The consequence for using intoxicants

[clw_uk]

Greetings

Does anyone know if the Buddha give any adivce on how to overcome desire for alcohol (and other substances)?

Ive had trouble with drink and drugs in the past and was wondering if there is any kind of meditation or recollection that helps with overcoming desire for them, since i still get very strong cravings for them that still effects me from time to time that doesnt seem to go away

Im aware of the numerous discourses that stress the draw backs of sensual pleasure but is there any kind of direct contemplation? or are there even modern teachings that deal with it?


Metta

[Cittasanto]

Without looking for it there is a sutta where the Buddha advises a king I think it was to use Mindfulness to overcome his overeating.

Greetings

Does anyone know if the Buddha give any adivce on how to overcome desire for alcohol (and other substances)?

Ive had trouble with drink and drugs in the past and was wondering if there is any kind of meditation or recollection that helps with overcoming desire for them, since i still get very strong cravings for them that still effects me from time to time

Im aware of the numerous discourses that stress the draw backs of sensual pleasure but is there any kind of direct contemplation? or are there even modern teachings that deal with it?


Metta

[clw_uk]

Thanks Manapa


On a further note, is smoking considered a breaking of the 5th precept?


Metta

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Craig,

No, it's not.

Metta,
Retro.

[Nibbida]

Greetings
Im aware of the numerous discourses that stress the draw backs of sensual pleasure but is there any kind of direct contemplation? or are there even modern teachings that deal with it?

Yes, the strategy is to apply mindfulness and equanimity to the urges, watching them arise and pass. G. Alan Marlatt is a psychologist who specializes in addiction treatment. He's also a Buddhist and applied Buddhist techniques to addiction treatment. He calls it "urge surfing" where you watch the cravings rise and pass like a wave. Look him up on the internet. He calls his program "Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention" which is based on Kabat-Zinn's MBSR, but adapted for addictions.

Marlatt is doing studies of incarcerated prisoners with addiction, giving them intense 10-day Goenka-style retreats. The studies so far shows that they do better than other prisoners who get the usual treatment.

Here's another nice, short article that describes the same idea:

http://www.shinzen.org/shinsub3/artUrges.pdf