Researchers carried out a statistical meta-analysis of 198 independent treatment outcomes. In summary, they found that TM reduces substance abuse. Furthermore, the researchers saw that Transcendental Meditation produced a significantly larger reduction in tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use than either standard substance abuse treatments. The comparisons included counseling, pharmacological treatments, relaxation training, and Twelve-step programmes. Similarly, TM was better than other prevention programmes, such as programmes to counteract peer-pressure and promote personal development.
Sustained results using TM
This meta-analysis controlled for strength of study design and included both heavy and casual users.
Whereas the effects of conventional programmes typically decrease sharply by 3 months, effects of Transcendental Meditation on total abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug ranged from 51% – 89% over an 18-22 month period.
Research reference 1: Treating and preventing alcohol, nicotine, and drug abuse through Transcendental Meditation: A review and statistical meta-analysis, published in Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 11: 13-87, 1994.
Research reference 2: Effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation programme in preventing and treating substance misuse; A review, published in International Journal of the Addictions 26: 293-325, 1991.
65% alcohol abstinence among chronic alcoholics
In another study, this time funded by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 108 transient, chronic alcoholic patients (80% African-Americans) were randomly assigned one of four treatments: TM, EMG biofeedback, neurotherapy, or regular drug counselling alone.
After 18 months, a significant number (65%) of the TM practitioners were abstinent compared to neurotherapy (28%) and controls. The EMG group also showed significant abstinence.
Research reference: Effectiveness of broad spectrum approaches to relapse prevention: a long-term, randomised, controlled trial comparing transcendental meditation, muscle relaxation and electronic neurotherapy in severe alcoholism. Authors: E. Taub, S.S. Steiner, R.B. Smith, E. Weingarten, K.G. Walton. Published in Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Vol. 11 1995
Do you want to learn to meditate?
If you live in one of the major English-speaking countries, you can find out more about TM and where to learn by clicking on the ‘What is Transcendental Meditation?’ page. Then scroll down the right-hand margin and click on your national flag to go to your country’s TM website.
Go on, give it a go.
You will benefit directly from experiencing the daily inner silence of the TM technique.
TM reduces substance abuse, not just in the individual but in society as a whole
But, in addition, every time you meditate you radiate blessings to your family, your community and your whole nation. This is because you are contributing to the amazing 1% effect. You see, TM isn’t just about improving your own life-style habits. Another major facet is that meditators also have a powerful influence on substance abuse in their local environment. In fact, the research shows that as little as 1% of the population meditating will reverse negative trends in society. For instance with less people abusing drugs and alcohol, crime in the area spontaneously reduces. Meanwhile business activity and employment in the affected area tend to improve. (Read more about the 1% effect or Maharishi effect here.)
Later on, once you are well-established with your meditation, and if you want to take the technique further you are able to train up to become a TM-Sidha. At which point you may join one of the Super Radiance groups around the world dedicated to creating peace on earth.
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Thanks for sharing 🙂