Carlson & Larkin, 2009). The stress can lead to further drug use to cope (Carlson & Larkin, 2009).
Drug dependence requires the individual to spend more funds and time finding the substances, especially if the drugs are difficult to obtain, which can increase stress (Carlson & Larkin, 2009). Withdrawing from drugs is extremely …show more content…
Mindfulness Meditation helps individuals to focus and not be overwhelmed by stress (Carlson & Larkin, 2009), which can be helpful when working with any client who is feeling stressed. Mindfulness Meditation is an effective intervention in treating substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and it reduces stress while increasing relaxation (Carlson & Larkin, 2009). Mindfulness can help a person feel calm and in control, which will lead to feelings of empowerment and control of their lives or current situation. It can also put things into perspective by teaching a client that difficult thoughts, feelings, or situations can change.
When I am working with new moms who are substance users, have anxiety, or depression I could talk to them about mindfulness meditation and ask if that is something they have tried, and if not I could inform them about meditation and mindfulness. I could give them an information sheet describing what mindfulness meditation is, what issues it helps address, and links to mindfulness