The Role of Meditation in Combating Drug Addiction: A Review
Abstract
Introduction: Drug addiction is a global issue that severely impacts individuals’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. Despite advances in treatment, high relapse rates highlight the need for holistic approaches. Meditation, a practice rooted in mindfulness, offers a promising complementary therapy by addressing addiction’s complex psychological and physiological challenges.
Objectives: To examine the role of meditation in addiction recovery, focusing on its psychological, physiological, and neurological impacts, and its integration with conventional treatments.
Data Source: A review of peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses from databases like PubMed and Scopus, covering research up to 2025 on meditation and addiction recovery.
Review Method: Relevant studies were analyzed to evaluate the effects of meditation on reducing cravings, improving emotional regulation, preventing relapse, and supporting long-term recovery. Both quantitative and qualitative findings were included.
Results: Meditation reduces cravings and enhances emotional regulation by influencing key brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. It fosters mindfulness, improving self-control and resilience to triggers. When combined with conventional therapies, meditation significantly lowers relapse rates and promotes overall well-being.
Conclusion: Meditation is an effective complementary tool for managing drug addiction. By addressing addiction’s psychological and physiological dimensions, it enhances recovery outcomes. Further research should validate its efficacy through large-scale trials across diverse populations.
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References
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