mindfulness addition recovery 8 week course.bringing mindfulness to life |
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Overview:
Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR) is an evidence-based mindfulness programme that supports recovery from addiction and helps people understand the causes of relapse. The course was developed by Dr Paramabandhu Groves, a consultant NHS psychiatrist specialising in addiction, in collaboration with Dr Valerie Mason-John. MBAR combines mindfulness meditation with practical tools for developing awareness, resilience, and healthier ways of responding to cravings, difficult emotions, and life challenges. What you'll learn: The course begins by cultivating awareness of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and everyday experiences through mindfulness and meditation practices. Participants learn how to bring mindful attention to daily activities such as walking, eating, and routine tasks. As awareness develops, the focus shifts towards acceptance. Rather than struggling against unwanted thoughts, emotions, or cravings, participants learn how to meet their experience with curiosity and compassion. This approach can reduce reactivity, create space for wiser choices, and help uncover the underlying causes of addictive behaviour. The final stage of the course focuses on responding skillfully to life's challenges. Participants learn practical strategies for recognising unhelpful thinking patterns, working with cravings, and choosing actions that support wellbeing, recovery, and lasting positive change. Is MBAR right for you? Many people are able to stop an addictive substance or behaviour for a period of time, only to find themselves caught in a cycle of relapse. MBAR offers a different approach by helping participants understand the mental and emotional habits that drive addictive patterns. This secular mindfulness programme is approved by BAMBA and is suitable for anyone experiencing compulsive or addictive behaviours, where cravings lead to repeated actions despite unwanted consequences. It may be particularly helpful for those seeking a more compassionate and sustainable approach to recovery. The course is also valuable for professionals working in addiction, recovery, mental health, or related fields who wish to deepen their understanding of addiction through the lens of mindfulness. |
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The key learning points include:
- Develop awareness of personal triggers and habitual reactions and learn ways to create a pause in this seemingly automatic process
- Change our relationship to discomfort, learning to recognise challenging emotional and physical experiences and responding to them in skilful ways
- Foster a non-judgemental compassionate approach towards ourselves and our experiences
- Build a lifestyle that supports both mindfulness practice and recovery.
Course Format:
MBAR is a group-based programme that runs over 8 weeks. The sessions are 2 hours long, with a break in the middle of each session. Each week contains a key learning talk and meditation practice along with CBT exercises to address addiction issues specifically. The course is experiential and group interaction is encouraged, confidential and optional.
Course Materials:
Participants will receive a range of materials to support their learning, including course handouts, guided meditation recordings, and optional individual recovery coaching support. Practice in between sessions is encouraged.
MBAR is a group-based programme that runs over 8 weeks. The sessions are 2 hours long, with a break in the middle of each session. Each week contains a key learning talk and meditation practice along with CBT exercises to address addiction issues specifically. The course is experiential and group interaction is encouraged, confidential and optional.
Course Materials:
Participants will receive a range of materials to support their learning, including course handouts, guided meditation recordings, and optional individual recovery coaching support. Practice in between sessions is encouraged.
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