Investigating Holistic Methods for Treating Addiction ☑️

Defining holistic treatment

The “whole person” is considered, including environmental, psychological, and social aspects, rather than simply the physical ones, in a holistic approach to medicine. As a result, this strategy is now widely used by addiction treatment facilities across the West.
In other words, the goal of holistic addiction treatment is to treat the whole person by using approaches that target the psychological, physiological, spiritual, and social dimensions of recovery.

Different types of holistic treatments

Different types of holistic treatments
Addiction treatment that takes a holistic approach takes into account the whole person, including their body, mind, and soul. The following are some typical holistic methods of treatment:

Investigating Holistic Methods for Treating Addiction

Acupuncture

Addiction treatment using acupuncture is a common holistic approach. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practise that involves putting very thin needles into the skin at strategic places. Only a trained expert should perform acupuncture, yet many health insurance plans pay for it since it is considered a legitimate therapy option.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is widely used to address the underlying psychological causes of addiction. Hypnosis is a phrase for a therapeutic or self-induced altered state of heightened concentration. When under hypnosis, a person’s mind is more open to suggestions that help them achieve their goals.
Some patients have reported success while using hypnosis in conjunction with more conventional methods of addiction therapy, suggesting that hypnosis may not be successful on its own.

Massage therapy

Because of its relaxing and calming effects, massage therapy is effective in treating a wide range of conditions. The American Psychological Association claims that stress lowers the body’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to illness.
Massage treatment has been shown to alleviate some of the psychological withdrawal symptoms associated with substance abuse.

Art therapy

The emotional terrain that often accompanies early recovery work can be difficult to navigate, but art therapy can help. Art therapy has also been shown to lessen patients’ resistance to treatment, lessen their feelings of shame, and increase their motivation to make positive life changes.

Yoga

Restoring health can be aided by the low-impact physical exercise that yoga can provide. In order to maintain several yoga positions, concentration on the “here and now” is essential. Yoga breathing techniques are not only useful during yoga practise, but may be applied anywhere stressful situations arise.

Mindfulness meditation

Being able to deal with the stresses of daily life without resorting to drugs or alcohol is a major benefit of practising mindfulness and meditation. Improved mental health is another benefit of meditating on the present moment.

The effectiveness of holistic approaches to addiction treatment

One of the major tenets of holistic medicine is the idea that illness results from an internal or external disharmony. Addiction is one way people deal with emotional pain when their lives become unbalanced.
When people’s lives are brought back into harmony, not only are they able to overcome their addictions, but they can go on to have fulfilling and fruitful lives.
The strategy for treating substance abuse also requires more equilibrium. Health practitioners in rehabilitation facilities need to recognise that while addiction is a physical illness, it also has social and psychological components.
The benefits of holistic treatment methods are widely acknowledged in the West, and many inpatient rehabilitation facilities now include them in their treatment plans.

Some benefits of holistic treatments in addiction therapy

Each advantage of holistic treatment in recovery feeds into the next, so it’s important to keep that in mind as you weigh the options. Developing positive methods of dealing with adversity is just one advantage.
Developing positive coping mechanisms has many positive effects, not the least of which is a rise in confidence.
Gaining confidence is important for both getting sober and staying sober, as low self-esteem can be a contributing factor to substance usage.
Other positive outcomes of holistic approaches to addiction treatment include:

Reduced stress levels

One of the primary causes of substance abuse is stress. Patients will need to learn new coping mechanisms as part of their recovery process, however, once they begin treatment. Stress can be safely and naturally alleviated with the help of holistic therapies.

Prevention of relapse

Addiction recovery relies heavily on the ability to avoid relapse. The rate of relapse can be lowered by using a holistic approaches.
Many people may no longer feel the immediate need to use substances to feel better if they employ these methods to reduce stress and establish new coping abilities. Finding meaning and fulfilment in one’s life is another goal of holistic treatment that can aid in avoiding relapse.

We also take a look at how family members can support a loved one in recovery.