Holistic drug rehab is treatment that is focused on the ‘whole person.’ In holistic healing, it is believed that the mind, body, and soul are one unit, and therefore, the overall well-being of a person must be treated in order to heal a person from any specific issues they are experiencing. As such, holistic methods are often incorporated into traditional therapy modalities in holistic rehab centers to offer a comprehensive and immersive healing experience to people struggling with addiction. Holistic treatment is also known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It involves a wide range of treatments that help people heal spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally, rather than isolating the symptoms of an issue, negative behavior, or bad habits.
Benefits of Holistic Rehab and Holistic Addiction Treatment
Holistic substance abuse treatment can be incorporated with conventional drug rehab therapies to produce a better, more long-lasting result than traditional therapies alone. However, it is not recommended to engage in holistic methods without accompanying conventional therapies.
The benefits of holistic recovery include:
- Decrease in stress and tough withdrawal symptoms
- Healthier coping methods for uncomfortable emotions
- Greater spiritual grounding and connection
- Improvement in general health and well-being
- Increased chance of staying sober long-term
Developing new, healthier habits and hobbies can help a person struggling with addiction stay sober. This is because productivity makes a person feel happy, fulfilled, and satisfied while eliminating boredom. Some holistic healing methods, such as art therapy or fitness therapy, can also be practiced after formal recovery as a hobby.
Holistic Treatment Modalities
There are many forms of holistic treatments that are used to help people struggling with addiction. Here are a few examples:
Yoga– This practice focuses on mindful breathing while in specific body positions. It is practiced to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and it encourages concentration and mindfulness, which are great skills for people who are recovering from drug addiction.
Acupuncture [1]– An ancient Chinese practice, acupuncture involves placing thin needles into the skin at specific “pressure points” to increase blood flow, release hormones, and make a person feel calm and relaxed. It can also help recovering addicts deal with painful withdrawal symptoms.
Fitness therapy [2]– Exercise releases endorphins, the same feel-good hormones that are released by drugs and stimulate the part of the brain that feels pleasure – albeit in a reduced form. It also reduces stress and teaches important skills like teamwork, resilience, interpersonal skills, and setting a routine.
Meditation- Meditation is the practice of clearing and focusing one’s mind through a variety of physical and mental techniques, enabling us to be mindful and just live in the moment. It encourages participants to let go of past traumas, stop worrying about the future, and feel the beauty of every second. Meditation cleanses the soul and the mind, making you feel relaxed and secure.
Nutrition therapy- In nutrition therapy, a nutritionist discusses diet changes that can contribute to overall health and recovery. The participants are taught which foods can be harmful and which can be healing, allowing them to make informed food choices for life.
Art therapy- Art is used as a means of expression and communication, allowing participants to process and share difficult emotions without having to verbalize them. It can include drawing, painting, sculpting, and even dancing and poetry.
Equine therapy- Through equine therapy, people recovering from addiction take care of and build a relationship with horses. Besides reducing stress, anxiety, and loneliness and increasing self-esteem, it can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Is Holistic Recovery Effective?
Conventional therapies and modalities, such as group therapy, one-on-one therapy, rehab centers, and 12-step programs, are monitored, researched, and evidence-based. On the other hand, holistic methods usually haven’t been proven by science to be effective either because no research has been conducted or because the results have remained inconclusive. The topic of conventional therapies vs. holistic methods has been widely debated, and most professionals believe that holistic methods can be very useful, but only if used as a complement to medical detox and rehab, which has been researched and proven to be successful.
Nevertheless, many outpatient and residential treatment facilities incorporate several holistic methods alongside traditional therapies to assist in the recovery process. Taking a holistic approach to addiction treatment can help people feel more comfortable in a rehab center, and it provides complementary skills, resources, and other benefits to support the recovery process.
Holistic Treatment Centers
Today, there are many holistic treatment centers for addiction all over the United States. At Avenues Recovery, we combine conventional treatment modalities with varied holistic healing methods, including:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Yoga and meditation
- Nature therapy
- Equine therapy
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Grief therapy
Addiction is a chronic disease that does not disappear on its own. Whether you prefer conventional therapies or are open to incorporating holistic healing methods, Contact Avenues Recovery today to start your healing journey. We offer both traditional therapy methods and holistic methods to give you the best chance at recovery. Our experienced addiction counselors have helped thousands find happiness, peace, and serenity, and you deserve that too!
Sources
[1] ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[2] waldenu.edu