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Holistic rehabilitation is a form of addiction treatment that is focused on treating the patient as a whole – mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Holistic addiction treatment centers use alternative medicine and holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage therapy. These can often be paired with traditional treatment methods for a complete mind and body approach to treating alcohol addiction and other substance use disorders.
When combined with traditional evidence-based addiction treatment therapies, holistic treatments can be helpful in treating substance use disorders by improving overall well-being and providing individuals with new healthy coping mechanisms. In fact, many rehab facilities now offer some form of holistic treatment as part of a well-rounded addiction treatment program.
This article explains holistic rehab, including what it involves, the different treatments offered, and how it can help with long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
What is Holistic Rehab?
Holistic addiction treatment views the mind, body, and spirit, as a whole entity rather than separate systems. Using treatments and techniques derived from holistic or integrative medicine, holistic rehab treats the “whole person,” taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the physical symptoms of a disease.
As with any health concern, reducing stress, eating well, boosting natural immunity, and improving mental health can help the body heal itself and stay healthy. Therefore, holistic treatment plans include a variety of alternative and complementary health practices that help with the following:
- Address past trauma that may be the root cause of addiction
- Improve overall physical health and wellbeing
- Treat mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression
- Mitigate withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Promote spiritual connection
- Promote relaxation during the treatment process
Holistic practitioners believe that the human body has an innate ability to heal itself and this applies to substance use disorders as well. The techniques used during holistic treatment programs are designed to support the natural healing process. Through activities like yoga, meditation, exercise, and nutritional interventions, holistic treatment programs also provide those in recovery with new healthy coping mechanisms that help with relapse prevention.
Some of the most common therapies used in a holistic treatment setting include:
- Acupuncture
- Art therapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic
- Exercise therapy
- Herbal therapy
- Kinesiology
- Massage therapy
- Meditation
- Nutritional therapy
- Reiki
- Trauma reprocessing therapies
- Yoga
Acupuncture
A component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting needles into the body at strategic points. According to John Hopkins Medicine, acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. This is thought to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself and correct imbalances that have occurred after extended substance abuse. Acupuncture is used to relax the body during addiction treatment and studies show that it can help reduce cravings and unpleasant physical symptoms during detox.
Art therapy
During art therapy, visual art-making, drama, dance, and movement are used to work through past traumas related to addiction and improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Art therapy is also used to help individuals find meaning and spiritually recover from addiction.
Ayurveda
A traditional Indian healing system, Ayurveda focuses on restoring balance in the body through a personalized plan that includes massage, specialized diets, herbs, aromatherapy, and exercise. Ayurvedic treatments are thought to clear unconscious blocks that lead to stress and substance-seeking behavior.
Chiropractic
The human spine contains neurotransmitters, which carry information and signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Misalignments in the spine can disrupt this process. By adjusting the spine, chiropractors can correct these misalignments, allowing neurotransmitters to send the right signal at the right time. When neurotransmitters are functioning properly, it’s easier for patients to resist drug cravings, thus improving their chances of long-term recovery.
Exercise therapy
Physical exercise is a natural stress relief and mood booster that provides those in recovery with a healthy coping mechanism that doesn’t involve drug or alcohol use. While activities vary based on the rehab center, common activities include personal fitness, climbing, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and more.
Herbal therapy
As natural botanical substances, herbs can have positive effects on the body. Therefore, herbs are often used in detoxification. For example, ginseng reportedly lowers opioid tolerance and dependence. Other herbs commonly used include valerian to treat insomnia that accompanies withdrawal and milk thistle to improve liver function.
Kinesiology
Uses gentle muscle testing to locate imbalances in the body. Using nutritional supplements, lymphatic rubbing, and holding contact points, it restores the body back to homeostasis. As with acupuncture, this can help to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself and correct imbalances that have occurred after extended substance abuse.
Massage therapy
In addition to relaxing tense muscles and creating a sense of well-being, one study found that massage therapy can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol while increasing serotonin and dopamine levels by 28% and 31% respectively. This may help counteract the dopamine drop that’s experienced in withdrawal.
Meditation
Guided meditation helps those in recovery clear their mind of stresses and triggers while improving focus and overall well-being.
Nutritional therapy
Good health is a key aspect of recovery. Nutritional interventions provide those in recovery with proper nutrition through healthy meals which are designed to improve health and promote healing.
Reiki
A form of traditional Japanese healing, Reiki is based on the notion that our energy flows through several points in the body, called chakras. When energy doesn’t flow properly or there is a blockage, our physical and mental health suffers. Reiki is used to work through stress, anxiety, and past traumas which are related to the root causes of addiction.
Trauma reprocessing therapies
Treatments such as EMDR and Sensorimotor therapy help individuals reprocess and heal past traumas, which may be the root cause of addiction.
Yoga
During yoga, patients participate in exercises that include stretching, breathwork, and guided relaxation. Studies have shown that yogic practices promote recovery from and treatment of addiction. Additionally, yoga can help people feel less stressed, meaning they are more at ease and relaxed while undergoing addiction treatment.
In addition to substance use disorders, the holistic approach is also used to treat a range of mental health and behavioral health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and more.
Holistic Rehab vs. Traditional Addiction Treatment
Holistic therapies are seen as alternatives to evidence-based therapies, which are treatment options that have been studied and proven effective in scientific research.
Traditional Addiction Treatment Therapies
Traditional treatment centers use evidence-based therapies to treat substance abuse. Typically, a patient will begin treatment by undergoing supervised detox, where medical professionals will use a variety of prescribed medications to help mitigate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Once detox is complete, the patient will participate in regular individual and group therapy sessions, alongside additional counseling and skills training. Common forms of psychotherapy used in an addiction treatment setting include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
During traditional treatment, physicians may prescribe medications to treat co-occurring mental health conditions and reduce cravings associated with alcohol and drug abuse. Patients may stay on these medications as part of a long-term aftercare and relapse prevention strategy.
Holistic Addiction Treatment Therapies
On the other hand, holistic addiction treatment practitioners believe that the best way to treat the physical symptoms of substance abuse disorders is through consuming healthy food, herbal supplements, and plenty of water. The belief is that adding additional chemicals into the body through medications keeps the body in a state of toxicity, therefore, delaying the benefits of being completely drug-free.
Holistic treatment centers emphasize self-discovery and therapies designed to help facilitate the body’s natural healing process. Therefore, patients at a holistic treatment center will go through a similar detox and withdrawal period and provided it’s safe to do so, therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies will be used to help ease the detox process and alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
With that in mind, rehabilitation centers often use holistic therapies alongside evidence-based treatments, such as medically-assisted detox, individual therapy, group therapy, and other medical interventions to create a well-rounded addiction treatment program.
Why Holistic Aftercare Matters
Holistic practices aren’t just for rehabilitation, they can also provide the basis for a robust rehab aftercare program. The term aftercare refers to the stage that follows after an intensive addiction treatment program is complete. Aftercare is an essential part of long-term recovery because it provides individuals with the necessary support and tools to prevent relapse. Continuing the holistic treatments and practices learned in rehab, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and meditation, can help people stay hopeful and focused on their sobriety.
Similar to how holistic treatments are often paired with evidence-based therapies during rehabilitation, those in recovery may also engage in traditional aftercare activities. These activities include outpatient substance abuse treatment, medications, group therapy or individual psychotherapy to address mental health concerns, and 12-Step mutual support groups.
Benefits of Holistic Treatment Centers
Individuals who are looking for an addiction treatment program that offers a mind-body approach to recovery will likely get many benefits from a holistic recovery program. These include:
- Better overall health: Herbal supplements, improved nutrition, exercise programs, and hands-on treatments like chiropractic and massage therapy can lead to an overall improvement in health and well-being.
- Improved self-esteem: Substance abuse can have a very detrimental effect on a person’s self-esteem. The holistic approach takes into account the complete person, where an individual is more than just their substance abuse. As a result, this complete mind-body approach paired with holistic treatments like art therapy, meditation, or yoga that require people to learn a new skill can help restore self-esteem that was lost as a result of a substance use disorder.
- Treats the mind, body, and spirit: Holistic treatment recognizes that individuals — like their addiction — are complex. Therefore, it aims to treat the physical, spiritual and emotional facets of individuals to facilitate long-term recovery.
- Stress reduction and improved healthy coping mechanisms: Stress is often linked to substance-seeking behavior. Holistic addiction treatment programs use tools such as meditation, exercise, and yoga, to address cravings and teach individuals new healthy coping mechanisms. This, in turn, can help with relapse prevention.
- Spirituality: In addition to fostering new healthy coping mechanisms, holistic therapies such as meditation, guided visualization, and yoga, can help individuals develop a deeper spiritual connection. Believing in something larger than oneself has been linked with improved substance abuse outcomes. In fact, a 2019 study found that people who have strong spiritual beliefs are healthier, heal faster, and live longer, than those without.
- Long-lasting benefits: The holistic habits and practices individuals learn in rehab, such as regular exercise, nutrition, and meditation can provide a sense of happiness and well-being long after rehab is complete. Feeling happier in one’s day-to-day life can help reduce the chance of relapse.
- Holistic treatment can increase the likelihood of successfully completing a recovery program. A study on drug treatment outcomes found a correlation between satisfaction with treatment and overall success in rehabilitation. Holistic treatments like yoga and massage promote feelings of well-being and relaxation, which can make the recovery process more enjoyable.
- Traditional treatments are often combined with holistic recovery: As mentioned above, it’s common for recovery programs to pair traditional evidence-based addiction treatment modalities with holistic treatments, allowing patients to experience the benefits of both.
Is Holistic Addiction Treatment Effective?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), evidence-based practices in substance abuse treatment are most effective. However, alternative and holistic approaches may be helpful when paired with evidence-based practices.
For example, modalities like massage therapy, and meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being, making individuals more open and receptive to psychotherapy and other evidence-based treatments.
With that being said, depending on the individual, some holistic treatments are going to be more effective than others. Therefore, it’s important that holistic treatment be tailored to suit an individual’s specific needs and recovery goals.
Drawbacks of Holistic Rehab for Substance Abuse
While holistic addiction treatment has many benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. If you’re considering the pros and cons of holistic treatment, here are a few drawbacks to keep in mind.
- Cost of treatment: Some holistic treatments are expensive. While some holistic practices such as meditation and exercise are available at little to no cost, other specialized treatments such as massage therapy and chiropractic can be quite costly, especially if you don’t have insurance coverage. Overall, holistic rehabilitation centers are going to cost more than traditional rehab centers.
- Inpatient facilities are harder to find: When it comes to inpatient addiction treatment, traditional treatment centers still outnumber holistic rehabs. Individuals may have more difficulty finding a holistic rehab facility with availability, especially if they’re looking for one that offers a specific service.
- Success depends on whether you believe holistic treatments work: If you don’t see the benefits of yoga or believe in the potential of treatments like reiki, which involve a practitioner moving energy around the body, you’re likely not going to experience the full benefit of a treatment center that offers these kinds of therapies.
- Holistic treatments are complementary and not standalone solutions to addiction: It’s recommended that holistic treatments are paired with evidence-based methods to treat addiction.
Is Holistic Rehab Right for Me?
If you believe in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and are open to healing your body in a more natural way, holistic rehab might be an excellent option. Holistic rehab is also a great alternative for people who may feel alienated from more traditional treatment approaches.
Since holistic treatment is frequently paired with evidence-based methods, patients receive a well-rounded addiction treatment program that provides them with healthy habits and a complete mind-body framework in which to approach their long-term recovery.
However, if you’re unsure whether a holistic treatment approach is right for you, it’s important to consult an addiction specialist. They can help determine the severity of your addiction, characteristics that may impact your recovery and what holistic treatment methods might be the best fit. While you can seek out holistic activities on your own (for example, yoga or meditation), working with an addiction specialist or mental health professional can help you create a balanced addiction treatment plan that integrates traditional treatment methods with holistic therapies.
How to Pay for Holistic Rehab
Overall, treatment centers that offer holistic recovery are generally more expensive than traditional addiction treatment options and are often considered luxury rehabs.
If holistic treatment is available as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program, individuals may be entitled to some insurance coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act in the United States, substance abuse treatment must be covered under ACA insurance plans. Many private medical insurance providers also offer addiction treatment coverage to varying degrees.
With that being said, many insurance companies don’t recognize holistic treatments like acupuncture and herbal therapy as an essential part of addiction recovery. As a result, individuals may have to pay out of pocket for these services.
Due to these reasons, it’s important to consult your insurance provider when researching holistic treatment options.
If you don’t have insurance coverage for holistic treatments, it’s still possible to participate in them on the side, either while you’re attending a rehabilitation program or as part of your aftercare. Activities such as yoga and meditation can be practiced nearly everywhere and the majority of holistic treatments are also available as standalone services.
Get Help with Holistic Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
The philosophy behind holistic therapy – which emphasizes mind-body connections and maintaining balance in all aspects of one’s life – is compatible with many addiction treatment methods. In addition to promoting a sense of well-being during recovery, positive practices such as yoga, meditation, healthy eating, and exercise provide people with healthy coping mechanisms needed for long-term recovery. As a result, many rehab facilities offer holistic therapies as part of their treatment program.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, know that you are not alone. Rehab programs are widely available. We’re here to help you get the treatment you need so you can live a happy, healthy life free of drugs and alcohol.
