5 Benefits Of Holistic Therapy In Alcohol Rehab

Holistic therapy in alcohol rehab offers a well-rounded approach to healing by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual roots of addiction, promoting lasting recovery and overall wellness. Alcohol misuse continues to be a significant concern in Nevada, with nearly 1 in 5 adults reporting excessive drinking, according to the CDC. For those seeking recovery in Las Vegas, a growing number of individuals are turning to holistic therapy as part of a more comprehensive and lasting approach to sobriety. At The Nestled Recovery Center, we specialize in personalized, holistic addiction treatment that goes beyond managing symptoms, focusing instead on healing the whole person through body, mind, and spirit. 

What Is Holistic Therapy?

Holistic therapy refers to therapies designed to address all aspects of the individual. It gets results where other forms of traditional psychotherapy fall short and helps people make significant progress in their healing journeys.

Holistic therapies work hand-in-hand with evidence-based treatment to address the underlying causes of addiction, reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and promote lasting recovery. By creating a well-rounded recovery experience, holistic therapy empowers you to reconnect with yourself, build resilience, and cultivate a lifestyle of health and purpose.

Who Benefits from Holistic Therapy?

People with complex trauma, for example, benefit from holistic therapy. Learning mindfulness techniques helps them become aware of what they are feeling in their bodies in the present moment instead of only processing their experience verbally. 

What Are the Different Kinds of Holistic Therapies?

The different kinds of holistic therapy include equine therapy, yoga, art therapy, song healing circles, and somatic and movement therapies. These therapies are designed to heal not only the physical body but also the individual’s emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. 

The different kinds of holistic therapy are as follows:

• Equine Therapy: Equine-assisted therapy involves working with horses to improve emotional regulation, confidence, and self-awareness. In the serene outskirts of Las Vegas, this powerful experiential therapy allows clients to form nonverbal bonds with animals, facilitating personal growth and healing through trust-building and reflection.
  
• Yoga: Yoga is a mind-body practice that promotes physical flexibility, breath awareness, and emotional balance. You participate in guided yoga sessions that support relaxation, mindfulness, and improved stress management, which are vital tools for sustaining recovery and improving mental clarity.
  
• Art Therapy: Creative expression through drawing, painting, and other visual mediums provides a therapeutic outlet for difficult-to-verbalize emotions. Art therapy helps clients process trauma, explore identity, and develop healthy coping mechanisms in a safe, supportive setting.
  
• Song Healing Circles: Music is a powerful emotional release and spiritual connection tool. Song Healing Circles offered by rehabs in Nevada encourage clients to explore rhythm, voice, and communal harmony as a form of healing. These sessions cultivate joy, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of belonging, which is paramount during early recovery.
  
• Somatic and Movement Therapies: These body-based therapies, which include breathwork, dance, and trauma-informed movement practices, release stored trauma and reconnect clients with their physical selves. The holistic framework leverages movement as a path to grounding, empowerment, and emotional regulation.

What Are The Benefits Of Holistic Rehab For Alcoholism?

The benefits of holistic alcohol rehab include stress reduction, healthy coping skills, and relapse prevention. Because a holistic approach considers the entire individual, one also heals their spiritual connection while improving their physical and mental health. 

The benefits of holistic rehab for alcoholism are as follows:

1. Stress Reduction and Healthy Coping Skills

Many people turn to alcohol as a way to cope with unmanageable stress. Holistic therapy will help you learn new healthy coping skills that you can put to use once you leave a rehab program and encounter stressful situations. Holistic therapy in and of itself is an excellent tool for stress reduction and management and is a valuable addition to any self-care strategy. 

2. Spiritual Connection

We crave meaning as humans and want to live a life with a purpose we are proud of. When spirituality is defined as a connection to something greater than ourselves, we develop a spiritual practice that empowers us to take the necessary steps. Developing faith or trust in a loving, generous, higher power is a key to healing and recovery. Holistic therapy is a powerful and effective way to facilitate this spiritual connection, which goes hand in hand with connecting to ourselves and our authentic desires. 

3. Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention is an important part of recovery, and it deserves more time and attention in the healing process. Holistic therapy contributes to higher rates of long-term recovery and relapse prevention because it helps connect people with their sense of purpose. Having a compelling reason to stay sober beyond knowing that addiction is destructive and unhealthy goes a long way to helping people achieve their recovery goals.  

4. Better Overall Health

Holistic therapy has many practical benefits for your mental and physical health. Alcoholism has many adverse effects on a person’s physical well-being, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  Addressing your diet and nutrition, for example, promotes greater health, a stronger immune system, and improved sleeping patterns. Other holistic therapies, like yoga and somatic movement therapies, help reduce stress and improve mental health naturally. 

5. Increased Self-Esteem and Identity

Addiction is a shame-based disorder that creates a cycle of destructive behavior. When you feel unworthy and ashamed, your sense of self takes a hit, and you begin to feel lost and unsure of who you are. Holistic therapy helps address the trauma that causes alcoholism and other substance use disorders and helps improve your self-esteem and identity as you learn new skills and remember that you are capable and worthy. 

Is Holistic Therapy More Helpful Than Medication-Assisted Therapy?

No, holistic therapy is not more helpful than medication-assisted therapy. To put it simply, there are benefits to both holistic therapy and medication-assisted therapy(MAT). They are valuable tools that help people make incredible progress on their healing journeys. Many addiction experts agree that a multi-modality approach to recovery works best. It’s not a question of which modality is better, but which combination of modalities helps this specific individual at any given stage in recovery. 

What Other Alternative Therapies Work For Alcohol Use Disorder?

Other alternative therapies that work for alcohol use disorder include evidence-based and alternative therapies. Some people benefit from experiential therapies like Reiki and other forms of energy healing, as well as mindful movement practices like Tai Chi and Qigong that promote health and well-being. 

Other alternative therapies include changing your diet with the help of a nutritionist while changing your lifestyle to include self-care while limiting your exposure to toxic people and places. Some people even move to another state or country so they can benefit from a complete change in climate and environment.