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Transcendental Meditation and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

How Meditation Helps Those with PTSD and Addiction Cope

By Cassidy WebbPublished 5 years ago 2 min read
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Approximately 50-66 percent of people suffering from PTSD also struggle with substance abuse. Since drugs increase feelings of relaxation and pleasure, they can seem like an effective coping mechanism for those struggling with PTSD. Unfortunately, for those who battle with drug addiction, the drugs eventually stop working. A person starts to require more and more of the drug to provide the desired effects, then becomes physically dependent on the substance. This dependency often leads to addiction.

When an addict or alcoholic with PTSD quits using drugs, their symptoms typically increase. This can result in erratic behavior, severe anxiety, hostility, nightmares, and insomnia. Medical detox is recommended during drug withdrawal so that these symptoms can be properly managed by medical experts, protecting the welfare of the individual. Once the individual has been safely detoxed from mood and mind altering substances, treatment is preferred to provide the individual with the appropriate tools in order to maintain sobriety and cope with life events.

Studies show that transcendental meditation can be beneficial in PTSD therapy for those who struggle with substance abuse by reducing symptoms of the sympathetic nervous system. In reducing these symptoms the extreme flight or fight response that is experienced by those suffering from PTSD is lessened, so that they can better cope with life events and emotions.

Transcendental meditation is a form of meditation that involves reaching a state of relaxed awareness where the mind is quieted from disruptive, negative thoughts. In this technique, the mind is transcended into a state where normal thinking processes are no longer occurring, and the mind is still. The mediator isn’t having distracting thoughts or anxiety, but is rather in a state of consciousness where they are able to access and focus on the quietness and stillness that is inside of them. Usually, the mediator is focused on their breathing and listening to a mantra. The breathing and mantra take the focus away from the mediators thoughts, and release them into a state of pure stability and rest.

Some of the benefits of transcendental meditation include reduction in drug cravings, increase in creativity, improved cognitive function, improved problem solving skills, lowered blood pressure, and decreased anxiety. Incorporating transcendental meditation with drug addiction therapy, mindfulness meditation, support groups, and proper medication can help an individual with PTSD to maintain long term sobriety.

Cassidy Webb is an avid writer from South Florida. She works for a digital marketing company that advocates spreading awareness on the disease of addiction. Her passion in life is to help others by sharing her experience, strength, and hope.

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About the Creator

Cassidy Webb

Cassidy Webb is an avid writer from South Florida. She advocates spreading awareness on the disease of addiction. Her passion in life is to help others by sharing her experience, strength, and hope.

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