Holistic Therapy

Understanding Holistic Therapy

Holistic addiction therapies are non-medicinal recovery methods used to complement traditional treatment practices. Holistic recovery aims to bring the mind, body and spirit into alignment.

"Holistic therapy focuses on the individual’s overall well-being while also treating physical symptoms of addiction and withdrawal."

Treatment centers offering holistic therapy use exercise, meditation and nutrition to help people overcome their addiction.

Holistic therapies may include:

• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Guided meditation
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Spiritual therapy
• Routine exercise
• Proper nutrition
• Counseling
• Art therapy

Holistic Therapy for Addiction Treatment

Holistic therapy programs feature personalized, non-medical methods of addiction recovery. Holistic therapists treat physical and mental addiction symptoms as well as emotional and nutritional imbalances.

Lack of sleep, poor diet and emotional stress are all potential obstacles holistic therapy might help a recovering addict treat. Holistic therapy plans are flexible, catering to the needs of each individual.

Some of the main objectives of holistic therapy include:

• Identifying underlying causes of addiction
• Strengthening resistance to cravings
• Promoting physical fitness
• Increasing self-confidence
• Reducing the appeal of drug and alcohol use

Types of Holistic Addiction Therapies

Holistic therapy encompasses several different aspects of healthy living, from exercise to meditation.

Some of the main therapies include:

• Nutritional Therapy

  A healthy body is a key aspect of addiction recovery. Helping recovering addicts focus on proper nutrition provides tangible healing. Recovering addicts can start fresh and give their bodies the nutrition they need to overcome their addiction.

• Exercise and Recreational Therapy

  Daily exercise can help build routine, relieve stress and strengthen the body. Exercise is an important part of many holistic treatment centers. Activities vary from center to center, but some offer rock-climbing, canoeing, horseback-riding or hiking.

• Meditation

  In order to overcome their addiction, recovering addicts must have a clear mind. Guided meditation is an important part of many holistic treatment programs. Many centers also offer yoga and tai chi as meditative practices to help residents increase focus and clarity of mind.

• Massage and Acupuncture

  Helping to relieve stress and relax the body, massage is often used in holistic treatment therapy. Acupuncture is also used to help restore balance to an addict’s body after extended substance abuse.

The most effective holistic recovery programs build on traditional addiction treatment methods. Managing withdrawal symptoms from quitting alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants often requires medical supervision.

Common techniques paired with holistic methods include:

• Medically assisted detox
• Comprehensive medical care
• One-on-one mental health counseling

Many recovering addicts also attend 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous for emotional support.

Finding a Holistic Therapy Center for Addiction Treatment

Many drug rehab centers offer holistic therapy as part of their inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

The philosophy behind holistic therapy — finding and maintaining balance in all aspects of life — is compatible with many addiction treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy pairs well with meditation and yoga sessions in teaching recovering addicts how to manage stress.

"Learning to cope with emotional setbacks in a healthy way can help you avoid relapse."

When combined with medically supervised detox and mental health counseling, holistic therapies can help treat addictions of all severity levels. Treatment centers are available across the country, putting together recovery plans tailored to individual needs.

Contact us now to find a drug rehab center that offers holistic therapy.

• Sources

  Winkel B (2009). "Holistic Treatment for Substance Abuse." Treatment Solutions. Retrieved on July 24, 2015 http://www.treatmentsolutions.com/holistic-treatment-for-substance-abuse/

  "Holistic Psychotherapy" (2015). Retrieved on July 24, 2015 http://www.goodtherapy.org/holistic-psychotherapy.html#