Buddhist Rehab and Beliefs
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default”]Can there be an effective Buddhist rehab program? That is the question we’ll be exploring in this article.
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a nontheistic belief system that is looked upon as more of a philosophy than a religion. This allows people from all belief systems and religions to participate in Buddhist teachings. Buddha believed that the feeling of being at odds with the universe was due to impermanence, non-self, and suffering. By bringing these teachings into the Buddhist rehab process, you may be able to achieve incredible results.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default”]The Origins of Buddhism
Buddhism addresses the human mind. The founder of Buddhism is known as a person named Siddhartha Gautama who lived over 2,500 years ago. This person lived in a part of modern-day Northern India and Nepal.1
Gautama sought solutions to solve the issue of suffering, specifically regarding old age, sickness, and death. Through searching, Gautama found a solution to the problem of suffering, now known as nirvana. Gautama eventually became the Buddha which directly translates to “the one who is awake”. Everyone who followed the Buddha’s teachings became Buddhists. Because Gautama focused on ending suffering and sickness it is natural for people fighting addiction to explore Buddhist rehab.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false”]Is Buddhism Helpful in Treating Addiction?
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default”]Buddhists believe that addiction is simply an extreme form of attachment. This means that when someone turns to drugs or alcohol, Buddhist teachings believe that the person is looking to ease their suffering. The result is that the situation becomes much worse because it increases the feeling of craving.
There is a huge overlap of Buddhist teachings and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is often used in treatment for addiction. Although you may not consider yourself a Buddhist, the teachings can be powerful in healing from addiction during Buddhist rehab.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default”]What is Dharma?
In Buddhism, dharma essentially means “cosmic law and order”, and when applied to Buddhist teachings, it can be applied to mental constructs. Dharma is all about overcoming dissatisfaction or suffering, also known as dukkha. So, overcoming suffering is the focus of Buddhist rehab.2[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||5px||false|false”]The Four Noble Truths
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#006e96″ hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” module_class=”white_text”]First Noble Truth: There is Dukkah, meaning there is suffering in the world
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#006e96″ hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” module_class=”white_text”]Second Noble Truth: Suffering is caused by attachment and cravings. These cravings are to things that are impermanent. They do not exist in the way we think they do
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#006e96″ hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” module_class=”white_text”]Third Noble Truth: Methods to overcome attachment exist and are possible to achieve
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#006e96″ hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||||false|false” module_class=”white_text”]Fourth Noble Truth: The path to overcoming cravings is made up of eight parts known as the Eightfold path
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″]All Four Noble truths apply to Buddhist rehab and recovery, but the Second Noble Truth clearly explains addiction from the Buddhist perspective.3
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default”]How is Addiction Related to the Four Noble Truths?
The central teaching of Buddhism is regarding the four noble truths, and you could say that Buddhism is all about the overcoming of some form of addiction. The Four Noble Truths are presented as a diagnosis and suggested treatment plan for this type of suffering during Buddhist rehab.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”]How the Four Noble Truths are Used in Recovery?
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#e1b77e”]The first Noble Truth can be used in recovery to help understand that addiction creates suffering
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#e1b77e”]The second Noble Truth is used in recovery to understand that the cause of addiction is repetitive craving
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#e1b77e”]The third Noble Truth can teach that recovery is possible
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#e1b77e”]The fourth Noble Truth shows that the path to recovery is available
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false”]The Eightfold Path
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default”]The fourth of the Four Noble Truths is known as the Eightfold path. This path can be used as an addiction recovery program. Dissimilar to other forms of recovery, the Eightfold Path is not a linear process. These eight elements can feed into one another, and flow however they should naturally.4
Essentially, the Eightfold Path is a summary of the path of Buddhist teachings that lead to liberation from samsara, the painful cycle of rebirth. So, the Eightfold Path is a blueprint for the steps to take in Buddhist rehab. The eight aspects of the path reflect right views, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
It is also known as the path to Nirvana, which is a transcendent state. When reaching Nirvana you will find no suffering, desire, or sense of self. It is the final goal of Buddhist teachings. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”]How Each Path Helps Recovery
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(225,183,126,0.23)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”]Right understanding: Learn about the nature of your addiction
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(225,183,126,0.23)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”]Right intention: Commit to sober living
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(225,183,126,0.23)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”]Right mindfulness: Learn to use mindfulness. This allows you to be less of a prisoner to your thoughts and emotions
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(225,183,126,0.23)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”]Right concentration: Practice mindfulness to improve your focus so you enjoy clearer thinking. This can include meditation
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(225,183,126,0.23)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”]Right effort: Make sobriety your number one priority in life
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(225,183,126,0.23)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”]Right view: Coupled with therapy and meditation, you can begin to let go of beliefs and opinions that have been holding you back in life
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(225,183,126,0.23)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”]Right livelihood: If you made your living due to dealing drugs, or another method of illegal activity, you must make changes to your career. This can be triggering and requires an entire life change commitment
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(225,183,126,0.23)” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false”]Right action: Commit to regularly doing the things you need to do to maintain strong sobriety
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false”]Buddhist Teachings and Preventing Relapse
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.8″ _module_preset=”default”]After beating your addiction in Buddhist rehab, you can continue following Buddhist teachings to prevent relapse. When using Buddhist teachings in recovery, you must see things as they are. The idea of mindfulness is the act of letting go of thoughts that clutter the mind. All remaining thoughts are let go, and it is possible to overcome addiction.
Preventing relapse involves recognizing the suffering that you are experiencing because of addiction. The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism can be one of the best ways to avoid relapse. It can teach how to understand the problem, understand the cause, see a solution, and, finally, take steps to achieve a solution.
Buddhist teachings help those who end up in rehab to prevent relapse because it deals directly with cravings and how to let go.
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