Buddhism Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers

Medically reviewed by

Jennifer Cousineau MSCP, LPCI, NCC

February 22, 2019

Struggling from a drug or alcohol addiction can be a challenge. You may feel lonely, depressed, confused, angry, or fearful. You may even be anxious about entering rehab. But, accepting there is a problem is your first step toward recovery and a new life. If you are a Buddhist and are battling a drug or alcohol addiction, you may be weighing your options between a secular program and a Buddhist-centered drug or alcohol rehab center. There are probably many questions on your mind, but we’re here to help. Your choice to seek help is a strong decision and attending a faith-based rehab center might just be what you have been looking for.

The Teachings Of Buddha And How It Can Help With Addiction

Buddha taught that attachment and craving are the roots of all suffering. For those addicted to drugs or alcohol, Buddha would say that their addiction is a severe attachment, and thus harmful. The teachings of Buddha state that all individuals want to avoid pain and seek pleasure. If individuals are able to overcome their attachment, then the teachings of Buddha state that they should be able to overcome their addiction as well. Therefore, your beliefs are a way to help you achieve a successful sobriety.

Buddhism, Meditation, & Addiction

A few ways that Buddhism can help individuals along their recovery is with meditation. Look for rehab facilities that offer meditation as a part of their program. Mindfulness meditation, insight meditation, and loving kindness meditation can all help individuals achieve sobriety success.

• Mindfulness meditation can allow individuals to have a better understanding of their inner-being. For Buddhists, people are not “bad” but are deluded. The power of addiction, for Buddhists, lies in the delusion of the mind. If addicted individuals become mindful and practice mindful meditation, they will become more aware of their situation and will not be a slave to those delusions and addictions.
• Insight meditation is where an individual journeys to fully understand the human experience. For those struggling with an addiction, they may have questions about the meaning of life or their own existence. Insight meditation may help answer those questions and could lead to personal discoveries and fulfillment.
• Loving kindness meditation recognizes that individuals addicted to drugs and alcohol may have a lot of residual anger or resentment. Not letting these emotions go can prove to be very detrimental to a person’s success. By practicing loving kindness meditation, individuals learn to let go, move on, and overcome their negative emotions.

Buddhism And 12-Step Programs

If you have ever heard of Alcoholics Anonymous, they are a very famous 12-step program. The great part about 12-step programs is that they need you to believe in a “higher power,” but they are non-denominational. Those who practice the Buddhist faith find that 12-step programs are very compatible with their goals and faith. 12-step programs teach that addiction is the cause of the problems. Many people have successfully gained sobriety through 12-step programs.

In the Buddhist faith, you are probably familiar with the Eightfold Path. Well, the Eightfold Path has many similarities in a 12-step program. Both the Eightfold Path and 12-step programs share the following:

• Both believe that denial of reality is a huge issue
• Both teach the healing process of letting go and moving on
• Both agree that meditation is an integral part of recovery and a spiritual life
• Both agree that self-obsession is negative
• And both believe that the answer to addiction is not self-will

Inpatient vs. Outpatient

You may be wondering if an inpatient or outpatient facility is right for you. Research has shown that inpatient facilities are usually the best option for addiction recovery and have higher success rates. When you attend an inpatient facility, you could stay between 30-90 days (or longer depending on your progress). Inpatient programs offer group counseling and a more focused approach to your addiction. There is more “round-the-clock” care at an inpatient facility and you are separated from society to focus solely on your recovery. Look for inpatient facilities that include your Buddhist faith and will heal your body, mind, and soul. There are many Buddhist inpatient rehab facilities. Contact us today and we can help you find the right facility.

Outpatient programs are a better option after a patient has successfully completed an inpatient stay. Outpatient programs may meet a few hours a few days a week. These types of programs can offer group or individual therapy to help keep you on track in your sobriety journey. Whatever decision you make regarding inpatient or outpatient facilities, be sure that the staff (doctors, psychologists, etc.) are accredited.

Faith-Based Program Pros

There are many positives to attending a Buddhist rehab facility or even a faith-based rehab facility. Many faith-based programs accept people of all faiths with open arms and do not attempt to convert you. Their goal is to help you achieve a healthy and sober lifestyle. For example, if a Hindu rehab facility is closer to you and you wish to attend that facility, be sure that all faiths are accepted there first.

Faith-based programs allow you to connect and share with others who not only share similar addictions but also share your faith, as well. Sometimes trying to get someone who does not believe in your faith to understand you is a challenge you may experience at some secular facilities. Attending a Buddhist rehab facility will automatically establish that those around you have the same beliefs that you do, which can make recovery an easier transition.

Buddhist rehab facilities will also include tenants of your faith into the rehab program. It is comforting to know that many Buddhist facilities will have aspects of meditation, periods of silence, and yoga. These are aspects of your life and faith that may already be very familiar to you.

Start Your Journey Today!

It’s time to start a new life and end your addiction. Choose to reach out today and we’ll help you find a Buddhist drug or alcohol rehab that is right for you or your loved one. We understand what you are going through. Contact us today at RehabCenter.net.

We’re here to help you. If you have any questions about this topic or others, don’t hesitate to reach out. Don’t wait. Start your journey towards sobriety today.