Addiction Treatment: Types of Holistic Practices

There can be some uncomfortable moments during and after addiction treatment. For instance, during medical detox, a person might feel the discomforts of nausea, trembling, shaking, and even vomiting. Later, as the body and mind get used to being without alcohol or drugs, a person might experience anxiety, fear, or depression.

However, in recent years, people have found that by participating in certain holistic practices, those uncomfortable moments are not as challenging. They may find that by being more relaxed, working with a chiropractor, and taking herbs can ease their experience of detox and recovery.

The following are some examples of the types of holistic practices you might find at a holistic sober living and/or addiction treatment center:

• Acupuncture - This is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that involves pricking the skin with needles. It is used to alleviate pain and treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Many recovering addicts have incorporated it into their recovery.
• Aromatherapy - This is a practice that uses particular scents to help draw out certain feelings or experiences in a person. Often, aromatherapy is used to relax, lift one’s spirits, and spark feelings of happiness. Aromatherapy can be used while receiving a massage, while taking a bath, or simply while spending some quiet time at home.
• Hypnosis - Hypnosis is used to guide someone into a deep state of relaxation and ultimately into an altered state of consciousness. Once that happens, a trained professional then offers suggestions having to do with healing and treatment. Hypnotherapy is often used among psychologists, therapists, and alternative forms of healers. And more recently, it’s being incorporated into treatment plans for addiction.
• Meditation - Meditation is the practice of keeping your attention on one point of focus. At the very least, deep breathing and a constant return to the present moment helps create an opportunity to pause before making destructive choices.  For instance, if you have the thought, "I'm no good," that thought might have been contributing to drinking or drug use. However, slowly, a meditation practice can help your mind slow down. You can create a bit of space between the thought and the way that you respond to that thought.
• Yoga - Yoga is a form of exercise that incorporates spirituality. It invites an integrated experience of body and mind. Yoga can continue to bring healing effects long after detox is complete. It is an excellent form of drug treatment aftercare. Once your drug treatment is done, yoga is a practice that can keep you in a healthy frame of mind.

Other forms of holistic practices include ayurveda, chiropractics, chi kung/ tai chi, herbal medicine, light therapy, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling. These and the list of practices above are some holistic modalities to consider, even if you’re not attending a holistic addiction treatment center. In fact, no matter where you are in your recovery, you can include any of the above practices in your life.