Want to learn about ways to recover that you may not know about?
While traditional ways of treatment are effective for most people who are struggling with addiction. Unfortunately, they do not work for everyone. Addiction takes a toll on your body, mind, and spirit simultaneously.
The Issue:
When most people think about ways to recover from addiction. They only think about one aspect of your health. They fail to look at your overall wellness.
Thankfully, there are holistic methods that take your entire being into account. That can increase your likelihood of living a successful life when used with traditional treatment.
In this article we’ll cover:
- How rehab alone sometimes isn’t enough
- Yoga and meditation
- Nutrition therapy and exercise
- Some alternative treatments
How rehab alone sometimes isn’t enough
So just how big of an issue are we talking about here?
According to SAMHSA’s 2024 survey, approximately 48.4 million Americans struggled with substance abuse last year. Out of that 48.4 million people who suffered from SUDs, only about 1 in 5 who needed treatment got it.
Yikes!
Traditional addiction treatment programs often include talk therapy, group support, and medication assisted treatment. These practices have helped millions of people live healthy happy lives.
However, there is no one size fits all method for recovery. That is why so many rehab centers, like Camelback Recovery in Phoenix, have programs that include holistic methods. Because when you treat the whole person, you will see far better results than if you only treat the symptoms.
Yoga and meditation
These two practices have been becoming more common in the recovery world.
Let’s talk about yoga first…
Yoga helps you to heal through mindfulness and movement. Studies have shown that when you pair yoga with traditional treatment, people are more likely to conquer their addiction. When you do yoga, you focus on your breathing and movement. This helps to declutter your mind, which can reduce cravings and relax your nervous system.
Benefits of yoga:
- Helps you stay grounded when faced with triggers
- Allows you to build strength while promoting physical wellness
- Releases hormones that cause you to feel stressed or anxious
- Helps you become aware of yourself without judgement
And now meditation:
Meditation is the practice of sitting with your thoughts and observing them. Meditation is different from yoga because you are not focusing on your movement and breathing. But the benefits can be just as powerful as yoga.
Once you learn how to sit with your emotions and cravings you will be less likely to act on them. Meditation can be anything you enjoy that allows you to clear your mind. Some people enjoy walking or running meditation if they find peace in nature. Others may enjoy sitting under a tree or in quiet spots.
Both yoga and meditation can be powerful tools when overcoming addiction. If you don’t have any experience with either, don’t worry!
Nutrition therapy and exercise
Did you know that depression, anxiety, and cravings can be affected by what you eat?
Your brain needs various nutrients to function properly. When someone abuses drugs or alcohol their nutritional levels are often very low. They may be lacking vital vitamins and minerals.
By fixing what you eat, you can start to feel better mentally and physically.
Exercise is another important factor of your physical wellbeing. When you exercise, your body naturally releases endorphins. When someone abuses drugs or alcohol they are typically attempting to get that feel good feeling.
You can go about exercise however you want!
- Take walks (nature is therapeutic)
- Join a gym
- Get a workout buddy
- Try group classes at a gym
- Swim
Anything that gets your body moving and makes you happy.
Some alternative treatments
Some holistic methods may come off as crazy to you.
Acupuncture is the process of stimulating small specific points on your body to relieve pain. This helps with addiction by reducing anxiety, helping you sleep better, and can even reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Art therapy is a great way for people to express themselves if they have trouble putting their feelings into words. Addiction is caused by many things and sometimes those things are hard to talk about.
Art allows you to vent without having to say a word.
Music therapy is similar to art therapy. If you find more peace in music than drawing, music therapy could be a great route for you. Things like drumming circles and song writing can be used in treatment facilities.
Equine therapy involves building a relationship with horses.
You learn to care for them and clean their stalls. But more importantly, you learn to connect with these animals. Building this trust can help you when you leave treatment.
Create Your Wellness Routine
Every person’s route to recovery will be different.
Your neighbors route to recovery may not work for you and that is okay! You have to find what works for you and what you believe that you can stick to.
Think about what you struggle with the most.
- Stress? Anxiety?
- Are you worried about your physical health?
- Do you have trouble expressing your emotions?
- Are you lacking that connection with others?
Once you ask yourself these questions you will start to narrow down what holistic methods you should focus on.
If you struggle with stress and anxiety you may benefit most from yoga and meditation. Someone who is concerned about their physical health after years of drug use may want to start with nutrition and exercise.
Start with one or two methods and go from there.
Commit to your little recovery routine for a few weeks and see how you feel. If you feel even slightly better, great! If not, you can try something else or add something new.
Let’s wrap this up!
There are many alternative ways to recover that people may not know about.
Holistic methods such as yoga and meditation can help you clear your mind and relieve stress. Nutritional therapy can help you rebuild your body from the damage that was done. While alternative methods such as acupuncture can help you with withdrawal symptoms.
Remember, holistic methods are meant to be used with traditional treatment.
Not instead of it! You should think of these as added tools to your toolbox to help you on your recovery journey.
You can recover from addiction, and there are millions of people who will tell you that they did it too! As long as you put in the work you can live a happy healthy life free of drugs and alcohol.
Start taking action towards your recovery today. You’ll never see results if you don’t try!
