Reiki and Addiction

Addictions of various types seem to afflict so many people today. In fact, most of us have dealt with addiction of some kind during our lives, in ourselves and those we love. Addiction to food, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, TV, internet, video games, or sex, among other things, can come to rule a person’s life.

Addiction has its roots in our mental, emotional and spiritual lives long before it begins to affect our physical bodies. Like any illness, once addiction has a hold on us, we must heal it on all levels. Reiki can assist in this healing process by rebalancing the entire system.

Reiki always flows to every level of being; going just where it is needed at just the level the receiver is able to accept. Even a Level One practitioner can help to greatly relieve the difficulties associated with addiction and withdrawal.

Using the Power and Mental/ Emotional healing symbols available at Level Two will enhance the deeper levels of the healing process. It can be beneficial to use the Distant Symbol as well, with the intention that it assists in the healing of wounds in the past and the untying of karmic knots associated with them. Often, there is much the addicted person must forgive in themselves and others in order to move forward and heal.

Reiki also assists in relieving the physical issues associated with addiction. It can greatly reduce the symptoms of withdrawal, improving the state of mind and the sense of well-being. By stimulating the relaxation response, healing is triggered to begin. The easing of these symptoms can encourage the client to continue with the withdrawal process, moving toward full healing.

Reiki has been shown to reduce stress and stimulate the immune system. It has also been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins. One of the things an addict seeks through their addiction is the release of endorphins. Since Reiki will provide this calming effect without the damaging effects of the addiction, it can smooth the way for withdrawing from the substance being used.

As with any illness, the person being treated must be willing to participate in their own healing on some level. No treatment, including Reiki, will override a person’s free will. If the person is not ready to heal, the trouble will continue or will resurface in another way.

When a person is open to healing their lives, Reiki can greatly facilitate the process, inducing a sense of peace and calm. This sense of well-being and relaxation, combined with the easing of physical symptoms, can help the person find the correct path for them to take in their lives.

The meditative state induced during a Reiki session can provide the opening the client needs to see their lives more clearly. It can create a break in the flow of constant incoming thoughts, just long enough to allow for deeper habits of thinking to arise and release.

Sometimes the greatest thing we need in our lives is to be able to step back from our lives, even for a few moments. It can be difficult to do this on our own, in the midst of crisis. Addiction can create many crisis situations in one’s life. Reiki can help the person to find their way through the obstacles in order to create healing and recovery.

Article by Angie Webster

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Angie Webster made a significant contribution to the Reiki community, with a particular focus on Animal Reiki, which she had a deep affection for. As a knowledgeable Reiki Master Teacher and Author, she conducted online courses on energy healing, herbalism, flower essences, and personal growth.
She is the author of “Animal Reiki: How it Heals, Teaches & Reconnects Us with Nature” and “Reiki from A to Z”. Currently, Angie has decided to retire from her professional life to devote more time to her health, family, and the little joys of life.