Teaching Mindfulness to Men in Addiction Treatment
Growing up, the word “mindfulness” wasn’t ever used as far as I can recall. I was taught a lot of useful things throughout my years, but learning to sit in the present moment without judgement or reaction wasn’t one of them. It wasn’t until I went to rehab that I was introduced to the concept of slowing down enough to notice what was happening inside of my head and heart, to listen to my body, and focus on my breathing. Learning to pause and pay attention would end up being the difference between relapses and long-term recovery. Mindfulness was the game changer.
The Starting Point: Resistance & Restlessness
Serenity Park clinician Ava Titsworth, who teaches mindfulness to the men in our residential addiction treatment program, sees resistance to mindfulness all the time.
"At first, it’s really hard for the guys to sit still and be quiet,” she says. “They’re restless. They get annoyed. Some even roll their eyes.”
It’s not uncommon and it’s not surprising. We see a lot of guys come into treatment after years—sometimes decades—of avoiding their feelings, numbing out, or running from uncomfortable thoughts. Asking them to sit still with their feelings, often for the first time in their life? It feels like torture.
But stick with it and most come to realize that mindfulness isn’t about getting rid of uncomfortable feelings; it’s about learning to sit with them, observe them, without reaction. That’s where the magic of recovery starts to happen.
Why It Matters
Imagine addiction as a parasite in your brain. It feeds on chaos, discomfort, and negative feelings. The more you’re triggered, uncomfortable, or overwhelmed, the bigger and more powerful it gets. Pretty soon it’s got complete control of your brain and before you know it you’re drinking, using, or acting out in all the wrong ways.
Practicing mindfulness stops the progression before you lose control. It helps you notice what’s happening in your body and mind, without reacting right away. As clinician Ava Titsworth puts it, “Mindfulness creates space between thoughts and reactions, which is key in men’s recovery.” That space gives you a chance to make a different choice—one that supports your recovery, instead of sabotaging it.
Small Shifts, Big Changes
With time, as they continue to incorporate mindfulness into their day-to-day lives, something subtle starts to change for the men at Serenity Park. “Eventually,” Ava notes, “they start moving more slowly, turning pages quieter, becoming aware of their actions.”
These changes aren’t dramatic, but they are powerful. The guy who used to pop off without thinking now pauses before responding. The man who rushed through every meal now eats with presence. These behaviors reflect something deeper: a growing connection between mind, body, and behavior.
Eventually it becomes less like a chore and more like a habit. “The practice becomes second nature the longer they stick with it,” Ava says. It stops feeling weird or forced. It becomes part of how they approach life—thoughtfully, intentionally, and with just a little more peace.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Mindfulness isn’t a cure-all. It doesn’t erase cravings or instantly heal trauma. And there will be days when it feels boring, uncomfortable, or frustrating. But that’s all part of the process.
If you stick with it though, mindfulness practices will change your relationship with recovery and with yourself. You will learn to pause when agitated or doubtful. You’ll be able to notice your emotions rather than be ruled by them. And it will give you more control over how you live your life, one day at a time.
Ready to explore how mindfulness and addiction treatment can work together? Reach out today—we’ll walk with you, one breath at a time.
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