Holistic rehabs offer substance abuse treatment programs comprised of integrated, multidisciplinary treatments and therapies. So whereas traditional drug rehab programs would utilize primarily clinical approaches, holistic treatment addresses a wider variety of physical, psychological, and spiritual recovery needs. Traditional treatment centers use evidence-based therapies to treat substance abuse. Typically, a patient will begin treatment by undergoing supervised detox, where medical professionals will use a variety of prescribed medications to help mitigate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Once detox is complete, the patient will participate in regular individual and group therapy sessions, alongside additional counseling and skills training. Common forms of psychotherapy used in an addiction treatment setting include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Yoga-Based Addiction Treatment
Moreover, those who prefer a focus on overall well-being and self-discovery are often better aligned with holistic treatment programs. Yoga-based approaches integrate yoga practices and meditation into addiction treatment. People can develop greater self-awareness, learn how to cope with cravings, and build resilience.
Does Holistic Therapy Work?
A 2018 article indicates that available data suggests massage may decrease depressed mood and acute anxiety, though more research is needed on its effects on depression and anxiety. These drug rash and eruption are just a few examples of the many techniques that can make up holistic therapy. “A lot of holistic therapy is working with the body to regulate the nervous system,” Sumpf says.
Holistic Rehab vs. Traditional Rehab
Exercise also releases endorphins that the body may not be able to regulate on its own because of drug abuse, which can also help in mood disorders. In addition, establishing a habit of regular exercise during treatment sets up a new healthy coping strategy that people in recovery can rely on for life. There is no substantial evidence to suggest that holistic therapies like yoga or mindfulness can “cure” addiction by itself. However, they can help improve certain cognitive functions, and offer physical and emotional benefits. When we think about substance abuse treatment, we often focus on the clinical aspects. But treatment for addiction often entails more than clinical techniques, especially when the goal is to achieve lasting, stable recovery.
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According to the American Holistic Health Association, holistic medicine educates clients and encourages them to activelyparticipate in their own recovery. Through the holistic philosophy,individuals suffering from addiction learn to protect many areas of their health. Some of them focus on the physical aspects of healing but support mental and emotional wellness in the process. It applies both sets of principles in combination to address issues of family dynamics, addiction, mental health issues, and personal empowerment. It may be a particularly helpful guide for clients to determine which treatment options are best for them, what they are most comfortable with, and what the risks/benefits of each might be.
In other words, it’s combining mental and emotional health with physical and spiritual aspects of experience. It involves “bringing all layers and aspects of our clients into the therapy and mental health space,” says holistic therapist Lenaya Smith Crawford. We’re answering those essential questions in our ultimate guide to holistic treatment for addiction.
Through these programs, families can learn healthy communication skills, parenting skills, and knowledge on how to best support one another. Instead of fitting themselves into 2c drug effects of 2c a program, patients can choose holistic therapies that fit their needs. In fact, there’s clear evidence that holistic therapies are quite effective in a clinical setting.
As many of the treatment modalities used in holistic rehab programs are considered complementary or alternative medicine, only certain health insurance companies may provide reimbursement for them. While holistic addiction treatment has many benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. If you’re considering the pros and cons of holistic treatment, here are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. These rehab programs prioritize the role of a balanced diet in addiction recovery and educate clients about the impact of nutrition on their physical and mental health.
Also knownas essential oil therapy, aromatherapy often uses various essential oils to increase relaxation and reduce stress. Through art therapy, people can help managebehaviors, assuage emotional conflict, increase self-awareness and develop social skills. This may involve incorporating a combination of traditional and holistic therapies, as well as utilizing technology to monitor progress and provide ongoing support throughout the recovery journey. Recreational and leisure activities have consistently been found to promote positive emotions, provide a buffer against stress, and promote general mental and emotional wellbeing (Takiguchi et al., 2022). Massage uses a mixture of light and heavy pressure to release physical pain, tightness, and discomfort. Research has shown that massage also has the ability to decrease depression and anxiety (Vickers et al., 2018).
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at All Addiction Resource content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible. alcohol withdrawal The strong bond formed with animals can also help people struggling with addiction develop empathy. By fostering a deeper connection to one’s inner self, clients can make healthier choices and learn to manage triggers.
These groups provide an opportunity for family members to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges and gain valuable insights and support. These activities can help families understand addiction and provide support for their loved one’s recovery. Scientific research and clinical experience in recent decades have made clear that contrary to long-held traditional beliefs about treating addiction, one size definitely does not fit all. This guide can provide ideas and supplemental forms of treatment for any clinician to use. This comprehensive book reviews an extensive list of potential methods of healing from a natural and holistic perspective.
Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. Physical activity can work as a relapse prevention tool by increasing feel-good chemicals in the brain. Exercise also adds structure to your life, which is beneficial during early recovery. Holistic therapies can increase the likelihood of recovery when combined with traditional methods.1 But there is little conclusive evidence for this available at this time. Whether you’re looking for a specific type of rehab treatment, substance-related information or additional guides, here are some of our most popular and recommended resources. More medications, holistic practitioners maintain, can equate to lengthier periods of toxicity and only postpone the experience and full benefits of being completely drug-free.
The belief is that adding additional chemicals into the body through medications keeps the body in a state of toxicity, therefore, delaying the benefits of being completely drug-free. The philosophy behind holistic therapy — finding and maintaining balance in all aspects of one’s life — is compatible with many forms of substance use disorder and addiction treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy pairs well with meditation and yoga sessions in teaching how to manage stress and handle discomfort.
Treatments such as EMDR and Sensorimotor therapy help individuals reprocess and heal past traumas, which may be the root cause of addiction. Guided meditation helps those in recovery clear their mind of stresses and triggers while improving focus and overall well-being. Clients engage in activities like grooming, riding, and caring for the horses, building confidence, patience, and other skills that aid in recovery and living a healthy life. This is an alternative type of therapy that incorporates interactions with horses to promote emotional healing and personal growth. Addiction affects many aspects of a person’s health.According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction can cause problems to the cardiovascular, respiratoryand musculoskeletal systems. Support groups for families offer a safe space for sharing experiences, learning from others, and finding encouragement during the recovery process.
- A 2017 systemic review and meta-analysis indicates that meditation might have a small effect on chronic pain and improve depression symptoms.
- Continuing the holistic treatments and practices learned in rehab, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and meditation, can help people stay hopeful and focused on their sobriety.
- Hypnosis is also known as hypnotherapy and involves an altered state of awareness and an increase in relaxation and focus.
- Enhance wellbeing with these free, science-based exercises that draw on the latest insights from positive psychology.
After an initial assessment, a holistic therapist will create a treatment plan in collaboration with the client. This treatment plan might use a variety of holistic approaches to enhance the mind–body–spirit connection and improve wellbeing. Through our comprehensive network of partnerships all, who are in recovery and those loving someone in active addiction, can receive the support they need to enjoy a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
The human spine contains neurotransmitters, which carry information and signals between the brain and the rest of the body. By adjusting the spine, chiropractors can correct these misalignments, allowing neurotransmitters to send the right signal at the right time. When neurotransmitters are functioning properly, it’s easier for patients to resist drug cravings, thus improving their chances of long-term recovery. Another alternative treatment approach is art therapy, which can encompass many forms of expression and creative outlets to facilitate emotional expression and self-discovery. Or it can refer to a specific approach that has helped people recover but is not yet backed by enough research to be considered proven, like acupuncture, yoga, or art therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essences naturally extracted from plants to promote a healthier body, mind and spirit.