FLOATATION THERAPY HELPS YOU BREAK FREE OF ADDICTIONS AND COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS
WHAT IS AN ADDICTION?
An addiction is a compulsion to do or have something, where the person feels as if they are not in control of their ability to say no, or stop doing something once they have started. Feelings of stress and/or anxiety can occur when the person cannot access or act out their compulsion.
Compulsive behaviours or behavioural addictions can often be to things that are considered “normal” such as eating, exercise and shopping, however there is a difference between someone who is occasionally over-indulging, and someone who cannot stop themselves.
The image of the “addict” for many people often takes the form of a person who is addicted to alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes – however, addiction can present itself in other forms such as coffee, stealing, gambling, shopping, computer games, internet, cybersex, as well as normally healthy things, such as food/eating, sex, exercise, and work.
CURRENT APPROACHES TO TREATMENT
Biochemists have found that addiction can be the result of changes in the body’s ability to experience pleasure. These changes occur around the opiate receptors of nerve cells, which produce the effect of pleasure/reward through endorphin release. Endorphins are “feel good” chemicals naturally produced by the body.
It is known that withdrawal symptoms are created by an oversupply of the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) norepinephrine in the limbic system (the part of the brain that controls emotions). Biochemical scientists are still in the process of developing chemical ways of overcoming addictions.
Behavioural and cognitive therapists have a different approach to treating addiction. They focus more on changing the mental processes and behaviours surrounding addictions. Addicts who genuinely want to overcome their addiction have had success through this model of treatment through following techniques of behavioural control.
In his book “The Book of Floating”, Michael Hutchinson shares that “…both behavioural/cognitive psychologists and neuroscientists now agree that the floatation tank is a powerful tool for overcoming addictions, both by changing addictive behaviour and personality characteristics, and by bringing about rapid and striking changes in human biochemistry”.
HOW CAN FLOATATION THERAPY HELP IN TREATING ADDICTIONS?
Current information suggests that regular floatation sessions encourage a state of being that is conducive to cutting down on cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, why not suggest floatation therapy as a safe and effective way to cope and treat the stress symptoms of addiction.
You can either make a booking online or call us on (03) 9440 9453 to speak with our friendly staff.
REFERENCES:
“The Book of Floating” by Michael Hutchinson
An addiction is a compulsion to do or have something, where the person feels as if they are not in control of their ability to say no, or stop doing something once they have started. Feelings of stress and/or anxiety can occur when the person cannot access or act out their compulsion.
Compulsive behaviours or behavioural addictions can often be to things that are considered “normal” such as eating, exercise and shopping, however there is a difference between someone who is occasionally over-indulging, and someone who cannot stop themselves.
The image of the “addict” for many people often takes the form of a person who is addicted to alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes – however, addiction can present itself in other forms such as coffee, stealing, gambling, shopping, computer games, internet, cybersex, as well as normally healthy things, such as food/eating, sex, exercise, and work.
CURRENT APPROACHES TO TREATMENT
Biochemists have found that addiction can be the result of changes in the body’s ability to experience pleasure. These changes occur around the opiate receptors of nerve cells, which produce the effect of pleasure/reward through endorphin release. Endorphins are “feel good” chemicals naturally produced by the body.
It is known that withdrawal symptoms are created by an oversupply of the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) norepinephrine in the limbic system (the part of the brain that controls emotions). Biochemical scientists are still in the process of developing chemical ways of overcoming addictions.
Behavioural and cognitive therapists have a different approach to treating addiction. They focus more on changing the mental processes and behaviours surrounding addictions. Addicts who genuinely want to overcome their addiction have had success through this model of treatment through following techniques of behavioural control.
In his book “The Book of Floating”, Michael Hutchinson shares that “…both behavioural/cognitive psychologists and neuroscientists now agree that the floatation tank is a powerful tool for overcoming addictions, both by changing addictive behaviour and personality characteristics, and by bringing about rapid and striking changes in human biochemistry”.
HOW CAN FLOATATION THERAPY HELP IN TREATING ADDICTIONS?
Current information suggests that regular floatation sessions encourage a state of being that is conducive to cutting down on cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs.
- Relaxation of the mind and the body
Much like the effects of meditation in terms of reducing anxiety, stress, blood pressure, muscle tension and changing brain wave activity, floatation therapy allows the person to experience a change in their state of being, which is more relaxed, and at ease. There are many more benefits to floatation therapy. - Shifting biochemistry
As biochemistry and the nervous system shift into a place of relaxation and expansion, the need for substances that are used for this purpose is lessened substantially. Since endorphins (pleasurable, happy chemicals) are released when you float, the biochemical “need” for pleasure is satisfied, thus reduces one’s likelihood of needing to seek out other ways of meeting this need. - Increased awareness of internal states
Being in the floatation tank cuts out the need to place attention on external events, and instead shifts awareness inwards. With attention placed on one’s internal state, i.e. awareness of how you are feeling, what you are thinking and about and what is going on inside you, there are no distractions from your internal state.
As there are no external problems to solve, problem solving can be turned inwards instead. Observing and monitoring the internal state can be motivating to do something about changing it. - A safe alternative to activate pleasure
Floatation therapy is safe, gentle and effective at relieving or reducing anxiety, stress, depression, or other challenging states and feelings. Since these states can trigger the desire to repeat addictive behaviours for the sake of feeling pleasure as opposed to these pain-related states, the float tank can be a wonderful tool in providing a safe space to relieve both physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal and post-withdrawal.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, why not suggest floatation therapy as a safe and effective way to cope and treat the stress symptoms of addiction.
You can either make a booking online or call us on (03) 9440 9453 to speak with our friendly staff.
REFERENCES:
“The Book of Floating” by Michael Hutchinson
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