Holistic Addiction Therapies
Holistic Therapies are being utilized more and more in addiction treatment. Holistic means “whole person” which encompasses the mind, body, spirit, and soul. In order to overcome addiction, it is important that all of these components of a person are brought into alignment.
Holistic addiction therapies are utilized in conjunction with traditional treatment practices like individual therapy, group therapy, trauma-informed care, and family therapy.
At LA Outpatient, we utilized a number of holistic addiction therapies within our outpatient treatment programs. Our therapies focus on the individual’s overall well-being, while also treating the physical symptoms of addiction and withdrawal.
Types of Holistic Therapies
According to many recent scientific studies, there has been dramatically improved success rates with addiction when holistic therapies are utilized in conjunction with a traditional treatment plan. Addiction treatment centers offer a variety of holistic therapies that may include nature, exercise, meditation, yoga, and nutrition.
Some of the main therapies include:
Exercise and Recreational Therapy:
An important part of a holistic approach to recovery is being in nature. It’s important that people recover in a safe and serene environment. Holistic approaches may include hiking and other opportunities that allow individuals to connect with nature.
Daily exercise is also important in relieving stress and strengthening the body. Some addiction treatment centers have full gyms, pools, and other strength-based offerings to help clients learn the importance of moving their body. Other activities may include rock-climbing, surf therapy, kayaking, paddleboarding, and horseback riding.
Nutritional Therapy:
It is important to replenish the body with nutrients, amino-acids, and healthy foods. Many times, people who suffer from addiction do not have proper nutrition. Nutritional therapy helps individuals uncover the importance of healthy eating to promote healing. Nutritional therapy helps by dealing with the chemical imbalances that are both a cause of substance abuse and a result of long term addiction.
Meditation:
There are many different types of meditations which all work to provide a sense of peace and promote relaxation and mental clarity. It’s important for people recovering from addiction to learn how to quiet the mind. Guided meditation is a large component of many holistic therapies. Breath work is also a component of meditation which works to give the mind something with which to occupy itself and tricks It into shutting down for a few minutes. With a two-stage breath technique, the brain calms itself and allows individuals to experience what it’s like to be connected.
Massage and Bodywork:
Massage helps to relieve stress and relax the body, which in turn, can relax the mind. Both massage and bodywork address the mind, body, and spirit by offering the possibility of healing and change on many levels. Through the body, there is a release of tension and improved energy balance and flow. With the mind, it allows individuals an opportunity to explore deeper levels of relaxation and peace.
Yoga:
Yoga is a form of meditation and exercise that uses physical postures and controlled breaking to lengthen the spine, increase flexibility, calm the mind, improve concentration, and promote patient. Yoga is known to be highly effective for individuals recovering from substance-use. Yoga contributes to a greater sense of control which allows an individual to manage cravings, anger, anxiety, and insomnia.
In holistic addiction therapies, the individual is just as responsible for his or her well-being as the teacher. Additional types of holistic therapies include:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Creative Arts Therapy
- Herbal therapy
- Homeopathy
- Hypnosis
- Qigong
- Journaling
- Pet Therapy
- Music Therapy
Holistic Therapies for Addiction Treatment
Holistic therapy programs treat the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and nutritional imbalances of an individual recovering from substance-use. Some of the main objectives include: increasing self-awareness, increasing self-confidence, controlling triggers and emotions, learning practice and routine, and identifying the underlying causes for addiction. Holistic addiction therapies allow flexibility and can cater to the individual needs of each client.
At LA Outpatient, we offer a wide variety of holistic therapies that can help you on your road to recovery. Please call LA Outpatient today to start your recovery at (818) 696-5019.