Buddhist and Western psychological approaches for ending or curtailing suffering help those in active addiction. The following research article does an excellent job on identifying the similarities and differences between both therapeutic practices. http://lchc.ucsd.edu/MCA/Mail/xmcamail.2006_10.dir/att-0240/01-Buddhist_perspectives.pdf
From a Buddhist perspective, suffering is essentially caused by three harmful conditions: Craving, hatred and the identification of the separate “self”. As this article notes, “Such toxins of the mind are regarded, in Buddhism, as the source of all mental suffering”. Those familiar with the heighten anxiety or depression while in active drug use can attest to the mental suffering that is experienced.
Those suffering from active addiction and/or co-occurring disorders may find help in exploring both Buddhist and Western psychological approaches. This article also offers how psychologists attempt to address their client’s suffering; “psychologists do not distinguish between beneficial and harmful emotions…the goal is to regulate experience and action once an emotion is felt”.
At AToN Center, our highly experienced clinical team uses multiple approaches to help those who suffer from addiction and co-occurring disorders. It is my hope that this article highlights for the reader the benefit of receiving researched based treatment, in a caring and highly personalized manner.
Chris McDuffie, MA, CAADC-II
Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516
