“Only a deep spiritual experience can save an individual from the destructive effects of alcohol” -Carl Jung
My perception of the growing addiction crisis is that it is but the extreme, outward expression of a pervasive societal spiritual deficiency. When people are empowered and inspired to express their true natures, they bloom. When stressed and put down they wither and act out. I teach the fundamental practices of releasing pain to find serenity and self. These practices affect every part of life, and their results are by nature very subjective. Still, observation of results and accountability are important to any industry so I am happy to see more scientific research done. And what does the research show so far? Although well funded studies of these so called “esoteric” practices are few and far between, those that exist are overwhelmingly positive. One such study observed the addition of Holotropic breathing techniques to a 12 step program. Their findings report.
“1.), 36% of the 12-step group + HB {Holotropic Breathing} group remained clean for more than 24 months; in the 12-step only control group 18% remained clean for more than 24 months. In category 2.), those who relapsed but continued recovery in 12-step group + HB group was 29%; those who relapsed but continued recovery in the 12-step only control group was 11%. In category 3.) those who relapsed and didn’t return to the recovery from the 12-step group + HB group was 35%; those who relapsed and did not return to recovery in the 12-step only control group was 71% (Chart 1). Therefore, in the experimental group where the 12-step program was combined with HB, clients who had undergone the full rehabilitation program, (main one-month course plus out-patient program), who at 24 months were in regular contact with therapists was 65%, compared with 29% in the 12-step control group. Put another way, the overall percent rate of patients who relapsed and stopped recovery was 35% in the 12-step + HB group and 71% in the 12-step only control group, respectively.”
And continues…
“There is empirical support for the idea that sustained inhibited breathing patterns can develop in response to stressful environments. Research also suggests inhibited breathing lowers brain oxygen and reduces serotonin synthesis with consequent increase in depressive symptomology. Further, a feedback loop involving cognitive, physiological and neurological components may perpetuate inhibited breathing and symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition to the encouraging results from the breathwork study by Sudres et al. (1994) noted in the introduction, there is empirical support for yoga breathing-based interventions in treating depression, and meditation-based approaches demonstrate efficacy in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Neurological and behavioural self-regulatory changes associated with meditation are also related to positive mental health outcomes.” The study can be found here
One of my favorite aspects of the article reads, “A number of people described their first drug/alcohol taking as a surrogate spiritual experience, during which they felt some pseudo-unity, loving-kindness and something resembling wholeness. Indeed, there is a superficial resemblance between mystical states and drug/alcohol intoxication; in both cases the dissolution of personal boundaries, the disappearance of disturbing emotions and the feeling of rising above ones everyday routine is observed”
I wholeheartedly agree! Human beings long for excitement, love, acceptance, power, feelings of self worth, bliss, joy, exhilaration and so on. They take a drink, puff, snort or shot, consciousness shifts, and they have succeeded in releasing pain and finding pleasure. For a moment. But this is an empty shell of an experience. Eventually they sober up, feel worse than before and we all know where that leads. So how better to counter the long term effects of a number of diminishing pseudo-spiritual experiences, than to give them access to real spiritual experiences? Experiences that are accessible and free, any time they choose.
Another study looks at the effectiveness of Qi Gong, (a form of moving breath meditation) on 86 heroin addicts during withdrawal. They noted that Qi Gong was more effective than medication in reducing withdrawal symptoms, insomnia and anxiety, while increasing the speed of detoxification. That study can be found here
A short synopsis,
“Reduction of withdrawal symptoms in the qigong group occurred more rapidly than in the other groups. From day 1, the qigong group had significantly lower mean symptom scores than did the other groups (P<.01). Both the qigong and medication groups had much lower anxiety scores than did the control group (P<.01), and the qigong group had significantly lower anxiety scores than did the medication group (P<.01). All subjects had a positive response to the urine morphine test before treatment. On day 3, 50% of the qigong group had negative urine tests compared to 23% in the control group and 8% in the medication group (P<.01). By day 5 of treatment, all subjects in the qigong group had negative urine tests compared to day 9 for the medication group and day 11 for the control group. Conclusions • Results suggest that qigong may be an effective alternative for heroin detoxification without side effects, though we cannot completely eliminate the possibility of the placebo effect from the current study. (Altern Ther Health Med. 2002;8(1):00-00)”
I have a number of good friends who once struggled with severe addiction issues. Some, are very powerful people, doing great work in the world. It excites and challenges me to know that I could play a part in helping such people find their wings. To learn more, or book my services please write me at [email protected]
