Alan Marlatt, a clinical psychologist and a mediation practitioner, outlines the ways in which Buddhist philosophy acknowledges and treats addictive behavior. Buddhism views the cause of addiction as people seeking “false refuge” due to ignorance. Therefore, the treatment involves a spiritual, yet non-theistic, approach to healing in the form of mediation in order to find enlightenment. This approach considers patients as having the ability to change their actions versus the disease model, which can be perceived as the patient having no control.

 

Mindfulness meditation is closely linked with the established self-monitoring techniques because it involves awareness of the behavior of your thoughts and body. The detached awareness associated with meditation can allow patients to acknowledge thoughts without reacting to them in their usual habitual way. This can help monitor and dispel cravings in those struggling with a myriad of addictions such as substance abuse or compulsive actions like overeating and gambling.