Mindfulness and Addiction Recovery: Shakira Releford

From Behavior Therapist to Recovery Advocate: My Journey

As a former registered behavior technician and behavior analyst, I’ve spent years working with individuals navigating challenging circumstances. My professional focus was initially with those on the autism spectrum, but over time, I became deeply invested in broader mental health concerns. My current roles as an educator, researcher, and writer allow me to explore recovery-oriented approaches that empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

My interest in mindfulness as a recovery tool stemmed from seeing its profound effects on people dealing with addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges. Mindfulness bridges the gap between therapy and daily life, offering a practical, accessible, and transformative approach to healing. I’ve seen mindfulness shift clients’ perspectives, teaching them to respond to life’s challenges with intention rather than reaction—a skill that is invaluable in addiction recovery.

Discovering The Power of Mindfulness

Addiction is not merely about substances; it is a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. One of the greatest challenges in addiction recovery is managing cravings, stress, and negative thought patterns. These factors often create a vicious cycle, pulling individuals back into the grasp of substance use.

In a study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry by Li et al. (2018), the research suggests that stress is one of the most significant triggers for relapse¹. In a fast-paced, distraction-filled world, many individuals in recovery struggle to develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and emotional dysregulation. Additionally, addiction frequently coexists with mental health disorders (Li et al. 2018), creating a compounded challenge.

Without effective tools to address the mind-body connection, many in recovery face difficulties sustaining long-term sobriety. For this reason, the addiction treatment field has increasingly turned to holistic approaches, such as mindfulness. Mindfulness not only targets stress and emotional regulation but also cultivates self-awareness and resilience—key components for enduring recovery.

Understanding Addiction’s Complex Challenges

During my work as a behavior technician, I often incorporated mindfulness practices into behavior therapy sessions. The impact was immediate and measurable: individuals learned to pause and observe their thoughts rather than acting impulsively. Similarly, in behavioral therapy, by focusing on the present moment and accepting discomfort without judgment, clients can learn to dismantle the automatic reactions that fuel addiction. This same principle is pivotal in addiction recovery.

I’ve collaborated with clinicians who integrate mindfulness into addiction treatment programs. For example, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP²) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals navigate cravings and high-risk situations without resorting to substance use. Furthermore, my academic research and teaching have centered on how mindfulness enhances neuroplasticity (Li et al. 2018), which is the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Addiction disrupts normal brain function (Li et al. 2018), particularly in areas related to decision-making and impulse control. Mindfulness can counteract these effects, fostering healthier thought patterns and behaviors.