When drug and alcohol addiction victims seek medication, most limit their search to traditional programs. However, there is much more to traditional rehabilitation than just abstinence-based treatments and 12-step models.
Dig a little deeper, and you will discover a myriad of facilities being marketed as a holistic alcohol detox clinic in the city near you.
Holistic therapy is becoming an increasingly popular addiction treatment choice due to its ability to treat the patient’s physical, psychological, and spiritual needs.
Unfortunately, not everyone understands holistic therapy and how it can be applied to addiction treatment.
This can be attributed to the fact that holistic therapy is a relatively new concept in the addiction treatment space, and there are still a lot of misconceptions about it.
To help you better understand holistic therapy for addiction treatment, we explore how it works, its benefits, and much more. Read on to learn more.
Holistic Therapy: Overview
Holistic therapy is designed to take care of all parts of a patient, not just their physical body or mind. The process looks at everything in a patient’s life that has been impacted by addiction, including the causes and consequences.
What has been the effect of the addiction on their social life? What factors contributed to the addiction? What lifestyle changes are necessary to prevent relapse?
Holistic therapy pays attention to all areas for successful recovery. The primary objective is to look after the patient’s emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
This includes exploring the patient’s sense of identity, purpose in life, values, beliefs, etc., to get a holistic view of the person so that therapists can better treat them and help them draw from their own inner strengths and resources to overcome addiction.
However, despite massive differences between traditional and holistic therapy, the goal remains the same. Both aim to help you overcome addiction and lead a sober lifestyle.
Examples of holistic therapies include guided meditation, acupuncture, yoga, proper nutrition, spiritual therapy, art therapy, life skills development, breathing exercises, and mindfulness-based therapy.
Poor diet, lack of sleep, and emotional stress are some of the potential obstacles in holistic therapy.
While these plans are generally flexible and gentle, some programs may involve complex, rigorous activities that require help from professionals.
Holistic therapy generally utilizes five elements in the provision of treatment and care. The elements are:
- Physical: Sleep, nutrition, healthy behaviors, and fitness.
- Spiritual: Connecting with oneself and finding purpose
- Intellectual: Skill building, plan development, and establishing boundaries
- Emotional: Emotional balance, processing feelings safely, healthy coping ability
- Social: Building safe relationships, creating sober networks, stopping isolation
Holistic Therapy for Addiction Treatment
Holistic therapy encompasses different treatments focusing on the mind, body, and spirituality. So, how does this all come together in addiction treatment?
The first step is for a therapist to understand the patient’s history, including their physical and psychological condition and any spiritual beliefs they may have.
In traditional therapy, these topics aren’t touched at all even though they play a crucial role in recovery.
The therapist will then create a personalized treatment plan to help the patient become more self-aware and identify the underlying causes of their addiction that need to be addressed.
The combination of traditional therapy methods, holistic techniques, and lifestyle changes is designed to reduce cravings, increase motivation for recovery, and improve overall well-being.
Some of the main forms of therapy in holistic treatment include the following:
1. Mindfulness meditation
The brain is one the most powerful tools at your disposal, given its ability to maintain clarity under pressure. Mindfulness meditation seeks to help patients focus on the present moment and become more mindful of their thoughts.
This helps them identify negative or toxic thought patterns that can lead to relapse. Practicing mindfulness meditation also provides a sense of peace, essential for long-term recovery.
2. Yoga
Yoga classes are typically used to reduce stress levels and help patients develop a sense of inner peace and balance.
Whether you’re engaging in meditation, breathing exercises, or postures, yoga can help you become more aware of yourself and your body.
With time, this helps you better understand how to manage stress, control impulses, and deal with negative thoughts without resorting to drugs or alcohol.
3. Massage and acupuncture
Massage and acupuncture relieve stress and relax the body as part of holistic treatment. The primary goal is to promote emotional and physical relaxation. Acupuncture can also be used to restore balance after long struggles with addiction.
4. Exercise and recreational therapy
Daily exercise can play a critical role in relieving stress, building routine, and strengthening your body. Physical exercise is an essential part of holistic treatment programs.
However, the physical activities recommended vary from facility to facility. They may include horse riding, rock climbing, running, hiking, daily walks, or canoeing.
Many facilities also include some form of gym membership to help build healthy habits. These activities help to keep your body active and can also provide a sense of accomplishment when you complete them.
5. Nutrition therapy
Good nutrition helps your body and mind to heal and grow stronger.
Eating nutritious meals regularly can help detoxify the body, restore balance in brain chemistry, improve sleep quality, reduce stress levels, and boost overall wellness.
Holistic therapy also involves educating patients about proper nutrition so they can make healthier lifestyle choices when they leave treatment and continue with sobriety.
6. Art therapy
Art therapy also plays a crucial role in holistic treatment since it helps patients express their emotions in ways that words cannot, helping them gain control over addiction.
Drawing, painting, or sculpting enables you to explore the inner workings of your mind without having to talk about it with someone else.
This type of therapy is great for improving self-esteem, expressing yourself in healthy ways and gaining insight into who you are as a person and what you stand for.
Holistic Therapy Benefits
The primary benefits of holistic therapy include:
- Improved physical health: Holistic therapies help improve nutrition, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall wellness.
- Improved mental health: Holistic therapy helps to build resilience and provide psychological support while improving mental health.
- Improved spiritual awareness: These therapies help to identify beliefs and values that can be used as a source of motivation for recovery.
- Increased self-awareness: Holistic therapies help to develop a better understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to make healthier lifestyle choices.
- A deeper understanding of your dependency: Holistic therapy allows you to explore and gain a deeper understanding of your roots and how they impact your addiction.
- Boosted self-esteem: Holistic therapy may help you grow as a person and accept yourself. Self-acceptance usually leads to greater self-confidence and a stronger sense of self-worth.
Find a Holistic Therapy Center for Addiction Treatment Today!
Many addiction treatment centers offer holistic therapy as part of their outpatient and inpatient treatment programs.
The philosophy behind holistic therapy is highly compatible with different forms of addiction treatment methods.
For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy pairs well with yoga and meditation sessions in teaching patients how to handle discomfort and manage stress.
At CCIWA, we help you find the right treatment center that offers holistic therapy as part of their recovery program. Contact us today to get started.
