Holistic Addiction Treatment

What Does Holistic Mean?

Holistic Treatment

Holistic treatment acknowledge the complexity of addiction by striving to heal the mind, body, and spirit.

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Actually, holistic treatment isn’t one particular offering. Holistic treatment is an umbrella term for a number of treatment options.

Holistic means taking a whole, well-rounded approach to care. This makes sense because it comes from the Greek word holos, which means whole.

How Holistic Addiction Rehab Programs Are Different

By addressing the body, mind, and spirit, holistic rehab programs acknowledge that addiction is a condition that affects many aspects of people’s lives, not just their bodies.

In the past, addiction treatment primarily focused on healing the body. That’s important because addiction can ravage the body and can create physical consequences that can be uncomfortable, painful, or even fatal.

But treatment is needed to address more than the body because addiction also affects the mind and spirit, and holistic treatment recognizes and offers usable tools to address that.

Holistic Techniques for Substance Use Disorder Treatment

What does holistic mean in terms of treating substance use disorder and addiction? It means not only addressing the body but also acknowledging the mind and the spirit or soul.

When used for addiction recovery, holistic care utilizes practices that take multidimensional approaches to heal from drug or alcohol addiction. Often, centers use more than one of these approaches or combine them with other treatment options. To provide holistic care, rehab facilities and programs incorporate practices such as

• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Art and music therapy
• Exercise
• Neurofeedback
• Massage
• Meditation
• Psychotherapy
• Nutritional Therapy
• Biofeedback and neurofeedback

Physical and Mental Wellness

Some people have anxiety, depression, or other mental illness. They use drugs and alcohol to cope with their struggles, only to become addicted while their mental conditions grow worse. Other people might abuse drugs and alcohol and find that this substance use disorder triggers a mental illness.

When someone has an addiction and another mental illness such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, they have a condition known as a dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorder, or comorbidity. This is a complex yet common condition that affected 9.5 million adults in the United States in 2019, which increased from 8.1 million adults in 2015.

Rehab centers and programs aim to treat both conditions. Otherwise, a person who has only received assistance for addiction might not know what to do if they experience a panic attack or symptoms of anxiety. Or a person who has received assistance to treat depression might continue to struggle with a drinking problem that ultimately makes them depressed again.

Mental illnesses and addiction are both complex diseases of the brain and body. Treating the brain, body, and spirit increases a person’s likelihood of healing. Holistic treatment aims to do that.

Types of Holistic Addiction Therapies

Acupuncture is one example of a holistic addiction therapy. So are yoga, music and art therapy, journal writing (also known as journaling), massages, hypnotherapy, exercise, and other approaches.

Biofeedback and neurofeedback are two therapies that could aid in addiction therapy. The processes measure bodily responses and use them to help people heal. The idea is that when people are able to see how their bodies react to situations, they can begin to recognize how they feel and take steps to change the physical reaction, thus changing the emotional or mental reaction.

Different biofeedback and neurofeedback procedures work in different ways.

One neurofeedback approach is also known as EEG biofeedback or Neurotherapy. During this approach, professionals place electrodes on a patient’s scalp. The electrodes are connected to a computer that uses software to monitor when the patient’s brain waves are of the wanted frequency and then send signals to the patient.

Such signals encourage patients to keep thinking and doing the same things to regulate their brain waves. They could encourage people to shift their thoughts away from cravings and anxiety and instead focus on the present.

Yoga and Meditation

Meditation and yoga also encourage people to focus on the present. They’re also holistic approaches used by a growing number of addiction treatment centers.

Yoga is holistic because it addresses the mind, body, and spirit.

It encourages participants to try a variety of poses, stretches, and breathing exercises. These activities can help people focus only on their poses and breath, which allows them to clear their minds while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

They can also help people sleep better. Withdrawal and early recovery can affect a person’s sleep. Researchers have found that people are five to ten times more likely to have some sort of sleep problem during recovery.

Since people sometimes use alcohol or drugs to treat sleep problems, insomnia could lead to relapses. Yoga might prevent such negative outcomes.

Sometimes people use meditation while they’re practicing yoga. Meditation often encourages people to focus on their breathing or other actions while minimizing other stimuli.

Meditation is a holistic practice that incorporates mindfulness. It urges people to be mindful of what they’re currently experiencing while not attaching importance to any other thoughts and feelings that may arise.

One study examined 19 randomized controlled trials of people who practiced mindfulness and were actively in a substance use. Researchers found that mindfulness techniques reduced substance use in 15 of the trials and reduced cravings in five of the trials.

Mindfulness and meditation teach people that cravings are natural and that they shouldn’t judge themselves for having them. Instead, people can recognize that they’re uncomfortable, note what they’re thinking and feeling, and be compassionate with themselves.

Nutrition in Recovery

Proper nutrition is another way recovering people can be compassionate with themselves. Healthy food and nutritional advice are important holistic offerings at several addiction rehabilitation treatment centers.

People with addictions often don’t eat properly and experience poor nutrition for a number of reasons. They could be:

• Using substances that reduce or increase their appetites
• Having cravings that prompt them to eat junk food instead of healthier options
• Consuming substances that damage their teeth, making it difficult to eat
• Spending money on drugs or alcohol instead of food
• Experiencing vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to the substance use

Due to such factors, malnourishment and weight loss are common in addiction. Scholars have found that 24 percent of people who entered detoxification programs “exhibited mild to moderate malnutrition.”

Similarly, as many as 70 percent of people who enter detoxification programs have lower-than-average body mass index (BMI) measurements or lower average weight values than the population at large. A person’s BMI indicates a person’s body fat based on their height and weight.

Rehabilitation centers serve healthy food and snacks. They might employ professionals who can instruct patients how to plan meals, shop, and cook in ways that help patients regain the strength they’ve lost due to their addictions.

They provide such assistance because good nutrition not only strengthens the body and the brain but also boosts the mood. Practicing good nutrition is therefore a holistic approach to aid addiction recovery.

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Holistic and Conventional Approaches in Treatment

One of the benefits of holistic options is that people can — and do — use them alongside more conventional approaches in treatment.

While people are detoxing, they can use prescription drugs to ease withdrawal symptoms. They can also use meditation to acknowledge their cravings but remove the power they have over them.

If they’re attending rehab and are tense because their therapy sessions have brought up unpleasant memories or feelings, people might receive massages at their rehab centers.

Massage therapy is holistic because it promotes relaxation in the muscles and the mind. According to researchers, massage can help people become more aware of

• Tension
• The symptoms of stress
• Patterns in the way they respond to stress

People who are more aware of such feelings may be better equipped to prevent relapses from their sobriety.

Preventing relapses is a major goal of aftercare, the assistance a person receives after he or she leaves a rehab treatment center or program. Holistic approaches may work very well here too.

After they leave rehab, people can continue to practice mindfulness to examine how they’re feeling. If they find that they’re anxious or are craving substances, they can use yoga or mindfulness exercises to urge them to focus on their breathing and stretching instead of their desire for drugs or alcohol.

They can also join groups of people who meditate, use mindfulness techniques, or practice yoga. The groups can reinforce their holistic practices. Groups can also provide social opportunities that can provide a social interaction that can further bolster people’s recovery.

How Effective Are Holistic Techniques?

Different studies have indicated that holistic techniques might be effective treatment options, especially if used in conjunction with other approaches.

One study examined people with heroin addictions who used the prescription drug methadone as part of their treatment. When receiving two weeks of acupuncture therapy, the study participants used lower daily doses of methadone and fell asleep more quickly.

Yoga could be an effective tool to treat addiction because it spurs positive changes in the body, brain, and mood:

• It helps patients by strengthening the body once weakened by addiction
• It changes brain density and the size of some areas of the brain, which could promote better concentration, self-awareness, and decision-making
• It increases the levels of neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and boost mood and teaches people how to observe their cravings and feelings without acting on them

Holistic approaches acknowledge the complexities of addictions and the people who struggle with them. They understand that the spirit, brain, and body are connected, so treating them all can help people improve them all.

Best Holistic Rehabs in the Country

Chapters Capistrano

Divided between two luxurious houses is Chapters Capistrano. Here, you’ll find a top-of-the-line luxury holistic rehab experience that provides comfort, compassion, and care to every client who chooses to attend treatment. With private rooms close to the ocean and loaded with treatment models that are proven effective, this is one of the highest-rated addiction treatment facilities in the area.

The staff at Chapters Capistrano understands that there are times when people have unique needs when it comes to overcoming addictions and works to provide a unique recovery experience that is truly effective.

What you’ll find at Chapters Capistrano:

• Technology friendly
• Private rooms
• Near the ocean
• Luxury facilities
• A variety of treatment options
• Personalized treatment programs

When you attend addiction rehab at Chapters Capistrano, you can overcome your addiction and enjoy the experience while at it.

Website: Chapters Capistrano

Address: 1525 Buena Vista, San Clemente, CA 92672

Phone: 877-773-9903

Monarch Shores

Monarch Shores is another high-quality holistic rehab center in San Juan Capistrano, California. They offer same-day admission and several options for inpatient and outpatient rehab. Monarch Shores has superb facilities, great nature views, and caring staff to meet your needs. Some of the notable features of this rehab include:

• Full-fledged facility: You don’t have to transfer from medical detox to outpatient treatment — you can have your full treatment in Monarch Shores from intake to aftercare.
• Technology-friendly: Monarch Shores understands the busy lives of every patient. They allow using laptops and other gadgets for work and keeping in touch with loved ones.

To contact Monarch Shores, you may use the following details below:

Phone: (888) 383-0628

Address: 27123 Calle Arroyo #2121, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Website: Monarchshores.com

Mountain Springs Recovery

Mountain Springs Recovery is one of the best holistic rehabs near Boulder, CO. Located at a quiet, serene spot in Colorado Springs, this addiction treatment center has beautiful facilities and specialists who provide personalized care.

As a full-fledged center, Mountain Springs Recovery cares for every aspect of an alcohol use disorder, starting with detox treatment and aftercare. Patients choose this center because of its great features, including

• Technology access: You don’t have to give up your cell phone, laptop, and other gadgets. WiFi allows you to complete tasks or stay in touch with loved ones.
• Treatment options: Depending on your unique background and preferences, from 12-step to Non-12-step, there are many treatment options.
• 24/7 care: Most people need round-the-clock care to manage withdrawal symptoms during the first few weeks of detox. Mountain Springs has 24/7 medical care, keeping patients safe and comfortable.
• Top facilities: Clean rooms, beautiful views, and access to recreational facilities make the treatment center an excellent choice for people seeking the best resource value.

For more about Mountain Springs Recovery, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact details below.

Phone: 888-383-0628

Address: 1865 Woodmoor Dr, Monument, CO 80132

Website: https://mountainspringsrecovery.com

Lincoln Recovery

At Lincoln Recovery, the goal is to help all clients see that recovery is not only attainable but it is also maintainable. With a combination of group and individual treatments, resort-like amenities, the ability to choose the treatments you want to try, and the chance to build a community of others going through recovery, clients find that they have the potential to overcome their addictions much more quickly than if they tried it alone.

Stepping into the quiet retreat that is Lincoln Recovery is just the first step in enjoying this supportive, immersive recovery experience.

What Lincoln Recovery clients can expect:

•       Stay in touch with loved ones from the beginning – No blackout period
•       Large, quiet campus in Rural Illinois
•       Restaurant-style meals and snacks – prepared by a chef
•       Meditation Room
•       Indoor pool
•       Workout room
•       Regularly scheduled outings and activities
•       Private rooms and bathrooms
•       On-site detox
•       Partial hospitalization, Inpatient, and IOP treatment options

Lincoln Recovery might be just what you’re looking for to help make long-term recovery from your addiction a reality.

Phone: 888-383-0628

Address: 19067 W. Frontage Rd., Raymond, IL 62560

Website: LincolnRecovery.com

Willow Springs Recovery

Willow Springs Recovery is one of the premier holistic rehab options in Dallas, Texas, and for a good reason. The sprawling 38-acre campus offers plenty of room to explore, enjoy activities and relax. Some clients say they are staying at a resort while working on their addiction recovery at Willow Springs, which is precisely how they are supposed to feel. This top-of-the-line facility encourages clients to make the most of the quiet and dig in and enjoy all that recovery has to offer. In addition, an on-site detox ensures that clients get the best care – from intake to completion – so they can enjoy a successful recovery journey.

What you’ll find:

• Keep your phone and computer
• Pool, gym, and recreational activities
• Off-campus outings
• Healthy, chef-prepared meals
• Special dietary food preparation
• Individualized treatment plans to meet client needs
• A wide variety of treatment options
• Highly trained staff

Willow Springs Recovery believes that treatment should be enjoyable and that transitioning from active addiction to recovery should be smooth and gentle. You want to keep seeing the changes and beauty of living clean and sober every day.

Phone: 833-995-0818

Address: 11128 TX-21, Bastrop, TX 78602

Website: www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/texas