1 Reason Why Meditation Is Better Than Drugs

I just meditated for 15 minutes, dare me to drive?

It's a common occurrence in Berkeley on a Friday afternoon. Someone pulls a little jar out of their pocket and puts it on the table. You already know what's in the jar.

I've been offered hundreds of opportunities to smoke, vaporize, eat, or otherwise ingest marijuana in my life and every time, my answer has been, "No, thank you." The discomfort of saying "no" usually lasts for about 30 seconds, and then the weed is lit and passed, passing by me.

While my friends are doing the puff, puff, pass. I sometimes sit in another room, close my eyes, and take some deep breaths, entering into meditation.

My friends and I are really doing the same thing, although we're going about it differently. Namely, we're managing our own pain or fear.

The difference is that when their high wears off, they are left with the same pains and fears that they were trying to avoid. Whereas, sometimes, in the midst of my meditation, my pain or fear in a certain area leaves me completely -- never to return.

It's not always the route that I take (I've done plenty of drinking to avoid pain, thank you), but I prefer to address my pain using meditation. In contrast, when I drink, my pain is right there waiting for me when I get sober and sometimes I get a headache to go along with it.

In your next effort to escape your pain or fear, give yourself a chance at a different experience. Before taking a drink, or lighting up, try meditating for 10 minutes. The worst that can happen is that you'll have to wait 10 extra minutes before you get your fix. And who knows, your pain might leave you entirely -- never to return.

If you've never meditated, or aren't sure where to start, that's OK. Try simply focusing on your breath for 5-10 minutes. Or, if you'd like, here is a great step by step process on meditation for beginners, or try out these guided meditations and see if they work for you.

I'll end with a quote from the Buddha:
"Peace comes from within, don't seek it without."

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Need help with substance abuse or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.