Introduction to Mindfulness - Dean Amory

Examples of Mindfulness
Training
Mindfulness Training by Chris Walsh MBBS DPM FAChAM,
Psychiatrist to Turning Point, Ph: 61 (0)3 9347 4300
email: chris@cwalsh.com.au web: www.cwalsh.com.au
1. Urge Surfing – Relapse Prevention
(Alan Marlatt)
Background
Urge surfing is a term coined by Alan Marlatt as part of a program of
relapse prevention he developed for people recovering from
addictions to alcohol and other drugs. It can actually be used to help
with any addictive behaviour such as gambling, overeating,
inappropriate sex or any other destructive impulses.
Mindfulness and addiction
The application of mindfulness to addiction is based on the Buddhist
view that addiction represents a “false refuge” from the pain and
suffering of life (Marlatt, 2002). According to this perspective,
engaging in drug use or any other form of mood-altering behaviour is
motivated by a strong desire to avoid or escape suffering. To the
extent that a person becomes dependent on or attached to whatever
provides them with relief, they become vulnerable to addiction. As
their attachment to this behaviour grows, their mind becomes
increasingly fixated on a “craving” for the relief which this behaviour
or substance promises.
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