Mindfulness lends itself particularly well to recovery, partly because it is a potent tool for self-management, but principally because it can be approached both as a secular or spiritual practice. The Twelve-Step approach of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is unquestionably spiritual, with its emphasis on a Higher Power, and has been hugely successful. Some consider spiritual transformation essential for lasting sobriety.

Not everyone, however, wants to pursue this path. The mindfulness practices can then be used in their own right, in a more secular context, and still be beneficial. My stance will, however, be mainly transpersonal. As Christina Grof, author of The Thirst for Wholeness: Attachment, Addiction and the Spiritual Path, says:

‘The success of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the many Twelve-Step fellowships that have modelled themselves after its program attests to the power and importance of the spiritual dimension in the understanding and treatment of addiction.’