Meditation as a Treatment Option for Flashbacks
Those who suffer from flashbacks as the result of hallucinogen abuse may be able to benefit from meditation as a possible treatment option. Call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) to find safe, effective rehab treatment that can allow you to make a change to your life.
The Danger of Flashbacks and the Need for Treatment
Flashbacks can occur in the lives of some individuals after abusing hallucinogens. It was once thought that these issues did not occur if a person had only been abusing psychedelic drugs in the short term, but unfortunately, it can become a problem at any time. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “In some users, flashbacks can persist and affect daily functioning, a condition known as hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder (HPPD).” Therefore, it is necessary that an individual struggling with these issues seek treatment immediately.
Meditation as Part of a Well-Rounded Treatment Program
One should not solely seek meditation without any other methods in order to treat their issues with flashbacks. As this is a medical issue, medication (usually an anti-anxiety drug to help minimize the individual’s fear of flashbacks) and behavioral therapy may also be necessary and helpful to the individual’s recovery. However, many treatment programs––especially those based in residential centers––offer meditation as a possible option to patients as well.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Many studies have been conducted to look at how meditation may be helpful for a variety of conditions,” and its benefits have been widely documented. Numerous individuals find meditation helpful in addiction treatment, partially because it can become a beneficial activity for recovering individuals to engage in and because it causes no side effects. But it may also be able to help a person suffering from flashbacks as well.
How Can Meditation Help?
Like other treatment options for those experiencing flashbacks, there is no way to reduce the occurrence of these visions and hallucinations as well as no way to minimize their severity. This can only occur over time. However, practicing meditation can be helpful to those experiencing flashbacks for several reasons.
- The practice is calming and allows individuals to learn how to relax at will, something that can help them if they become anxious or upset about the possibility of experiencing a flashback.
- The practice helps individuals become more mindful and more aware of their own thoughts, feelings, etc.
- The practice allows individuals to gain more control over their thoughts as well by learning mindfulness techniques.
- Flashbacks can occur because of the trauma experienced during one’s hallucinogen use. Meditation can help to treat this trauma, as well as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and a number of other issues that can occur along with flashbacks.
Treatment is Available for Hallucinogen Flashbacks
Call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) now to find rehab centers that can help you overcome your hallucinogen abuse as well as treat the symptoms of this issue. We will help you find the program that best suits your needs as well as your experiences. Call today, and begin your recovery the right way.
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