24/7 Support Line - Call Now
Free Insurance Verification
Verify your treatment coverage

Holistic Approach to Addiction

What is a holistic approach? Instead of treating specific symptoms or “parts of the whole,” taking a holistic approach involves targeting the entirety of a person. A person’s character, personality, and perspective are regarded during recovery. Addiction causes emotional and psychological instability; therefore, finding positive opportunities to distract the mind and work through intrusive thoughts is essential. The approach goes above physical matters and works from the inside out. 

3 Minute Read | Published Sep 10 2023 | Updated Mar 11 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Amber Asher
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Amber Asher
Reviewed by

Helpful Holistic Approaches 

Research, trials, and time have proven the effectiveness of holistic treatment. Individuals who have formed a tolerance to alcohol or specific drugs are at risk of long-term health complications or overdose due to addiction. People with addictions who desire recovery but are seeking treatment that not only helps through the withdrawal phase but also encourages strength through body, mind, and soul should consider holistic drug rehab. 

There are quite a few practical and comprehensive ways to holistically recover from addiction or sustain sobriety. Massage and acupressure are popular methods of recovery that individuals will use to manage stress and increase dopamine. Another well-known holistic approach is mediation. The therapeutic technique triggers the emotional aspect of a person’s psyche. Mediation helps a person to unwind, think and feel certain thoughts and emotions, and practice letting them go with every breath. 

Other natural approaches include: 

  • Yoga 
  • Reiki 
  • Prayer 
  • Tai Chi
  • Journaling 
  • Biofeedback 
  • Sound therapy 
  • Aromatherapy
  • Nature therapy 
  • Guided imagery 
  • Sand tray therapy 
  • Music or art therapy 
  • Solution-focused therapy  

Finding the right holistic approach to addiction can be different for everyone, but often support systems are established during these groups or treatments. Another vital aspect of recovery and maintaining a healthy body and mindset is through organic eating. Natural ways to increase the happiness chemical in the brain is by eating healthy foods. For instance, there are vitamins for recovery from alcohol, and most of these vitamins are found in food.  

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention 

After treatment, creating a relapse prevention plan is crucial for long-term recovery. Mainly, mindful meditation, which is tied to Eastern contemplative practice, is used both formally and informally today. For example, do you ever take a breath before facing a difficult situation like speaking to your boss or lifting heavy weights? Then you are practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques that reduce stress. 

In the case of addiction, if an addict leaves treatment and is faced with temptation or is in triggering situations, then mindfulness meditation is a wonderful practice to employ to avoid relapse. Start by choosing a time in the day, like early in the morning or in the moment, and be present. 

There are different forms of mediation, including guided, walking, mindful eating, mindful movement, and of course, breathing. If you are someone who would prefer to avoid medications to recover from substance abuse, then a holistic approach may suit you best. 

Holistic Addiction Treatment at Better Addiction Care 

At Better Addiction Care, our trained medical staff is prepared to offer you a treatment facility that is safe, secure, and focuses not only on your symptoms from addiction but appreciates you as a person. From cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to Christian-centered methods, we can design a treatment plan that fits your recovery goals. 

Don’t hesitate to speak to a specialist at Better Addiction Care by calling (800) 429-7690 today! Also, learn how to handle a relapse and other beneficial information here! 

Resources

bullet National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health(2021)
"Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name?"
Retrieved on August 30, 2022
bullet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(2014)
"SAMHSA’s Working Definition of Recovery: 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery"
Retrieved on August 30, 2022
bullet Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013)
"Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. Guilford Press"
Retrieved on August 30, 2022
bullet National Institute on Drug Abuse(2020)
"Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)"
Retrieved on August 30, 2022
bullet American Holistic Health Association(n.d.)
"What is Holistic Medicine?"
Retrieved on August 30, 2022
bullet Addiction Center (2021)
"Holistic Treatment for Addiction"
Retrieved on August 30, 2022
bullet National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018)
"Mind-Body Therapies"
Retrieved on August 30, 2022
UP NEXT

Related Articles

Understanding What a Halfway House Is Updated: Apr 04 2024 Halfway houses, also known as sober living homes or transitional living facilities, are housing programs offered to individuals who are transitioning back into...
6 Things to Know About Dual Diagnosis Treatment Updated: Mar 11 2024 Dual diagnosis treatment aims to create a treatment approach that incorporates the latest in addiction care together with proven methods to manage and treat...
Advantages of Outpatient Drug Rehab Updated: Apr 05 2024 Substance abuse disorder is a severe but treatable disease. It is possible to overcome addiction and achieve recovery. This could be done more...

Free Insurance Verification

Our team is available to guide you through the steps of assessing your insurance coverage for addiction treatment.