A fresh resource to help those in recovery from addiction find their own spiritual path through the Buddhist practice of mindfulness. For those of us in recovery, Mindfulness and the 12 Steps offers a fresh approach to developing our own spiritual path through the Buddhist practice of mindfulness, or bringing one's awareness to focus on the present moment. We can revisit each of the Twelve Steps, exploring the interplay of ideas between mindfulness and Twelve Step traditions--from the idea of living "one day at a time" to the emphasis on prayer and meditation--and learn to incorporate mindfulness into our path toward lifelong sobriety. Through reflections, questions for inquiry, and stories from Buddhist teachers and others who practice mindfulness in recovery, Mindfulness and the 12 Steps will help us awaken new thinking and insights into what it means to live fully--body, mind, and spirit--in the here and now.

Your definitive trauma-sensitive guide to working the Steps: skills for understanding your addiction, processing your trauma, and navigating your recovery journey—the anticipated companion to Trauma and the 12 Steps. This addiction recovery workbook from clinicians Jamie Marich, PhD, and Stephen Dansiger offers skills to prevent relapse, enhance recovery, and understand how trauma impacts alcoholism, drug dependency, and even other types of addictions. Working the Steps for the first time can feel scary and unfamiliar—and depending upon the experiences you’ve had at AA or NA, you may question whether the 12 Steps are right for you. Here, Marich and Dansiger help you get to the root of your addiction while offering skills and exercises for an inclusive recovery program. Unlike some 12-Step programs, this workbook is open to all—regardless of your background, history, identity, or spiritual beliefs. It also recognizes that for most of us on recovery or sobriety journeys, each Step isn’t made to be worked through only once: this workbook is designed to support your individual needs, whether that’s practicing one step on a day-to-day basis, revisiting another at different times throughout your recovery process, or using the exercises as part of a yearly check-in. The workbook begins with a self-care inventory, then moves through each of the 12 steps with prompts, meditations, journaling reflections, and body-based exercises. The authors also offer coping skills and an open-minded approach that acknowledges that your recovery is as unique as you are: one-size-fits-all doesn’t apply. Compassionate, trauma-responsive, and grounded in the latest behavioral and neuroscience research, this workbook is your go-to addiction recovery toolkit.

Rediscover the classic guide for recovery with this tenth anniversary edition “that transcends genres by seamlessly integrating the 12-Step approach, Buddhist principles, and a compelling personal struggle with addiction and a quest for spiritual awakening” (Donald Altman, author of Living Kindness). The face of addiction and alcoholism is recognizable to many—it may be a celebrity, a colleague, or even a loved one. And though the 12-step program by itself can often bring initial success, many addicts find themselves relapsing back into old ways and old patterns, or replacing one addiction with another. Working with the traditional 12-step philosophy, Darren Littlejohn first shares his own journey, and how he came to find the spiritual solace that has greatly enhanced his life in recovery. Then, he details out how his work integrating Buddhism into the traditional 12-step programs validates both aspects of the recovery process. With accessible prose and in-depth research, he illustrates how each step—such as admitting there is a problem, seeking help, engaging in a thorough self-examination, making amends for harm done, and helping other addicts who want to recover—fits into the Bodhisattva path. This integration makes Buddhism accessible for addicts, and the 12 steps understandable for Buddhists who may otherwise be at a loss to help those in need. The 12-Step Buddhist is designed to be a complimentary practice to the traditional 12-step journey, not a replacement. While traditional programs help addicts become sober by removing the drug of choice and providing a spiritual path, they rarely delve deep into what causes people to suffer in the first place. In this “unique synthesis of the traditional 12-Step model and the liberating wisdom of Dharma” (Mandala Magazine), addicts can truly find a deep, spiritual liberation from all causes and conditions of suffering—for good.

Effortless Mindfulness promotes genuine mental health through the direct experience of awakened presence—an effortlessly embodied, fearless understanding of and interaction with the way things truly are. The book offers a uniquely modern Buddhist psychological understanding of mental health disorders through a scholarly, clinically relevant presentation of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist teachings and practices. Written specifically for Western psychotherapeutic professionals, the book brings together traditional Buddhist theory and contemporary psychoneurobiosocial research to describe the conditioned and unconditioned mind, and its in-depth exploration of Buddhist psychology includes complete instructions for psychotherapists in authentic, yet clinically appropriate Buddhist mindfulness/heartfulness practices and Buddhist-psychological inquiry skills. The book also features interviews with an esteemed collection of Buddhist teachers, scholars, meditation researchers and Buddhist-inspired clinicians.

Given the prevalence of substance abuse in general clinical populations, it is important for healthcare providers to have knowledge and skill in the treatment of these problems. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) involves the integration of the best evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. This text is designed as a bridge for practitioners that will provide up-to-date evidence reviews as well as information on how to best keep up with emerging trends in the field. The editors have gathered expert authors to provide a much needed summary of the current status of the evidence based practice for both the assessment and treatment of specific substance use disorders.

This authoritative book--now revised and expanded with important clinical and research advances--presents a proven approach for helping people meet the day-to-day challenges of recovery from addiction and maximize their well-being. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) integrates carefully tailored meditation practices with cognitive and behavioral skills building. In a convenient large-size format, the book includes instructions for setting up and running MBRP groups, session-by-session implementation guidelines, sample scripts, and 27 reproducible handouts and forms. Purchasers can download and print the reproducible materials at the companion website, which also features audio recordings of the guided practices. A separate website for clients provides the audio files only. New to This Edition *Reflects clinical refinements, the growing MBRP evidence base, and advances in knowledge about both addictive behaviors and mindfulness. *Section on cutting-edge topics--culturally responsive adaptations, alternative group formats and settings, dual diagnosis groups, behavioral addictions, and uses of technology. *Reproducible appendices: MBRP Fidelity Scale and quick-reference guide to the intentions of each session. *Audio recordings now available online.

What is mindfulness? What are the origins of mindfulness? How can I practise mindfulness meditation? What are some examples of meditation and training exercises? What is mindfulness based cognitive therapy? (MBCT) What does a 6 - 10 week mindfulness program include? How to practise mindfulness throughout the day? - in the workplace? What are the differences between awareness, consciousness, attention and mindfulness? ... These are some questions you may have been asking yourself about mindfulness. So did I. That is why I started on a quest to get to know more about this "hype". Only to discover that this "hype" has been lasting for over 2.500 years and that everybody can greatly benefit from practising mindfulness. So, please, join me on my path of discovery and find out also for yourself how mindfulness can positively influence your life!

When you apply these 7 Mindfulness Training Lessons in your day-to-day teamwork, you will Do No Harm and Work As One. Every one of us has the right to experience the magic that can happen when teammates work together as one unified team. To claim that right, start right now by applying these lessons. They are for YOU and everyone, everywhere, forever. Do you desire a world...That you rule instead of one that rules you? Where you are powerful instead of helpless? In which you have no adversaries, only allies? Where you and your teammates consistently choose Reason over Ego? If you answered yes, these lessons will help you achieve your goals. They may be summed up in one sentence, with emphasis on three words: Right-Minded Teammates Accept, Forgive, and Adjust their thinking and work behavior. Mindfulness is your conscious ability to monitor your thoughts in the present. When you are mindful, you calmly acknowledge and accept your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as those of others. Your calm mindfulness is the necessary condition for receiving a moment of Reason, which is a precursor for finding real teamwork solutions. Here are the 7 Lessons: 1. I am not upset about this difficult situation for the reason I think. 2. I Accept and own my part in this situation. 3. It's impossible that my thoughts about this situation are neutral. 4. I Forgive others and myself. 5. I will transform the effects of this difficult team situation. 6. I Adjust my thinking and behavior. 7. I see every difficult team situation as a learning opportunity. In every difficult situation, Right-Minded Teammates use these lessons to move them into a Right-Minded, "we are allies" way of thinking and behaving. In this book, you will learn how to use the lessons in a situation you know well: the Constantly Complaining Teammate (CCT). Once you understand how to apply these 7 Lessons with a CCT, you will know how to do the same in all your difficult situations. A Testimonial: Recently, I was reflecting on a challenging situation with a fellow entrepreneur (not my "team," per se, but within my circle of influence). As I was trying to figure out how I wanted to approach it, the first of the 7 Lessons of Right-Minded Thinking popped into my mind. "I am not upset about this difficult team situation for the reason I think," I told myself. Immediately I could see there was more to the situation than just the surface-level issue. No wonder it felt so heavy and complicated. Seeing as I'd already made progress, I figured I might as well apply the next few Mindfulness Lessons, too. As I did, I could feel myself relaxing, and, in just a few moments, I was able to see the situation completely differently. My inner resistance has dissipated, and therefore the issue has, too. I had no doubt your methodology was effective, but I didn't realize how immediately transformative it could be. Thank you and RMT for this personal breakthrough! Benefits: Your thoughts determine how you behave. Thoughts produce choices and behaviors, which transform you and your teammates into either collaborative allies or warring adversaries. If you dread working with others, you have placed yourself in a battleground. Battlegrounds are not necessary. The 7 lessons can help you rise above the battleground, transforming conflicts into solutions. These lessons have the power to transform any circumstance into a fantastic learning opportunity, making every day an exciting new adventure in your classroom of life. They will undoubtedly strengthen your ability to collaborate and make better team decisions. Use these 7 Mindfulness Lessons daily, and you rule the world you see. You maintain your power of response, frequently experience moments of Reason, and avoid unnecessary Ego attacks and battles. You guarantee you have no adversaries, only teammate allies. Start applying these 7 Mindfulness Training Lessons today.

Machine generated contents note: Foreword, Zindel V. Segal 1. Unpacking Mindfulness 2. A Map of the Mind: Attention, Perception, and the Judging Mind 3. A Map of the Mind: Being and Knowing 4. A Buddhist Psychology Map: From Suffering to Flourishing 5. An Integrated Map of Distress and Suffering 6. Transformation: A Route Map through Mindfulness Training 7. The Heart of the Practice: Befriending, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity 8. Embodiment: Living the Life We Aspire To 9. Ethics and Integrity in Mindfulness-Based Programs 10. A Final Word Appendix 1. Definitions of Key Terms Appendix 2. What Is Mindfulness Training and a Mindfulness-Based Program? Notes References Index.

While mindfulness meditation has been used in clinical settings as an adjunctive treatment for substance use disorders for some time, there has been limited empirical evidence to support this practice. Mindfulness-Related Treatments and Addiction Recovery bridges this gap by reporting the findings of studies in which mindfulness practice has been combined with other behavioural treatments and/or adapted to meet the needs of a variety of client populations in recovery. Therapies used as interventions in the described studies include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), and Mindfulness-Based Therapeutic Community (MBTC) treatment. The book offers a glimpse into the many ways in which mindfulness strategies have been applied to various facets of the recovery process including stress, craving, anxiety, and other relapse related factors. Preliminary evidence, while not conclusive, suggests that mindfulness-based therapies are effective, safe, satisfying to clients, and that an individual, at-home mindfulness practice can be potentially sustained over time, beyond the intervention duration. This book was originally published as a special issue of Substance Abuse.