The Buddha taught a way out of suffering, and addicts (along with their family) suffer as a result of the addition. According to the Buddha, the way out of suffering is to follow what has come to be called the Noble Eightfold Path. Here's how it can be adapted as a recovery tool:
It is important to understand these eight do not necessarily move in a logical, linear pattern but can cycle around, supporting and reinforcing each step.
(please feel free to re-post and/or link to your social media)
- Right understanding – you learn about the nature of addiction
- Right intention – you commit to sober living
- Right mindfulness – you learn to use mindfulness so you are less of a prisoner to your thoughts and emotions
- Right concentration – practicing mindfulness improves your focus so you enjoy clearer thinking
- Right effort – you make sobriety your number one priority in life
- Right view – with the help of therapy and community support you begin to let go of beliefs and opinions that have been holding you back in life (e.g. low self-esteem, negative thinking)
- Right livelihood – if the way you make your living is triggering your addictive behavior you may need to make some career changes
- Right action – you commit to regularly doing the things you need to do to maintain a strong sobriety (this can include friend shifts, spending more time with people who are spiritual friends and less time with those who could weaken your commitment to sobriety)
It is important to understand these eight do not necessarily move in a logical, linear pattern but can cycle around, supporting and reinforcing each step.
(please feel free to re-post and/or link to your social media)
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