In addition to traditional addiction treatments, there is a growing recognition of the benefits of a holistic approach to recovery. Holistic rehab focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit, addressing not only the physical symptoms of addiction but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects that contribute to substance misuse.
At Avenues Recovery, we recognize the power of this comprehensive approach and offer a variety of holistic therapies as part of our rehab programs. These have helped many individuals on their journey to long-term recovery.
What Is Holistic Rehab?
Holistic rehab is a treatment approach that focuses on healing the whole person, mind, body, and soul, believing that overall well-being must be treated to overcome addiction. As such, holistic methods are often incorporated into traditional therapy modalities in holistic drug treatment 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 many treatments that help people heal spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally, rather than isolating the symptoms of an issue, negative behavior, or bad habits.
Unlike 12-step programs, holistic drug rehab is a more individualized approach that focuses on healing the whole person through personal empowerment, self-awareness, and a variety of therapies, rather than following a rigid, structured plan.
Benefits of Holistic Rehab
Holistic substance abuse treatment can be incorporated with conventional drug rehab therapies to produce a better, more long-lasting result than traditional therapies alone. It is not recommended to engage in holistic methods without accompanying conventional therapies.
The benefits of holistic rehab 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.
Additionally, holistic recovery is beneficial for those with a dual diagnosis, as it addresses both the mental health issues driving addiction and the addiction itself. It offers healthy coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and trauma, while providing compassionate support for long-term healing.
How Does Holistic Rehab Work?
Holistic rehab recognizes that addiction often stems from deeper emotional or psychological issues, so recovery involves addressing these root causes alongside the physical symptoms. A holistic recovery approach incorporates various treatments which contribute to a person’s overall well-being. For example, a person recovering from addiction may engage in meditation to manage stress and anxiety, attend group therapy to address underlying emotional issues, and follow a new diet plan to restore their physical health. By combining mental health support, physical health improvements, and self-care techniques, individuals are equipped with the tools they need to stay sober and make lasting changes in their lives. Holistic drug rehab emphasizes long-term wellness by teaching individuals how to manage stress, rebuild self-confidence, and restore balance in their lives.
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. Yoga is practiced in holistic addiction treatment centers to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It encourages concentration and mindfulness, which are great skills for people who are recovering from drug addiction.
Acupuncture
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.
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 live in the present moment. In holistic substance abuse treatment centers, 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 holistic drug treatment centers, 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
In holistic rehabilitation, art therapy 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.
Fitness Therapy
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.
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 Rehab at Avenues Recovery
Addiction is a powerful disease that requires a comprehensive, personalized approach to overcome. At Avenues Recovery, we understand that healing is not one-size-fits-all. Our holistic rehab program combines the best of both conventional treatment and alternative healing practices to address the mind, body, and spirit.
Now is the time to make the change you've been waiting for. Whether you're seeking traditional therapy or are open to exploring holistic approaches to rehab, we are here to help. Our team of experienced addiction counselors has guided thousands of individuals toward a life of recovery, peace, and fulfillment.
Contact Avenues Recovery now to begin your transformative journey toward a brighter, sober future. You deserve to reclaim your life. We're ready to help you every step of the way, offering holistic drug and alcohol treatment tailored to your unique needs.