Addiction and Aha Moments

In non 12 step addiction treatment, insight-based, life-changing aha moments occur in a peaceful state of mind.

Family members often lament that their loved ones who are addicted could turn their life around if they could just see what they are doing to themselves. Why can’t they just have that eureka moment and stop the insanity of addiction?

Addiction has many elements, including physical, mental, social and psychological, but, for a person active in their addiction to have an “aha” moment and make needed life changes to regain their health, it is very difficult and unlikely.

Research shows that insightful “aha” or eureka moments most often occur when people are in a peaceful state of mind, NOT focusing on the problem at hand. For someone who is trying to figure out a solution to a work-related problem and is spending most of their eight-hour workday focused on solving that problem, their moment of clarity and the solution might happen when they are playing catch with their kids or when they are taking a shower or walking in a park. It happens when they have momentarily put the problem aside and are not thinking about it; it rarely occurs when they are at work pushing themselves to find the solution. Thankfully, residential treatment can help.

Science agrees our computer brains do a better job when we relax a bit.

In other words, answers come when the mind is at ease. Science points out that our computer brains do a great job of putting pieces of the puzzle together and cranking out solutions when we relax a bit and stop trying to force an answer to appear. Have you ever searched for something you lost and after you gave up the search, then remembered where you put it?

So, what does this have to do with addiction?

Insights and aha-moments can happen spontaneously when you let your thoughts drop and have an open mind. A guest at Gulf Breeze Recovery describes his first aha moment, and many others share the experience that once it begins the process continues to get easier and easier.

People who are addicted have very little or no time when their brain is at ease in a natural state. Addiction dictates that people use their substance, and then focus on how to get their substance, again and again, to continue to feed the addiction. Their brain is either under the influence of the substance or in some stage of withdrawal from the substance and so is never entirely at ease. A brain that is not at ease is not fertile ground for having insights or “aha” moments.

The sound of a flute is easy to hear when it is the only instrument playing, but when the whole orchestra is playing, the sound of the flute is overwhelmed. A person with addiction is not intentionally trying to not have an insightful moment, but their brain is busy with their addiction and insights can’t get through. Insights are quiet, and they require a quiet mind to be heard. An addicted mind is not quiet.

Gulf Breeze Recovery understands the importance of a quiet mind for people who are recovering from addiction.

Becky Nichols, a therapist and instructor at Gulf Breeze Recovery conducts guided meditation with our guests. “We started using this meditation to help those who are struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol. We found that it’s beneficial in helping bring this calmness to our guests seeking a non-12 step, holistic program of treatment.

In addition to individual counseling, educational classes and therapeutic group sessions, activities that promote a quiet mind are incorporated into the treatment program. Time is allotted for reading and walks by the water. Gulf Breeze Recovery offers a variety of ways for individuals to discover ways to quiet their minds. Yoga, art therapy and meditation, among other things, are offered so that individuals can experience what works best for them. They are encouraged to allow their thoughts to settle and to listen for their insights. As they begin to quieten the noisy orchestra in their head and listen for the flute, they begin to hear and recognize their own wisdom. That is when “aha” moments have an opportunity to occur.

Helping your loved one overcome the fears of treatment and committing to taking that step, can be the best decision they can ever make. If you or a loved one are battling addiction or relapse and looking for a facility that can help make a difference contact us at Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about how our program has helped so many people overcome their addiction and embrace life. We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE®.

Did you want to read more about Gulf Breeze Recovery’s non 12 step, holistic drug rehab? Check out some of our latest posts: