6 Benefits of Holistic Addiction Treatment

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Addiction is a severe issue that affects people of all age groups, whether adolescents, young or adults. The addiction can be to alcohol, drugs, or any other substance. Recovery from addiction is not easy; people who fall into the pit of alcohol or drug addiction may find it challenging to overcome it, but once a person decides to leave behind their addiction and get back to a new everyday life, many doors open towards recovery. The primary treatment options for any addiction recovery are detoxification, therapies, and medications. However, in most recent years, one more treatment option has been in the increasing trend, which is holistic addiction treatment.

Most addiction treatment programs usually include various traditional methods consisting of individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, and aftercare planning. Slowly, individuals are recognizing the benefits of treating addiction with the help of holistic approaches. As a result, the practice of holistically treating addiction has grown, and numerous treatment centers offer the process. With so many treatment options, people with alcohol and drug addictions are better able to find rehabilitation centers that offer programs to address their unique and individual needs. However, the versatility of these recovery programs has not made them immune to criticism. Some feel that alcohol and drug rehab centers tend to overlook crucial components of the recovery process.

Going to rehab helps individuals to become sober and address the issues that led to their addictions, but most recovering addicts need more than counseling and group therapy to find meaning and purpose in sobriety. Holistic therapies are non-medicinal methods used to integrate traditional treatment practices. Holistic recovery aims to bring the mind, body, and spirit into alignment to improve healing outcomes. Holistic therapy aims on the addicted individual’s overall well-being while also treating the physical symptoms of addiction and withdrawal.

What Does ‘Holistic’ Mean?

Most people have heard the term ‘holistic’ or about holistic medicine, but many are often unsure as to what it means, sometimes confusing it with homeopathy. In practice, holistic care seeks to restore the patient to a state of total health instead of treating his or her symptoms. Therefore, an individual’s treatment regimen might include a much broader range of treatment – such as massage and chiropractic approaches, acupuncture, and acupressure, yoga, and meditation – in addition to more traditional methods of care.

Benefits of Holistic Addiction Treatment

1. Treating the Mind, Body, and Spirit

A holistic approach to treating addiction centers around the concept that an individual’s mind, body, and spirit must all be healthy for that person to have the most successful life they can experience. Instead of just treating the physical effects of addiction, this method combines every distinct part of an individual and ensures the health of mind, body, and spirit.

2. Traditional Therapies Remain the Foundation of Care

Many traditional methods have been used to treat addiction for decades. These tried-and-tested methods still form the basis of a holistic approach to substance abuse. These methods are expanded upon to incorporate treatment of all components for the person looking for help.

3. Holistic Approaches Provide a Caring and Compassionate Environment

Those who believe in holistic treatment options provide a safe, secure, and compassionate environment that encourages openness and healing. These individuals are trained and experienced in dealing with the challenges brought by addiction. They try to provide these interventions to support compassion and sympathy to the individuals struggling with addiction recovery.

4. Holistic Approaches Provide High Rates of Long-Term Success

Holistic approaches for treating addiction tend to result in better and long-term outcomes. A higher percentage of people experience a complete recovery with holistic treatment.

5. Holistic Treatments Provide Diverse Treatment Options

Holistic approaches use a variety of treatment options. For some people, these comforting facilities might seem like a non-essential component, but a holistic approach understands the importance of all body systems equally. Therefore, holistic programs often provide nutritional support, massage, fitness programs, meditation, outdoor programs, and much more.

6. Holistic Approaches Provide Quality Aftercare Programs and Follow-ups

The providers of holistic approaches for addiction recovery also know that an individual’s treatment does not end when he leaves their center. A successful holistic rehabilitation will offer a great deal of skilled follow-up and aftercare therapies. These programs will act as an additional means to support individuals from experiencing a devastating relapse.

Holistic Approaches in Addiction

The soothing effect of holistic techniques makes them ideal for treating addiction where those being treated are undergoing withdrawals, an emotional imbalance, and a lack of spiritual grounding. A holistic approach can make people feel more at ease and better able to cope with the challenges of recovering from addiction. Using a holistic approach to treat addiction helps those with addictions address the factors and behaviors that contributed to the habit itself, rather than just isolating the addictive behavior.

Common Holistic Treatment Options

Some of the holistic approaches that are usually used in the treatment of addiction include:

  • Yoga – Yoga helps to center the mind and body in the present moment.
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – the approach aims to address trauma, anxiety, and other factors that may be targeted.
  • Meditation and mindfulness – both methods are effective in managing intense emotions, cravings, and triggers.
  • Acupuncture – the system assists in easing the symptoms of withdrawal and improves energy and positivity.

While the above are some of the more well-known holistic approaches, several other holistic practices are growing in popularity for their effectiveness in addiction treatment:

  • Art therapy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Nutritional therapy
  • Ayurveda
  • Hypnosis
  • Guided meditation
  • Herbal therapy

Combining modern alcohol and drug treatments with holistic practices might be your best chance at getting your life back on track. Remember, treating the mind, body and spirit is key if you want to stay sober long term.

Sources


  1. https://desertcoverecovery.com/blog/benefits-holistic-addiction-treatment/
  2. https://wellnessretreatrecovery.com/the-benefits-of-holistic-addiction-treatment/
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Jennifer from the Mandala Healing Center is a passionate blogger who explores the field of addiction recovery. With the help of her blogs, she provides information and knowledge about various types of addiction recovery. You can connect with her on FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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