Holistic Approaches for Addiction Recovery

The word holistic implies a whole-person approach to treatment. There is a corresponding focus on the mind, body, and spirit in holistic therapy for a comprehensive approach to recovery. Holistic methods are also sometimes referred to as alternative or complementary treatments. Applying a holistic approach allows the individual to improve psychologically and physically. Holistic methods promote a sense of personal gratification during treatment, where it becomes a powerful motivator to keep going.

With holistic approaches, individuals can see improvements in their recovery and other areas in their lives. Some research has revealed that incorporating holistic methods in substance abuse treatment helps clients form a stronger sense of self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-identity. A holistic approach to addiction treatment should focus on decreasing addictive behaviors while effectively addressing a wide range of issues that contribute to the development of addiction.

Types of Holistic Treatments

Holistic methods provide individuals with a connection to the mind, body, and spirit. It is essential to understand why a person continually abuses alcohol or drugs, and the healing cannot begin until the reasons reveal themselves. Therefore, instead of treating the addiction separately from the person, holistic approaches focus on healing the whole individual by breaking down barriers they might not even realize were there.

There are various types of holistic treatments, including:

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation can help clients learn to relax, which is an important skill to obtain in recovery. According to the American Psychological Association's publication “Mindfulness Meditation: A Research-Proven Way to Reduce Stress,” mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, pain, anxiety, cravings, and physical pain related to chronic stress. We become accountable when we become mindful of our actions.

Playing the Drums

Drumming can improve recovery through stimulating relaxation. It can produce pleasant experiences and release emotional trauma. Research implies that drumming relieves self-centeredness and isolation and creates a sense of connection with the self and others.

Art Therapy

Art therapy can help individuals express buried emotions and provide a sense of independence while reducing stress, fear, and anxiety.

Music Therapy

Music therapy helps people handle emotional problems that they may associate with feeling overwhelmed. Music therapy allows individuals to put their problems in perspective. Music therapy can also help reveal any triggers that could cause a relapse.

Reiki Energy Healing

Reiki energy healing can help promote a calmer mind, creativity, improved memory, enhanced self-awareness, relief from trauma, and decreased anxiety or depression.

Practicing Yoga

Yoga helps improve awareness and focus because it is a mind and body practice. This practice teaches those recovering from addiction how to maintain the attentiveness required to remain mentally strong and focused. Yoga can also help reduce stress levels and anxiety and improve physical and mental health.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy promotes detoxification, reduces stress and chronic pain, releases endorphins, and improves self-awareness.

The Practice of Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help reduce stress levels and relieve withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture can also improve commitment and retention during substance abuse treatment.

Dance Therapy

Dance therapy can increase self-esteem by creating a healthy relationship with the body, giving the person strength to help overcome their addiction.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi can benefit those in recovery because it reduces stress and encourages overall health. This approach is also known as “meditation in motion.”

Nutritional Therapy

Nutritional therapy provides the body with proper nutrition to overcome biochemical and genetic deficiencies. When the brain receives the required nutrients to function, individuals feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Holistic Therapy for Addiction Treatment

Recovery centers like Present Moments Recovery integrate holistic practices and carefully consider a cohesive physical, mental, and spiritual guide to constructing an inclusive treatment program for substance use disorders. The comprehensive treatment plan we create helps ensure each client receives a firm foundation in recovery.

Holistic treatment programs support addiction treatment in a variety of ways. The calming and balancing properties that accompany holistic approaches can assist in fulfilling the main objectives of therapy, which include:

Recognizing the core causes of addiction
Strengthening resistance to cravings
Promoting physical health
Improving self-confidence
Reducing the allure of drug and alcohol use

Is a Holistic Approach Good for Everyone?

One of the core concepts of holistic therapy and addiction recovery is increasing wellness and becoming the best version of yourself. Because there are so many holistic treatment approaches for addiction, there are sure to be a variety of methods that can benefit everyone. The most successful treatment comes from a personalized treatment plan to meet all individualized needs. Treatment needs are understood through looking at substance abuse history, previous attempts with addiction treatment, co-occurring mental health issues, and personality. The best method to discover if holistic therapy is right for you is simply keeping an open mind.

Holistic approaches to addiction recovery focus on healing the entire being. Understanding why you choose to abuse alcohol or drugs is essential for long-term recovery. Your healing cannot happen until those reasons are revealed. Aligning the mind, body, and spirit will break down barriers to reach the core of the addiction. If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol or drug abuse, Present Moments Recovery is here to help you. In San Diego, California, Present Moments Recovery offers treatment programs that incorporate holistic methods with evidence-based treatments. Our family-run treatment center provides a relaxing and home-like environment and specializes in establishing a firm foundation in addiction recovery. Present Moments Recovery believes healing can only happen in the present moment. You cannot change what is happening around you until you start changing what is within you. Call us today and learn more about the treatment options we have to offer at (619) 363-4767.