Addiction does not discriminate. It has the potential to affect all walks of life despite race, religion, or socioeconomic background. It affects people with unique circumstances, making no two cases the same. For some, traditional treatment methods may fail time after time, making it imperative to treat each case individually to find the best course of treatment, specified to an individual’s needs.
Holistic therapy has been continuing to grow in the field of addiction treatment, as it promotes healing of the mind, body, and soul in a nontraditional sense. Holistic treatments are proven highly effective because they help lower the inhibitions of patients, allowing them to express themselves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. It allows those suffering to have a creative outlet, through which they can channel and hope with their innermost fears and emotions.
What is holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy is a form of treatment that helps heal the mind, body, and spirit by encouraging creativity and expression. The term holistic can be used in a wide variety of ways, however, it refers to treating a whole person rather than a single element or single symptom. The goal of holistic therapists is to treat the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addiction.
Many recovering addicts may find it difficult to openly discuss their thoughts and emotions, making holistic therapy a great way for them to begin to heal from addiction. Even people who don’t consider themselves to be creative can reap the benefits of holistic therapy. Although it is a highly effective and reputable approach to treating addiction, it should be utilized hand in hand with comprehensive treatment.
Holistic therapy, when used simultaneously with medical detox and comprehensive addiction treatment, can have many benefits, including:
- Reduces withdrawals or cravings
- Enhances mood and well being
- Promotes relaxation
- Encourages self-reflection
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Combats depression
- Forms spiritual connections
- Improves communication skills
- Provides a form of self-expression
- Helps form relationships with others
What are some examples of holistic therapy?
Equine Therapy
Spending time with animals is therapeutic for most people as there is often an unconditional human-animal bond. Equine therapy can help boost confidence, improve communication skills, relieve stress, and learn the importance of trust within relationships. Individuals can learn a lot about body language when interacting with large animals like horses, then apply these skills in their day to day life.
Yoga & Meditation
Yoga and meditation have been incorporated into therapy for thousands of years, due to how they promote physical and mental health. Yoga and meditation use mindful techniques to get people in touch with their mind and body, while learning how to accept any circumstances that life may bring. It can be an effective method of dealing with cravings and coping with emotions.
Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy involves a multitude of outdoor activities like hiking or fishing. Spending time outside promotes mental and physical health while treating a variety of things addicts may suffer from such as depression, anxiety, and anger management. It is also a way to introduce those who suffer from addiction to healthy hobbies that they may enjoy in their recovery.
Art & Music Therapy
Art and music therapy allows individuals to express themselves freely and creatively. Whether it is listening to music, making music, or making art, these healing arts are thought to help individuals cope with emotions, lower anxiety, promote feelings of relaxation, and connect a person with oneself and others.
Using holistic therapy in addiction treatment can help teach individuals to cope with their emotions or stressful life events in a healthy way. In order to prevent a relapse, these healthy coping skills are necessary for all recovering individuals. Using a holistic approach hand in hand with behavioral therapy, those suffering from addiction can follow a treatment plan that points them in the best route to long term recovery.