The road to recovery varies by each individual. Some treatment centers include holistic addiction treatment for clients who want an alternative route to recovery. Holistic therapy is effective for many people, not just those who haven’t found success in traditional treatment. The benefits of holistic therapy are countless, but our clients can expect to see their addiction’s root causes.
Many treatment centers aspire to use traditional and holistic approaches to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. Addiction takes hold of several areas of a person’s life, and each of these areas requires specific treatment. If you are looking to learn more about holistic addiction treatment, this is the right place.
What is Holistic Therapy?
Holistic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Instead of attempting to target and cure symptoms, holistic addiction treatment breaks down what causes the symptoms. Holistic therapy uses natural methods to unravel complex conditions such as addiction, depression, anxiety, and more. Practitioners of holistic therapy look to treat clients as a whole person instead of someone who is sick.
Holistic therapy is a common alternative treatment that people turn to if traditional treatment fails them. It’s a controversial form of therapy, but it’s been successful for many people — especially when combined with traditional therapy forms.
How Does Holistic Therapy Work?
Holistic therapy utilizes methods that promote mindfulness. We aim to bring our clients to the present moment, which often helps with impulsive thoughts and other negative behaviors. A significant goal of holistic addiction treatment is to strengthen clients’ relationship with themselves. In treatment, it’s essential to regain a positive sense of self, building self-confidence and ultimately building a foundation for recovery.
Benefits of Holistic Addiction Treatment
For most people, holistic therapy offers a range of benefits on its own. These benefits, combined with other traditional services, are the reason for many people’s successful and long-lasting recoveries. Some benefits of holistic addiction treatment include:
- A natural approach versus turning to medication
- Coping skills learned through low-cost activities
- A spiritual, peaceful, and compassionate environment
- Several different treatment options
- Reduced risk for relapse
Types of Holistic Therapies in Treatment
Several forms of therapy incorporate holistic techniques. Many holistic addiction treatment centers combine therapies to get the best result in clients. Some of the leading holistic therapies include:
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a form of holistic treatment for children, teenagers, and adults. It proves beneficial in both holistic addiction treatment and holistic alcohol treatment. Participating in artistic endeavors encourages present moment focus and mindfulness. In art therapy, clients draw, take photos, paint, sculpt, and more. For years, creative expression has been used to treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and addiction.
A significant benefit art therapy may provide is a restoration of one’s identity. People often find comfort in expressing themselves without words. Most people in holistic addiction treatment centers deal with unpleasant thoughts or trauma. Art therapy provides an alternative outlet to deal with these painful emotions. Participants of art therapy often gain confidence and self-esteem by creating something they feel proud of.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is similar to art therapy, considering it has been used as a therapeutic treatment in all age groups. Its effect on symptoms is similar as well. Music therapy uses evidence-based techniques to improve communication skills, reduce stress, and keep clients in the moment. Most mental illness symptoms keep people from experiencing the present moment. Creative endeavors encourage present moment living, which offsets many client’s uncomfortable symptoms.
Music therapy generally uses two fundamental methods: the active method and the receptive method. The active method includes playing musical instruments and singing, while the receptive method includes listening to music.
Yoga and Meditation
Meditation is a major aspect of yoga. Holistic addiction treatment centers use yoga and meditation to encourage clients to connect with their mind, body, and breath. Inward attention and self-awareness align well with the ideals of holistic therapy. All of the potential tools to gain from yoga and meditation help clients achieve and maintain recovery.
Additionally, research shows that yoga helps to prevent relapse, reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Yoga utilizes specific postures and breath control to create a balance between the body and mind. Yoga may be a spiritual practice, depending on the participant. Conversely, it can be viewed as a form of exercise and mental toughness practice.
Massage and Acupuncture
Massage and acupuncture both promote relaxation and healing in treatment. They are often used for physical and emotional healing, especially during the detox process. Following long-term substance abuse, the body is unhealthy both internally and externally. These programs work wonders at reducing physical stress on clients’ bodies. With a relaxed mind and body, clients are better fit to deal with their trauma and emotions.
Nutritional and Exercise Therapy
Both exercise and nutrition are vital in recovery. Exercise helps release natural endorphins, which reduces stress and fights addiction cravings. Maintaining a proper diet aligns with the foundation of holistic therapy. It is an effort to heal the body while healing the mind in treatment. Overcoming addiction may be highly uncomfortable. To function at the highest capacity, the body needs essential nutrients. Staff encourages clients to achieve healthy eating habits, which may make overcoming addiction more comfortable.
Daily exercise is a proven and manageable way to reduce anxiety and stress. Holistic addiction treatment centers use recreational activities for emotional and physical benefits. Some of these activities include horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, and canoeing. The benefits of exercise are endless, but having a daily routine helps many clients feel grounded during recovery.
Holistic Addiction Treatment
Book an AppointmentHolistic therapies are best viewed as complementary to other proven therapies. People often believe that holistic therapy is used as a replacement for traditional approaches. However, most holistic addiction treatment centers use both holistic and traditional therapies to serve their clients best. Each individual in treatment requires a unique approach that best helps them sort out their emotions and behaviors.
Natural Methods
In some instances, people who have mental illness may require medication. Medical treatment has its place in mental illness and addiction, but it does not cover the entire spectrum. Holistic therapy has the potential to be an alternative to medication in some clients. Though medication helps many people, natural solutions may target the root cause of people’s issues. Holistic therapy bridges the gap between clinical and medical treatments. Natural methods combined with the traditional methods below have cleared a sustained recovery path for many at holistic addiction treatment centers.
Medical Detox
Upon committing to a life of sobriety, medical detox is often necessary. Whether it’s holistic addiction treatment or holistic alcohol treatment, medical detox is initially the most important recovery factor. Withdrawal symptoms are sometimes fatal, depending on the drug and the severity of a person’s addiction. At Chapel Hill, we offer a medical detox program that eases patients into sobriety. Our medical professionals are present every step of the way to guide the process and make it as comfortable as possible.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy plays a vital role in the treatment process. Through one-on-one therapy, clients get a better understanding of the causes and impacts of their behaviors. Clients get an opportunity to open up about their past. Experienced therapists help them understand how their experiences may affect their mental health. Once clients understand their triggers, they begin their recovery and development of relapse prevention skills.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the best forms of therapy for people overcoming substance abuse issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions are consistent and designed to help clients recognize habits and thought patterns that sustain their addiction. Behavioral therapists assess their patient’s cognitive patterns and find the best route for them to achieve and maintain recovery. Clients can expect to take on new practices. These practices provide new coping skills to better manage negative thoughts, emotions, or self-doubt.
Group Therapy
Group therapy offers clients a setting to apply newly learned coping and social skills. In group therapy, a therapist leads the session and encourages participants to provide their perspectives and feelings on certain topics. Clients often find that the support of their peers is essential in recovery. The community of like-minded individuals in group therapy exposes clients to different viewpoints, setting a deep connection within the community.
Start Your Recovery Today at Chapel Hill Detox
Recovery is a lifelong journey. A holistic approach in conjunction with traditional methods like CBT is invaluable in treatment. Each person in treatment finds what works best for them. Our goal is to seek out the therapy that will be most effective for each individual. At Chapel Hill Detox, we strive to offer traditional and alternative recovery methods to help our clients find peace and sobriety. We mainly want to provide direction for those struggling with addiction. If you have not found success in traditional treatment alone, holistic therapy may be for you. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please contact us today.