Buddhist Recovery

Addiction is the repetitive process of habitually satisfying cravings to avoid, change, or control the seemingly unbearable conditions of the present moment. Recovery is a process of healing the underlying conditions that lead to addiction. There are several online Buddhist Recovery programs out thereā€¦I will link to those at the end of this section.

Eight Step Recovery is an alternative recovery program to the 12-step program of Alcoholic Anonymous. It uses Buddhist teachings to overcome addiction. Eight Step Recovery, cofounded by Dr, Valerie Mason-John M.A (hon.doc) and Dr. Paramabandhu Groves Ph.D., is a set of mindfulness teachings outlining a suggested course of action for recovery from addiction, stinking thinking, negative mental states, and compulsive and obsessive behaviors.

Step 1 Accepting that this human life will bring suffering

Step 2 Seeing how we create extra suffering in our lives

Step 3 Recognizing impermanence shows us that our suffering can end

Step 4 Being willing to step onto the path of recovery, and discover freedom

Step 5 Transforming our speech, actions, and livelihood

Step 6 Placing positive values at the center of our lives

Step 7 Making every effort to stay on the path of recovery

Step 8 Helping others to share the benefits I have gained

Buddhist Recovery Network

Refuge Recovery

A very good book is The Tao of Sobriety