Cartoon of a rabbit in a beautiful forest or flowers and trees

Lamrim for Alcoholics

Mike Mather

21 Lamrim Meditations for Alcoholics


  1. Recognise the preciousness of human life and the opportunity to recover from addiction.
  2. Contemplate the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of alcohol-induced pleasure.
  3. Reflect on the disadvantages of addiction and the harm it brings to oneself and others.
  4. Meditate on the suffering of addiction and the desire to be free from it.
  5. Develop the intention to recover from addiction and to live a healthy and sober life.
  6. Cultivate a strong sense of refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) and the support they provide in recovery.
  7. Reflect on the law of cause and effect and the consequences of one's actions, both positive and negative.
  8. Meditate on the preciousness of sobriety and the joy and freedom it brings.
  9. Cultivate a sense of gratitude for those who support one's recovery and the blessings of a sober life.
  10. Develop the determination to overcome obstacles and challenges in the recovery journey.
  11. Reflect on the kindness of others and the importance of offering support and compassion to those in recovery.
  12. Meditate on the practice of taking and giving and the transformation of suffering into happiness.
  13. Cultivate mindfulness and awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and actions related to addiction.
  14. Develop the ability to recognise and abandon harmful habits and patterns related to addiction.
  15. Reflect on the importance of cultivating positive habits and behaviours that support sobriety and well-being.
  16. Meditate on the nature of addiction and the possibility of recovery and healing.
  17. Cultivate a sense of compassion and forgiveness towards oneself and others for past mistakes and harmful actions related to addiction.
  18. Develop the ability to let go of attachment and craving for alcohol and other addictive substances or behaviours.
  19. Reflect on the interconnectedness of all beings and the responsibility to live in a way that benefits oneself and others.
  20. Meditate on the practice of patience and perseverance in the face of difficulties and setbacks in recovery.
  21. Cultivate the wisdom and insight to see through the illusion of addiction and to live a life free from its grip.

from ChatGPT 4

About the Author Mike Mather

Mike was born in 1963 which technically makes him one of the youngest of the Baby Boomers. An Australian with Indigenous and European heritage, he has been an avid and required student of Buddhism and alcoholism since 2008.

Enjoyed this article?

Find more great content here:

>