Many drug treatment facilities feature the essential care and treatment services that help addicts address and overcome their substance abuse issues. The combination of individual and group therapy, life and coping skills training, medical detoxification and relapse prevention education has proven to be effective in helping those addicted to drugs and alcohol achieve and maintain meaningful recovery. While these services are evidence-based and proven to work, there may be some addicts who may need alternative or more holistic-based therapies to achieve the breakthrough they desire.
Over the past few years, drug treatment centers have been implementing holistic-based treatment and therapy methods as part of their drug and alcohol treatment programming. Holistic treatment embraces the concept of overall wellness and healing the mind, body and spirit. If the body is in perfect balance and harmony, all of the underlying roots of addiction can be addressed and the addict has a better chance and experiencing lifelong recovery. There are a wide variety of holistic therapies that can provide those in recovery immense benefits, and they serve as a perfect compliment to traditional therapy.
Are you looking for a drug and alcohol treatment center that offers quality holistic therapy options as part of an overall drug treatment program? Pick up the phone and call First Steps Recovery toll-free today.
5 Common Types of Holistic Therapy Used For Addiction Treatment
There are a myriad of holistic therapies that drug rehab facilities use in order to help those struggling with addiction find health and happiness. The following are five types of holistic therapythat are used in addiction treatment.
Acupuncture
One of the most common types of holistic therapy utilized by addiction treatment centers is acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapeutic technique that has been gaining popularity in addiction treatment. When this technique is used, it is believed to balance the flow of energy or qi throughout the body. When this “life force” is able to flow freely, the whole body will be in balance. By inserting acupuncture needles into certain places on the skin, it stimulates certain areas of the body and allows greater relaxation, improves circulation, relieves pain and stimulates vital organs in order to help the body repair and restore itself.
Meditation
Another popular holistic therapy option available at many drug treatment centers is meditation. Meditation is simply the art of mindfulness and bringing your awareness to the present. Whether you learn simple mindful mediation techniques such as breath focusing or more involved disciplines such as Vipassana or Transcendental meditation, these practices help substance abusers become more in tune with their thoughts and feelings—whether good and bad. Meditation also helps people acknowledge negative thoughts but not follow through in acting on those thoughts. Additionally, practicing meditation is an excellent way help regulate mood. It can help lower the levels of stress hormone cortisol, increase immune system functioning, and assist in the body’s ability to detoxify itself of the toxic chemicals which can affect neurotransmitter receptors and alter mood.
Yoga
Yoga is the practice of bringing forth awareness to the present, but it adds a physical element in regards to its application. This holistic treatment option combines physical postures, breath control and meditation together in order to bring the mind, spirit and body together in harmony. With the use of learning the various physical postures in yoga, it teaches both bodily awareness and how to release those emotions that can keep one stuck in a certain pattern of behavior. This helps recovering addicts realize how the body, mind and spirit have become misaligned through the use of drugs and alcohol.
In regards to the focus of breath in yoga, it helps to strength the link between the circulatory and nervous systems. When breathing becomes more natural and free it helps the relaxation process, increases energy and helps detoxify the body. The mediation element in yoga helps with the development of self-awareness and they are better in tune with their environment. This can help the addict reduce the urges and cravings to use and helps them gain inner strength.
Animal/Pet Therapy
An increasing number of drug treatment centers are embracing animal and pet therapy, and it is becoming one of the most popular holistic treatment therapies. Animal and pet therapy works by helping those recovering from substance abuse focus outside of themselves by caring for something else. For those who champion animal or pet therapy, it is believed that by caring for a dependent creature, those who are in recovery will discover their nurturing side. As a result, they will be able to cultivate a deeper sense of what it means to be nurtured and loved themselves.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a common type of holistic treatment that encourages the addict to get outside him or herself through the process of nurturing or creating. In an addiction treatment setting, art therapy can help build self-esteem and self-confidence. Additionally, an increasing number of studies have shown that art therapy can reduce relapse rates for several psychiatric disorders while music therapy can lower depression, stress, anxiety, and anger in patients attending rehab for substance abuse.
Holistic Therapy Can Be Give You the Breakthough You Need
When you are looking for an drug and alcohol rehab facility, finding one with proven holistic therapy options can provide the extra support and motivation you need to truly succeed in recovery. First Steps Recovery Center offers a wide variety of holistic therapy and treatment methods that can help you dig deeper to the underlying root causes of your addiction. As with more traditional therapy, our experienced treatment staff can find the perfect combination of holistic therapy options that will best suit your specific needs. With the holistic treatment programs that we offer at First Steps Recovery, you can give yourself a better chance at realizing your goal of lifelong recovery.
To learn more our holistic therapy programs as well as our other treatment services, call First Steps Recovery and speak to our experienced staff. Recovery is closer than you think.
