A recent systematic review of 65 clinical studies found that a holistic approach to alcohol and drug rehab led to higher rates of success and fewer incidences of relapse. While science clearly shows that holistic rehab is beneficial, not everyone understands how a holistic program differs from others. Read on to learn more about holistic addiction rehab and what it entails.
Holistic Meaning; What Does Holistic Mean?
Holistic means understanding the interconnections of a series of parts and taking approaches that address all of the components of something rather than just one element. You will often see the phrase holistic health used to describe treatments that take into account the mental, emotional and spiritual needs of patients in addition to their physical requirements.
What Does Holistic Rehab Mean?
Holistic rehab is an approach to substance abuse treatment that involves the whole person. Addiction is a physical disease, but its effects go beyond the body, impacting a person’s thinking, feelings, and spirit.
Approaches that only try to break the body of physical dependence on drugs and alcohol often fall short. This is because the root causes of substance abuse stem from something other than the body. Taking a holistic approach to addiction rehab can uncover why a person turned to alcohol or drugs and allow them to heal to abstain from alcohol and drugs once they leave rehab.
Benefits of Fitness, Acupuncture, Yoga, and Meditation
Physical fitness, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are cornerstones to holistic alcohol rehab and drug rehab. Each benefits the body, mind, emotions, and spirit in different ways.
Physical Fitness for Addiction Rehab
Strengthening your body through physical exercise can profoundly impact the mind. Exercise eases stress and has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When you work out, you make investments in yourself. Over time, this can increase your self-worth and motivate you to care for yourself. In one Danish study, individuals who regularly used cocaine found it easier to abstain when completing an exercise program that involved at least three workouts per week. In follow-up interviews after the program, 52% of participants did not return to drug use, and another 26% significantly reduced usage.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Rehab
Acupuncture is a centuries-old natural healing regimen that has been used as a part of addiction rehab since the 1970s. During an acupuncture treatment, tiny needles target pressure points that correspond to the kidneys, lungs, and liver, the three organs most significantly impacted by substance abuse. Not only can acupuncture reduce withdrawal symptoms, but it also benefits the mind. One study found that people with depression saw the same reduction of symptoms as those treated with common antidepressant medication.
Yoga Therapy in Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Another ancient discipline, yoga, promotes spiritual health, eases stress, and supports a positive mood. It allows you to learn how to quiet your mind and focus on your body’s needs, a skill that can help prevent relapse in the future. A systematic review of studies into the mental benefits of yoga revealed that regular practice could address depression, anxiety, and sleep problems, which many experience during rehab.
Meditation Therapy in Alcohol and Drug Rehab
Meditation promotes a feeling of calm and relaxes both the body and mind. During guided meditation, you learn how to visualize and regulate your breathing. After drug and alcohol rehab, these skills may help you better resist cravings. In addition, meditation encourages self-acceptance and awareness to improve mental health. A systematic review of literature related to meditation for addiction treatment showed that mindfulness exercises and guided meditation therapy enhanced the effectiveness of other interventions in rehab settings.
Other Potential Therapies in Holistic Rehab
Depending on your physical, mental, emotional, and social needs, you may benefit from other therapies in holistic rehab, such as:
- Equine therapy: Working with horses to support emotional growth and encourage self-reflection
- Energy medicine: Tai Chi, acupressure, yogic breathing, and sound vibrational healing used in Eastern and Western healing traditions can support other elements of a holistic rehab treatment plan
- Writing: Writing allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-stressful way. Holistic rehab may include journaling, narrative writing, or fiction writing workshops
- Art therapy: Painting, drawing, and sketching provide healthy emotional outlets and allow you to express yourself
- Reiki: An ancient spiritual healing tradition that has been shown to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal as well as feelings of shame and guilt
Finding Holistic Rehab in New York
The Dunes holistic drug rehab and alcohol rehab focuses on treating the whole person to help people struggling with substance abuse break out of the cycle of addiction. Our holistic approach includes acupuncture, physical fitness, yoga, meditation, writing workshops, reiki, equine therapy, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our program that promotes holistic wellness.