Meditation is important as part of the prisoner rehabilitation program, particularly for addicts, because it enables internal observation, focusing attention, and distancing oneself from distractions. Meditation is mentioned as a therapeutic tool in most addiction rehabilitation programs, as part of the treatment. Addiction treatments, such as meditation, emphasize the development of self-awareness, inward observation, as an initial means of identifying emotional and cognitive patterns and their characteristics.
Meditation can be very helpful for coping with difficult mental situations and the harsh conditions of life in prison. Practicing meditation is not dependent on anything, is performed independently, and is available at all times, and enables coping with both internal and external situations. There is no doubt that practicing meditation can affect impulsive reactions and thus can also have the effect of reducing violence.
I see the considerable impact of meditation on the prisoners. They are very connected to themselves. I have noticed that they are calmer and able to regulate reactions due to stress and irritation. Prisoners report that meditation lets them modify their reactions, stop, breathe, and observe their responses, instead of being overwhelmed by outbursts. The effect of practicing meditation is also evident in rehabilitation groups for drug addiction, domestic violence, and sex offenses.