Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction is a gradual process. It is a challenge that requires strength, determination, and perseverance. While traditional evidence-based treatment methods primarily focus on the physical aspect of addiction, holistic therapy focuses on the whole person. It considers the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of the person’s well-being, operating on the philosophy that all these facets are interconnected and should be balanced for true healing.
The Benefits of Holistic Therapy for Addiction Recovery
When used as part of recovery treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, holistic therapy addresses the psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction. This includes healing from trauma, managing stress and anxiety, addressing co-occurring mental health issues, and promoting overall wellness.
There are many ways holistic therapy is beneficial to those in addiction recovery. We review 11 of these benefits below.
1. Addresses the Whole Person: Holistic therapy considers every aspect of a person’s life and personality, addressing addiction’s root causes rather than just symptoms.
2. Offers a Non-Medical Approach: Many people suffering from substance abuse may develop resistance or allergies to medication. Holistic therapy uses natural methods such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, nutrition, etc. This approach reduces the risk of developing a dependency on another medication.
3. Teaches Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Activities like yoga, tai chi, and mindfulness exercises help people handle stress and anxiety better. This lessens the likelihood of turning to drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms.
4. Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms: Physical therapies like acupuncture, massage, and yoga can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. They can also improve overall physical health and wellness, which can be a motivating factor for maintaining sobriety.
5. Enhances Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem: Holistic therapy encourages introspection and self-understanding, which often leads to better self-esteem and a positive outlook on life. This increases motivation for recovery.
6. Encourages a Healthy Lifestyle: Many holistic treatments emphasize nutrition, exercise, and self-care practices like good sleep patterns and stress management. These healthy habits can contribute to better overall health, reducing the appeal of substances as a way to manage stress or escape reality.
7. Addresses Mental and Emotional Healing: Techniques like mindfulness meditation and counseling can help individuals understand the underlying issues contributing to their addiction. Many holistic therapies provide an outlet for expressing and processing emotions. For example, art or music therapy can allow individuals to express emotions they may not be able to articulate otherwise.
8. Improves Physical Health: Holistic therapies often involve physical activities that can help to improve physical strength, flexibility, and endurance, enhancing overall health.
9. Enhances Spiritual Wellness: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and reiki are often part of holistic therapy. They can provide a sense of peace and purpose, serving as an alternative to substance use.
10. Helps to Rebuild Relationships: By improving self-esteem and promoting emotional healing, holistic therapies often enable individuals to improve their relationships, leading to better support networks.
11. Promotes Lasting Recovery: Because holistic therapies deal with root causes and equip individuals with better-coping mechanisms, they may provide a more long-lasting recovery compared to approaches that deal with physical addiction alone.
You Do Not Have to Struggle Alone
Addiction to alcohol or drugs is a treatable, chronic brain disease. If you are struggling with addiction, do not let it continue to ruin your life. It is time to get the help you need. At English Mountain Recovery in eastern Tennessee, skilled professionals will help you regain control of your life. Using a combination of traditional and holistic treatments, we will provide the care and skills for recovery. We offer gender-specific treatment services for emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. Take the first step to sobriety. Contact us today.
