Holistic addiction therapy focuses on the well-being and support of the entire body for a complete or “whole” healing process. Common holistic therapy methods include physical activity, artistic outlets, horticulture therapy or working outdoors with nature, and music therapy. Holistic therapy methods are beneficial for addiction treatment because they help you get in touch with your inner self and find new coping mechanisms outside of drugs and alcohol. Solution Based Treatment programs encourage holistic addiction therapy and we tailor our programs to our client’s specific needs and interests.
Physical Activity for Addiction Recovery
Being physically active can help you establish coping mechanisms during addiction recovery and beyond. Research has shown that 60% of people who participate in addiction treatment will relapse within a year. However, being physically active can help offset the urge and cravings for relapse. Exercise triggers those endorphins that give you a sense of accomplishment, and can trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine, giving the same satisfaction as substance use without the harm. This form of holistic addiction therapy can make withdrawal symptoms easier, easing depression and anxiety by being a healthy outlet for stress. It can also distract you from cravings, giving you an outlet to focus on your mind and body movement. Use exercise to replace your triggers, if you feel the urge to relapse – go for a run, lift weights, take a walk.
By default, being more active helps balance your mind and memory, as well as sleep better at night. This allows you to become more stable with a healthy routine. Your physical activity does not have to be super intense, you can start off by doing 15 minutes of your preferred movement a day and slowly work up to longer time frames as you progress.
Artistic Outlets for Centering the Body & Soul
Whether you’ve always had a love for art or you haven’t picked up a colored pencil since your school days, art therapy is an excellent holistic addiction therapy method for everyone. It’s a low impact, low stress activity that can be done anywhere you please. Art acts as an outlet for your feelings – for joy, sadness, fears, past traumas, and more. Through art, you can discover more about yourself than other therapy methods. Unlike physical activity, art therapy can be done anywhere you feel best. Art can be done indoors, in bed, outside, on the go, and anywhere you have the space to be creative.
Art therapy not only serves as an emotional outlet, but it also teaches mindfulness and patience, giving you a sense of pride and accomplishment each time you complete a piece. Through your work you can build a sense of community and make connections with other artists and art admirers. Using art as a coping mechanism when you feel at risk of relapse helps you recenter yourself, get your stress and emotions out in a healthy manner, and then move forward in sobriety.
The Power of Plants in Recovery
Horticulture therapy is essentially the concept of healing by working outdoors with plants and gardening materials. As a holistic addiction treatment program, horticulture therapy can benefit clients in many different ways. The therapy method helps you learn new skills or nurture old ones. Used in the 1940s and 1950s to help rehabilitate hospitalized war veterans, horticulture therapy can help heal the mind, body, and soul through addiction.
Growing your own food through horticulture therapy helps you understand the agricultural process, and encourages you to connect the plant life cycles to that of your own. Additionally, you can eat what you grow, giving you nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are grown with love and give you a sense of accomplishment when you get to make a delicious meal that incorporates them. Horticulture therapy is a low impact, yet productive way to get outside and do some movement each day. In sunny California, where all Solution Based Treatment programs are based, there is always something in season to cultivate.
Music Therapy Rocks
A very popular outlet for many is music, whether it be playing and composing music or listening to music. Like art, music provides an excellent emotional and stress outlet. Music releases dopamine, giving you a sense of pleasure and reward – the same satisfaction that substance use once gave you. This form of holistic addiction therapy can be integrated into your everyday life. When you’re feeling down, turn on your favorite song. Feeling angry? Get some aggression out and shout your feelings along to your favorite beat. Music can help you regulate your emotions and behaviors during detox, rehab, and beyond. Solution Based Treatment partners with Rock to Recovery to bring music into our programs regularly.
Find Your Favorite Holistic Method
Everyone is different, what works for one person may not work for another. Some people may be more into fitness, while others may be into the arts. Recovery is all about finding what makes you happy and fulfills you in sobriety. Your treatment team will work with you to help you unlock your best potential for a happy future. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, reach out to our admissions team, we’re available 24/7 so you can get the support you need anytime.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.