We all know that addiction is a difficult disease to deal with. It’s been estimated that over 20 million people in the United States alone face at least one addiction and many of them suffer from long-term health problems because of it. Some of the most impactful options for treatment are holistic approaches. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most promising holistic options for addiction treatment.
Why Consider Holistic Treatments for Addiction?
There are many reasons to consider holistic options for addiction treatment. Holistic options offer a more comprehensive and individualized approach to treatment that can address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction. They also emphasize self-care and provide opportunities for participants to learn new skills and build supportive relationships. Because these treatments are based on the premise that sober living is a holistic approach to wellness and not just the absence of drugs, they can help people develop lasting recovery skills.
Best Holistic Treatment Options
There are many emerging holistic treatments offered at rehabs all over the country. Here are some of the most common:
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is now being offered at many rehabs as an effective treatment for addiction. Massages can help reduce stress, muscle tension, and pain that may be caused by substance abuse. In fact, massage has been shown to relieve anxiety in patients with a variety of health conditions including cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.
Meditation & Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness meditation and training can be effective in helping people manage stress, anxiety, and cravings. Mindfulness teaches individuals how to focus on the present moment without judgment. This type of training can help people learn how to cope with difficult emotions and urge without using drugs or alcohol. It is also one of the best ways to help recovering addicts connect with themselves and consider the root causes of their addictions.
Yoga
Yoga is a mind and body exercise that combines stretching, strength training, and breathing exercises. Yoga has been shown to be an effective treatment for addiction, anxiety, depression, and pain. It can help people learn how to focus on their body and connect with their breath which can help reduce stress and cravings. Not only is it good for the body, but it’s also a great way to relax the mind. Â But if you are having a hard time focusing due to your addiction, you can ask for help from a yoga instructor who has undergone yoga teacher training.
Creative Arts Therapy
Creative arts therapy is a type of therapy that uses creative expression as a way to help people explore and process their thoughts and feelings. This type of therapy can be helpful for people who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. It can also be used to help people access memories, emotions, and thoughts that may be difficult to express in words. Creative arts therapies can include activities such as painting, drawing, sculpting, writing, and music therapy.
Equine Therapy
Equine therapy is a type of holistic treatment that uses horses as therapeutic tools to help people work through their challenges. This type of approach can be useful for treating addiction because it allows participants to interact with animals in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. It provides opportunities for socialization, teamwork, goal setting, problem-solving skills development, and leadership training.
There are many holistic options for addiction treatment available today. These treatments can provide a more tailored approach to treatment that can address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction. They also emphasize self-care and provide opportunities for participants to learn new skills and build supportive relationships. Because these treatments focus on the mind, body, and spirit, they have a higher likelihood of creating a successful healing process.
