The Benefits of Holistic Substance Abuse Treatment
There are many ways of treating substance abuse, but at Enlightened Solutions, we believe that holistic treatment methods are some of the most comprehensive. This means that the treatment affects the mind, body, and spirit – not just physical health. All of these factors work together for a comprehensive picture of wellness.
In our experience, holistic substance abuse treatment methods show people how to live healthier and happier lives without a need for alcohol or drugs. Holistic treatments also help clients learn skills to deal with triggers or cravings, as well as help repair relationships that were damaged through long-term substance abuse. Additionally, clients can sense a difference in energy levels, sleep, and even anxiety and depression levels.
All of this – and more – is possible with holistic treatment methods.
The Many Types of Holistic Substance Abuse Treatment
No matter what form the treatment takes, the goals of holistic programs are not just recovery, but also to promote building community and fostering self-reflection. These are also vital tools for getting sober.
Enlightened Solutions offers the following options for holistic treatment:
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that helps the body release tension, anxiety, and other negative emotions that perhaps enabled addiction. Through poses that challenge the body’s limits in a healthy way, focused breathing, and opportunities for meditation, yoga has a high success rate for helping clients achieve sobriety goals. The tools learned in yoga facilitate feelings of calm and relaxation while helping develop better impulse control and reducing stress. Many people who practice yoga regularly report decreased anxiety and depression, reducing the temptation to drink or use.
Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that many on the Western side of the hemisphere have found helpful in overcoming addiction. An acupuncturist applies special needles to five pressure points on both sides of the ears, which stay for about 45 minutes while clients relax in a comfortable chair. It sounds a bit counter-intuitive – relaxation and stress relief from needles?! – but it’s all about balancing the “yin” and “yang” within us. “Yin” and “yang” is a Chinese philosophy that describes interconnected but opposing forces dwelling in every person.
Acupuncture assists with recovery by promoting better quality sleep, which is vital during the detoxification and withdrawal process. It’s actually not uncommon for clients to fall asleep before their acupuncture is complete.
Additional benefits of acupuncture include:
- Improved mood during detox
- Better circulation
- Increased energy and feelings of happiness
- Reduced emotional trauma
Art Therapy and Music Therapy
Some of the most complex, unpleasant emotions can drive unique, creative forces. Think of your favorite songs: some of them probably aren’t “happy.” People connect so well to art and music that deal with more difficult aspects of life primarily because these feelings are universal. In the process of recovering from substance abuse, it’s natural to experience inner conflict or sadness as you think of the harm that was caused. Using creative therapies to express these emotions is an extremely effective way to facilitate healing.
At Enlightened Solutions, our primary modes of creative expression are through art and music. Clients can experiment with an array of instruments, canvases, and other artistic tools. Art therapy and music therapy are group activities that include time for processing connections to the art or music after the session is complete. Many people experience an array of emotions through the process of creating, some of which may be difficult to express verbally but come alive through painting or songwriting.
Art therapy and music therapy practices at Enlightened Solutions include:
- Collage making
- Drawing and painting
- Writing short stories or keeping a journal
- Studying famous works of art
- Sculpting
- Writing song lyrics or music
- Writing poetry
- Singing
Therapists will observe body language during the creative process, taking careful note of any anxiety or stress that comes up. Many times, people who don’t know how to express their emotions in words are better able to verbally process after spending some time painting or playing an instrument. In addition to facilitating communication skills, clients can begin to understand the connection between addictive behaviors and the emotions that drive them.
Chiropractic Therapy
A critical part of getting sober is being able to listen to the body, letting it tell you what it needs. Long-term addiction can dull this ability to listen. Too often, substances are used as a “quick fix” when the body is communicating signals of a deeper need. In other words, substances can mask feelings of stress or anxiety, but can’t actually cure them. Paying attention to the senses is vital at Enlightened Solutions, rather than masking them.
The average person is likely not aware of just how much tension is carried in the back and spine. Stress and anxiety can indeed affect the body physically. It’s hard to notice sometimes when you’ve been hunched over for a while, tightening your shoulders, or grinding your teeth to a point that your jaw hurts. The spine is connected to all of these functions, which is why chiropractic therapy is helpful.
Chiropractic therapy at Enlightened Solutions involves sessions with a doctor who focuses on the spine to relieve the nerves and other tensions due to years of using drugs and other unhealthy habits. After several sessions of chiropractic therapy, you may feel as if years of tension have just been lifted off your body.
Healing physically is only half the battle of recovering from substance abuse and addiction. The mental and emotional effects are just as important when it comes to healing and achieving sobriety. Enlightened Solutions is a treatment facility that addresses all of those factors in the types of treatments we offer. Our holistic treatment methods target the whole person, with a variety of methods that can suit any personality or need. Whether you heal through art, talk therapy, challenging yourself in yoga, or regular sessions with a chiropractor or acupuncturist, we can customize your treatment based on your unique needs. To learn more, speak with a staff member today by calling (833) 801-LIVE.
