Reiki is a system of healing originated in the early 20^th Century by Mikao Usui in Japan, from where it has spread around the world. Its main focus is on self-healing.

The idea of using Reiki for substance misuse came following reading an article from Australia, which noted positive results from using Reiki. Funded by a grant from the Millennium Awards as part of the Drugscope Initiative, I and two other colleagues learned Reiki and began to integrate it into our workplace.

I have to begin by raising an issue: many Reiki teachers/therapists believe we ought not to offer treatments to those who are misusing substances. They see substance misuse as a contraindication. However, if they were able to see the person as someone suffering from an illness and, as a result, taking high doses of medication, would this then be a contraindication? I believe that many of us abuse substances and that it is simply that most of those substances, eg. alcohol, tobacco, sugar, etc, are legal.

Withdrawal from substance abuse is extremely stressful, both physically and emotionally. Symptoms include muscle pain, bone aches, headaches, vomiting, the shakes, diarrhea, cravings, sleep disorders, loss of appetite and extreme moodiness. Reiki is very helpful in relieving the physical symptoms and in calming the body and mind.

At the Coventry CDT, Reiki is integrated with counselling, stress management and a number of other therapies, including auricular acupuncture and homoeopathy. Reiki is not seen as a stand-alone therapy; nevertheless clients may choose to access only one of the therapies on offer. I both treat clients and provide training in Reiki.

Like all clients, the person who has used/misused substances is special in that they are at the start of their own journey acknowledging their own vulnerability. They are also seeking to transform themselves by and through the symbolic action of healing and self-healing.

The first step in this process is to build the relationship with the client. Some clients are often understandably reluctant to participate in Reiki session treatments, as they usually hold or have had trust issues. Clients also comment that their Reiki sessions are their first experience of being touched without someone wanting something from them. Several have disclosed that they have been physically and/or sexually abused. Experiencing the soft touch and care allowed them through Reiki provides an opportunity to release their tension, a tension, I believe, that resulted from their desire to protect themselves from further abuse.

Many of these clients experience peace in their lives for the first time. They may shake uncontrollably, for instance, as a result of these issues of trust. However, within a half an hour the calming effect of Reiki greatly reduces or eliminates their shakes. I recall one client shaking so badly that one could see the couch move. Once the shakes have stopped, they do not return during that treatment. I then continue to administer Reiki, focusing my consciousness on the client's sense of calmness, peace and safety. Once the body feels safe and supported, it seems to release the sense of panic and trauma that accompanies withdrawal symptoms. At this point, I usually have a fairly willing client for future sessions.

My sense is that what is taking place during these sessions could be described as a kind of intra-psychic healing between client and therapist. I feel that it is about each depending upon the other’s unique ability to be both healer and client/patient.

I’ve observed that clients, who usually suffer from anger and shame issues, begin to behave more gently, openly and compassionately once they have experienced Reiki. My colleagues also report that clients who receive Reiki appear to become calmer and less likely to have destructive emotional outbursts. The more Reiki they receive, the more centred they become.

There are clients who become comfortable with Reiki, often seeking a session to help alleviate physical pain. Those who come into a session with a headache, shoulder pain or backache would usually find relief from their pain just like others I’ve worked with who suffered from purely physical afflictions. Clients have talked about how they also suffered from tremendous emotional pain, which suggests they are holding onto reservoirs of grief and guilt.

Successful treatment for substance misuse relies in great part on providing an environment of acceptance that promotes self-worth/love. Reiki fits this requirement perfectly. Many clients claim that the first time they ever felt unconditionally loved was during a Reiki session. Several clients have cried during Reiki and this, too, helped release built-up stress in the body and subconscious.

Many of my clients have asked how they can learn the healing art of Reiki and during the past five months 21 have taken the opportunity to train in Reiki. Now try to picture the media’s representation of someone who misuses substances. Then think about the times you may have felt rejection, about how uncomfortable you felt meeting new people. So, the important thing is to establish and support clients at this time by making a place available where they can drop in to share and grow inwardly before joining an active share group – a group where they can meet to exchange Reiki. Having on-going support is vital in maintaining change.

Just thinking about recent clients and the support that is required once trained reminds me that not only have I been the teacher but also the student. I remember how difficult it was to believe I could provide a treatment upon myself. This took time to accept and to believe possible. Many clients have said: "I know when you give me a treatment I can feel the difference and yet when I treat myself I feel nothing. Show me how it’s done". I have found that by guiding the client through their self-treatment they begin to believe it is possible. Their self-confidence and self-esteem grow, their body language noticeable changes. So, by watching clients and listening to their concerns, just as they have listened to my words, we each play the role of tutor and student.

One final thought: at some time we will all have been wounded. By reflecting and having an awareness of our own past failings, we become more effective in our work and able to value those that are marginalized by society and the media.