Buddhism And Addiction

[garro]

Hi guys, I think that Buddhism has a lot to say about addiction. Here is an article about it; http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1...tion.html?cat=5.

I was an alcoholic for years, but really found that the tools provided by the Buddha worked wonderfully in recovery. I did have contact with Buddhism prior to falling into addiction, but knowing about something and practising it are completely different things. I believe that the Buddha has a great message for everyone, but that it particularly resonates with addicts.

What do you people think?

[fabianfred]

I smoked for more than thiry nyears...then at the end of one vipassana retreat, during which we were encouraged to not smoke, I decided to stop..... and quickly gave away all my favorite pipes.

[rockyysdt]

I was an alcoholic for years, but really found that the tools provided by the Buddha worked wonderfully in recovery. I did have contact with Buddhism prior to falling into addiction, but knowing about something and practising it are completely different things. I believe that the Buddha has a great message for everyone, but that it particularly resonates with addicts.

Hi Garro.

Did you have trouble with relapses on the way?

How did you overcome negative thought against sticking to your practice?

[garro]

I was an alcoholic for years, but really found that the tools provided by the Buddha worked wonderfully in recovery. I did have contact with Buddhism prior to falling into addiction, but knowing about something and practising it are completely different things. I believe that the Buddha has a great message for everyone, but that it particularly resonates with addicts.

Hi Garro.

Did you have trouble with relapses on the way?

How did you overcome negative thought against sticking to your practice?

There were many relapses along the way. I once relapsed after two year sober. I'm now three years, and although I feel like my addiction has been beaten I am never complacent about it.

I found mindfulness practice to be a wonderful way of seeing cravings for what they are. This is a great gift from Buddhism.