Overcoming a psychological addiction like alcohol and drug use can be an incredibly difficult process and just as there is a stigma attached to those suffering from illness, there is also a self-stigma and shame from the individuals suffering, says Dr. Michael Bordieri, Murray State Psychology faculty member. He speaks with Kate Lochte on Sounds Good about the self-stigma and how basic mindfulness workshops can prevent relapse in those trying to overcome an addiction.
Overcoming self-stigma while working on a psychological issue like addiction requires visioning a new future, identifying what you want to be about. Dr. Michael Bordieri says a common exercise is the "Tombstone." What do you want to read about your life after you've died? "Here lies Michael, he ____________." What can you be about, what can you do? What can sobriety mean to you? These are some of the things to consider in a mindfulness workshop, where one becomes aware of one's thoughts, accepts them as thoughts, but doesn't let them determine who they choose to become.
Studies have found that giving mindfulness workshops as part of the substance use treatment shows positive effects in preventing relapse and levels of shame four months after treatment. People undergoing residential treatment for trying to break a psychological condition usually faces a difficult task, and hold a high degree of stigma against themselves. Dr. Bordieri says while mental illness can be a barrier, it should not be stigmatized. Everyone is capable of living a life that matters to them. He says let go of the judgments about yourself and use acceptance and mindfulness based processes to determine your own path.
