Mindfulness as a Tool for Managing Cravings
Some individuals turn to stimulants to improve focus, productivity, or manage symptoms of attention difficulties. Among these, the connection between meth and ADHD has drawn attention, especially due to the stimulant properties of methamphetamine. While certain medications for ADHD, like Adderall, share structural similarities with methamphetamine, the latter is far more potent and dangerous. It is important to distinguish medical treatment from substance misuse, as abusing methamphetamine can lead to severe health consequences, addiction, and cognitive decline. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional are essential for managing ADHD safely and effectively without risking harmful side effects.
Cravings are not random. They are orchestrated neurochemical events triggered by both internal emotions and external cues. At their core, cravings are the brain's way of demanding relief, often in response to stress, anxiety, or environmental associations. The amygdala and reward centers light up, urging action. However, cravings are also transient—scientifically shown to rise and dissipate within 20 to 30 minutes, often peaking in intensity and then waning.
Recognizing that a craving is a temporary state rather than a permanent need is the first mental shift required in recovery. With this understanding, individuals can approach cravings not as insurmountable foes, but as waves that can be observed and ridden out.
Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient Buddhist tradition, has found a profound resurgence in modern clinical psychology. It refers to the deliberate act of paying attention to the present moment, non-judgmentally and with curiosity. This is not zoning out—it's tuning in with heightened acuity.
Core to mindfulness is the cultivation of awareness without resistance. It's about observing thoughts, sensations, and emotions as they arise, without immediately reacting to them. Unlike passive meditation or spiritual contemplation, mindfulness is active attention—an internal investigation of one's moment-to-moment experience.
When a craving surfaces, the typical response is to either act on it or suppress it. Mindfulness introduces a third path—observation without engagement. By acknowledging the craving without judgment, individuals disrupt the automatic behavioral loop.
This shift from reaction to observation is critical. Through mindfulness, one can identify the bodily sensations (tightness, restlessness), thoughts ('I need this'), and emotions (frustration, desire) that accompany a craving. Breathing techniques and bodily awareness provide an anchor, grounding the mind in the now rather than the impulse.
This pause between stimulus and response creates psychological space. In that space, choice becomes possible. Not reacting becomes a form of empowerment.
Decades of neuroscientific research support the efficacy of mindfulness in managing addiction and cravings. Functional MRI scans reveal that mindfulness training reduces activity in the default mode network—associated with mind-wandering and compulsive thinking—and increases regulation in the prefrontal cortex, the seat of conscious decision-making.
A landmark study from Yale University demonstrated that individuals practicing mindfulness had significantly reduced craving intensity compared to those using traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques. Another study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindfulness-based relapse prevention reduced the risk of relapse in recovering individuals over 12 months.
Mindfulness doesn't just soothe the mind—it rewires it. Repeated practice leads to neuroplastic changes that reinforce emotional regulation, impulse control, and resilience.
Applying mindfulness in daily life doesn't require monastery-level discipline. Several accessible techniques can be implemented immediately:
This method likens cravings to ocean waves—rising, cresting, and eventually falling. The individual is encouraged to 'ride' the wave of the urge through mindful observation, recognizing it as a sensation that will pass. R ecognize the craving
ecognize the craving A ccept it without judgment
ccept it without judgment I nvestigate the body and emotional state
nvestigate the body and emotional state Nurture with compassionate awareness
This practice cultivates insight and disarms the urgency of the craving.
Slow, intentional breathing anchors attention. A simple three-minute breathing space can help disengage from the intensity of a craving. Body scanning—progressively focusing on each body part—reconnects the individual with their physical experience, diluting mental obsessions.
Engaging the five senses with full attention during routine activities—like drinking tea, walking, or even washing hands—can foster mindfulness as a lifestyle, not just a technique.
Despite its efficacy, mindfulness is not a silver bullet. Many newcomers struggle with restlessness, skepticism, or impatience. Some believe mindfulness is about achieving a blank mind or escaping discomfort. In truth, it is about turning toward discomfort with clarity and compassion.
Inconsistent practice is another hurdle. Like any discipline, mindfulness deepens with repetition. Short, frequent sessions are often more effective than occasional extended practices.
Importantly, one must discard the notion of 'perfect mindfulness.' Progress lies not in pristine stillness, but in the repeated act of returning—again and again—to the present.
Understanding the Differences in Stimulant Abuse
When comparing powerful stimulants, crack vs meth often comes up due to their intense effects and high potential for addiction. Crack, a smokable form of cocaine, produces a short but intense euphoric high that fades quickly, often leading to frequent use. Meth, or methamphetamine, delivers a longer-lasting high and can be ingested in various ways, including smoking or injecting. While both substances severely impact the brain's dopamine system, meth's effects tend to last longer and can lead to more significant cognitive and physical decline. Despite differences, both drugs pose serious risks to physical health, mental stability, and long-term well-being.
Cravings will arise. That is the nature of recovery. But they don't have to dictate behavior. Mindfulness offers an elegant and powerful way to relate differently to cravings—not as threats, but as teachers. In staying present, individuals learn to reclaim their agency, respond with intention, and cultivate a life grounded in awareness rather than impulse. The path of mindfulness is not merely a tool for managing cravings—it is a foundation for enduring recovery.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
How to weigh the benefits and risks of disclosing a disability to your employer
Whether you decide to tell your employer about a disability or a long-term health condition is a personal decision. In an ideal world, disclosing this kind of information should be easy – and enable you to access support and accommodations, should you need them. But in reality, it often carries the risk of bias and discrimination. 'I have had long-term mental health issues, autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder),' says Claire Fisher, head of communications and engagement at Inclusion Barnet, an organisation for deaf and disabled people. 'When I tried to advocate for myself in a previous role, the board had no understanding or expertise in reasonable adjustments,' she explains. 'Instead, they reacted by focusing on why I had not previously disclosed my disability. In fact, I had done so but they had failed to document it or provide any follow up support. At the time I'd not understood myself what should have happened.' Read more: How to stay motivated during a long job hunt Legally, nobody has to tell their employer they're disabled, have a health condition or that they are neurodivergent. But if you have an informed and supportive employer, telling them can give them the opportunity to provide support. For many, though, deciding whether to tell an employer about a disability or condition involves weighing up the benefits and risks. So what should you take into consideration before deciding what is best for you – and how can you approach the conversation? Consider your employer's attitude First, do your research on the organisation. 'What do existing employees say, how do they talk about health, disability, long-term conditions?' says Fisher. Have a look on the company's website and social media accounts to see if there is any mention of inclusivity. You could also look at reviews left by current or former employees on sites like Glassdoor, which can provide an insight into an organisation's culture. Think about your needs It can help to consider your wants, needs or requirements before disclosing personal information about yourself. For example, if workplace adjustments like working from home or an adapted desk are non-negotiables, telling your employer may be the right move. Equally, it may be important to you to be able to speak openly about yourself – which is a valid reason. Consider the pros and cons Some positives of disclosure include legal protections from discrimination, the chance to discuss health-related needs, support from management and access to accommodations. 'Often, a few simple adjustments can make a world of difference to both the employee and the employer – everyone wins,' says Fisher. However, it's common for a disability disclosure to lead to negative attitudes – both intentional and unintentional. Studies show that telling an employer can lead to accusations of 'faking' it, as well as stigmatisation and bullying. According to a 2025 survey by the TUC, half of disabled workers reported being bullied or harassed in the past year, with experiences ranging from exclusion from activities to verbal and physical threats. 'Employers may make assumptions about what you can and cannot do based on misinformed knowledge of your condition or impairment,' adds Fisher. 'Awareness of others mistakenly feeling like they need to tread on egg shells around you or protect you from certain duties can be patronising.' Know your legal rights It's essential to know your legal rights so that you can spot discrimination in the first place and decide if and how you want to address it. 'If an employee does not disclose a disability to their employer, it cannot generally be held that they discriminated against the employee because of it,' says Kate Palmer, employment services director at Peninsula. 'If they were to bring a claim of disability discrimination, it would fail.' Read more: How to give your job applications a 'human touch' in the AI era However, Palmer explains that if an employer could reasonably have known about a disability – for example, seeing an employee use a walking aid – they have 'constructive knowledge' and can be liable for any unfair treatment. 'Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for employees with a disability,' says Palmer. 'Where this does not happen, the employee is entitled to make a claim to an employment tribunal. It's important, therefore, for employers to discuss with their employees any adjustments that may help and, where these are reasonable, to make them.' Choose the right time Disclosing may help you access accommodations, but choosing the right time is important. Whether you talk about your condition in a job interview is your choice, but it can lead to discrimination. 'Employers should not ask job applicants any questions about their health or medical history until after a job offer has been made and accepted, except in specific circumstances permitted by the law,' says Palmer. If a candidate discloses a medical condition after accepting a job offer, employers must ensure they make reasonable adjustments to remove any barriers to work caused by a disability. Focus on your skills If or when you do disclose, focus on your skills, experience and expertise – and how these align with the company's goals and values. 'Be clear about what reasonable adjustments you need, if you know,' says Fisher. 'It would be impossible for any employer, even if they had other staff with the same condition or impairment as you, to know exactly what you need to succeed in the role. You might not fully know yet yourself. If you can go in with possible solutions and an open mind to work together with your employer you can usually work something out.' Read more: What to expect from a maternity discrimination employment tribunal Deciding whether to disclose a disability at work is rarely simple. It's a balance between protecting your privacy and ensuring you have the support you need to thrive. By weighing the culture of your workplace, understanding your legal rights and thinking about your personal needs, you can make a choice that feels right for you. Ultimately, the responsibility for creating inclusive workplaces lies with employers – but until that's the norm, only you know what the right decision is. Read more: How to speak to your boss about miscarriage How to stay motivated during a long job hunt Does mental health first aid work?Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business Insider
I'm a psychiatrist who has treated 12 patients with 'AI psychosis' this year. Watch out for these red flags.
Dr. Keith Sakata said he has seen 12 patients hospitalized in 2025 after experiencing "AI psychosis." He works in San Francisco and said the patients were mostly younger men in fields such as engineering. Sakata said AI isn't "bad" — he uses it to journal — but it can "supercharge" people's vulnerabilities. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Dr. Keith Sakata, a psychiatrist working at UCSF in San Francisco. It has been edited for length and clarity. I use the phrase "AI psychosis," but it's not a clinical term — we really just don't have the words for what we're seeing. I work in San Francisco, where there are a lot of younger adults, engineers, and other people inclined to use AI. Patients are referred to my hospital when they're in crisis. It's hard to extrapolate from 12 people what might be going on in the world, but the patients I saw with "AI psychosis" were typically males between the ages of 18 and 45. A lot of them had used AI before experiencing psychosis, but they turned to it in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it supercharged some of their vulnerabilities. I don't think AI is bad, and it could have a net benefit for humanity. The patients I'm talking about are a small sliver of people, but when millions and millions of us use AI, that small number can become big. AI was not the only thing at play with these patients. Maybe they had lost a job, used substances like alcohol or stimulants in recent days, or had underlying mental health vulnerabilities like a mood disorder. On its own, " psychosis" is a clinical term describing the presence of two or three things: false delusions, fixed beliefs, or disorganized thinking. It's not a diagnosis, it's a symptom, just like a fever can be a sign of infection. You might find it confusing when people talk to you, or have visual or auditory hallucinations. It has many different causes, some reversible, like stress or drug use, while others are longer acting, like an infection or cancer, and then there are long-term conditions like schizophrenia. My patients had either short-term or medium to long-term psychosis, and the treatment depended on the issue. Drug use is more common in my patients in San Francisco than, say, those in the suburbs. Cocaine, meth, and even different types of prescription drugs like Adderall, when taken at a high dose, can lead to psychosis. So can medications, like some antibiotics, as well as alcohol withdrawal. Another key component in these patients was isolation. They were stuck alone in a room for hours using AI, without a human being to say: "Hey, you're acting kind of different. Do you want to go for a walk and talk this out?" Over time, they became detached from social connections and were just talking to the chatbot. Chat GPT is right there. It's available 24/7, cheaper than a therapist, and it validates you. It tells you what you want to hear. If you're worried about someone using AI chatbots, there are ways to help In one case, the person had a conversation with a chatbot about quantum mechanics, which started out normally but resulted in delusions of grandeur. The longer they talked, the more the science and the philosophy of that field morphed into something else, something almost religious. Technologically speaking, the longer you engage with the chatbot, the higher the risk that it will start to no longer make sense. I've gotten a lot of messages from people worried about family members using AI chatbots, asking what they should do. First, if the person is unsafe, call 911 or your local emergency services. If suicide is an issue, the hotline in the United States is: 988. If they are at risk of harming themselves or others, or engage in risky behavior — like spending all of their money — put yourself in between them and the chatbot. The thing about delusions is that if you come in too harshly, the person might back off from you, so show them support and that you care. In less severe cases, let their primary care doctor or, if they have one, their therapist know your concerns. I'm happy for patients to use ChatGPT alongside therapy — if they understand the pros and cons I use AI a lot to code and to write things, and I have used ChatGPT to help with journaling or processing situations. When patients tell me they want to use AI, I don't automatically say no. A lot of my patients are really lonely and isolated, especially if they have mood or anxiety challenges. I understand that ChatGPT might be fulfilling a need that they're not getting in their social circle. If they have a good sense of the benefits and risks of AI, I am OK with them trying it. Otherwise, I'll check in with them about it more frequently. But, for example, if a person is socially anxious, a good therapist would challenge them, tell them some hard truths, and kindly and empathetically guide them to face their fears, knowing that's the treatment for anxiety. ChatGPT isn't set up to do that, and might instead give misguided reassurance. When you do therapy for psychosis, it is similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, and at the heart of that is reality testing. In a very empathetic way, you try to understand where the person is coming from before gently challenging them. Psychosis thrives when reality stops pushing back, and AI really just lowers that barrier for people. It doesn't challenge you really when we need it to. But if you prompt it to solve a specific problem, it can help you address your biases. Just make sure that you know the risks and benefits, and you let someone know you are using a chatbot to work through things. If you or someone you know withdraws from family members or connections, is paranoid, or feels more frustration or distress if they can't use ChatGPT, those are red flags. I get frustrated because my field can be slow to react, and do damage control years later rather than upfront. Until we think clearly about how to use these things for mental health, what I saw in the patients is still going to happen — that's my worry. OpenAI told Business Insider: "We know people are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for guidance on sensitive or personal topics. With this responsibility in mind, we're working with experts to develop tools to more effectively detect when someone is experiencing mental or emotional distress so ChatGPT can respond in ways that are safe, helpful, and supportive. "We're working to constantly improve our models and train ChatGPT to respond with care and to recommend professional help and resources where appropriate." If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or has had thoughts of harming themself or taking their own life, get help. In the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations. Help is also available through the Crisis Text Line — just text "HOME" to 741741. The International Association for Suicide Prevention offers resources for those outside the US.
Medscape
3 days ago
- Medscape
Australian GPs Gain Expanded Role in Treating ADHD
Australia is loosening regulations so that general practitioners (GPs) can meet the growing demand for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) care. But some specialists are advising caution. Earlier this year, the Western Australian government committed $1.3 million to training 65 GPs in ADHD management via a 13-hour online training module and a 6-month period of psychiatrist mentoring and peer learning. Sean Stevens, MD 'I'm seeing it every day in my practice, with patients struggling to get a timely diagnosis and treatment for ADHD,' Sean Stevens, MD, chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) ADHD Working Group in Western Australia, told Medscape Medical News . 'GPs are able to do this,' he said. 'It's a matter of ensuring that the training is appropriate, that GPs know where the thorny problems lie, where it's appropriate to refer [to a specialist].' New South Wales, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania are taking steps towards relaxing restrictions around ADHD management, while Queensland has permitted GPs to prescribe stimulants for children with ADHD since 2017. Victoria remains a holdout despite intensive lobbying from GPs, as does the Northern Territory. Tim Jones, MD 'We've seen commitment from all sides of politics down here in Tasmania to reform the ADHD space,' Tim Jones, MD, chair of the RACGP Child and Young Person's Health special interest group, told Medscape Medical News . 'The details are still thin,' he said. 'But we're certainly excited to see what this could mean for communities in need where access has become such a challenge.' Tasmania has no public services for adult patients with ADHD, and public pediatric services for children with ADHD have a 2-3 year wait time, said Jones. 'If you can think about that missed opportunity for early intervention to support children, that's pretty dire,' he said. Most Australian states do not allow ADHD to be diagnosed or treated in the public health system, meaning that families must pay to see private specialists, usually psychiatrists or pediatricians. In 2023, a Senate inquiry found that ADHD services were inaccessible because of lengthy wait times and high costs. New clinics opened to meet the demand, sometimes charging as much as $3000 for an ADHD diagnosis. Christopher Ouizeman 'Tens of thousands of people have called our help line, desperate for diagnosis and treatment options, and I know that most of the psychiatrists out there have got at least an 18-month waiting list,' Christopher Ouizeman, director of the ADHD Foundation, a not-for-profit patient advocacy group, told Medscape Medical News. ADHD treatment should be available within the public health system and within primary care, said Ouizeman. However, 'GPs can't provide patients with two hours' worth of care and only get paid for 15 minutes,' he said. 'That's just unfair and untenable.' Specialists Voice Concerns ADHD policy changes are underway in many states, but some specialists are nervous about the potential impacts and want greater involvement in the enactment of these changes. Roger Paterson, MD Some psychiatrists were concerned by the decision to expand the role of GPs in ADHD with what they considered insufficient consultation with specialists, Roger Paterson, MD, a psychiatrist based in Western Australia, a committee member of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) ADHD Network, and a director of ADHD Western Australia, told Medscape Medical News . 'Psychiatrists should be central to the whole ADHD process,' he said. GPs have less experience in mental health than psychiatrists, who train for a minimum of 5 years, and allowing GPs to diagnose ADHD independently 'adds a degree of uncertainty to the whole process,' said Paterson. 'A select number of GPs with an interest in ADHD, and with adequate training through the RACGP, may well be helpful in areas of high unmet need,' he said. Some specialists are worried that ADHD stimulant prescribing regulations could become lax, such as the case with medicinal cannabis, where a small number of GPs are now being investigated for issuing more than 10,000 prescriptions, said Paterson. The reforms might not be necessary, some argue, since close to half of the psychiatrist workforce in Australia now has a special interest in ADHD. 'The RANZCP ADHD Network has over 2000 members,' said Paterson. Prescribing rates are also 'getting closer and closer' to the actual prevalence rates of ADHD, he added. An estimated 8.2% of children under age 12 years and 2.5% of adults have ADHD in Australia. Up to 7% of children and 2.3% of adults are now being prescribed an ADHD medication. Astha Tomar, MD 'We're all for innovations in this space, but you just want to be careful,' Astha Tomar, MD, president of RANZCP told Medscape Medical News . 'You would think for something so big … the government would bring the stakeholders together,' she said. 'It needs a whole-of-system approach, and not just a rule change here and there.' Psychiatrists usually spend around 45 minutes assessing whether symptoms are caused by ADHD or other conditions — such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or a neurodevelopmental disorder — and up to 12 months adjusting treatments for each patient. 'ADHD assessment is not a 5-10-minute job,' said Tomar. Stimulants, which make up the majority of ADHD prescriptions, remain tightly controlled. Schedule 8 medicines misuse entails risks for psychosis, fatal overdose, and diversion. 'We have to make sure everybody stays safe,' said Tomar. Niroshini Kennedy, MD GPs can contribute meaningfully to care in ADHD, but 'changes to clinical pathways must be carefully designed in partnership with specialists,' Niroshini Kennedy, MD, the president of the pediatrics and child health division of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, told Medscape Medical News . 'Without important training, there are risks,' she said. 'Without a comprehensive and nuanced assessment, there is a risk of misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and harm to a child's development.' Queensland's Experience Some GPs in Queensland have started to set up clinics to manage children with ADHD, but they continue to 'talk things through' and get supervision from pediatricians, Tim Warnock, MD, a pediatrician in Cairns and past president of the Australian Paediatric Society, told Medscape Medical News . Tim Warnock, MD Warnock came out of retirement in 2023 because of workforce shortages. 'I couldn't transition dozens of patients to another pediatrician in Cairns,' because they were 'absolutely swamped,' he said. Given these bottlenecks, it's useful for GPs to 'try to get things done while they're waiting for a pediatric appointment' and then arrange for a review by a specialist at a later stage, said Warnock. 'GPs are aware of their own limitations,' he said. 'If GPs show the commitment and give the time to doing the assessments appropriately, they will probably run a good practice.' Stevens, Jones, Ouizeman, Paterson,Tomar, and Kennedyreported having no relevant financial relationships. Warnockreceived support for attending conferences and giving talks from Shire, a pharmaceutical company and ADHD drug manufacturer now owned by Takeda.
