Holistic therapy is a term that refers to therapies that are designed to address all aspects of the individual. Holistic therapy gets results where other forms of traditional psychotherapy fall short, and can help people make significant progress in their healing journeys.
People with complex trauma, for example, can benefit from learning mindfulness techniques that help them become aware of what they are feeling in their bodies in the present moment, as opposed to only processing their experience verbally. Here are a few different kinds of holistic therapy:
- Equine therapy
- Yoga
- Art therapy
- Song Healing Circles
- Somatic & Movement Therapies
What Are The Benefits Of Holistic Rehab For Alcoholism?
Holistic alcohol rehab has many benefits, which may vary depending on the specific type of therapy you are being treated with. In general, there are five main benefits of attending a holistic drug and alcohol rehab, including stress reduction, healthy coping skills, and relapse prevention. Because a holistic approach takes the entire individual into account, one can also heal their spiritual connection while improving their physical and mental health.
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 human beings and want to live a life with a purpose that we can be proud of. When spirituality is defined as a connection to something greater than ourselves, we can develop a spiritual practice that empowers us to take the necessary steps forward in life. Developing faith or trust in a loving, generous, higher power is often a key part of 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 a crucial part of recovery, which deserves more time and attention in the healing process. Holistic therapy can contribute 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 can have many negative effects on a person’s physical well-being, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Addressing your diet and nutrition, for example, can promote greater health, a stronger immune system, and improved sleeping patterns. Other holistic therapies, like yoga and somatic movement therapies, can 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 may 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 can help 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?
To put it simply, there are benefits to both approaches. Holistic therapy and medication-assisted therapy(MAT) are both useful tools that can 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 can help this specific individual at any given stage in recovery.
What Other Alternative Therapies Work For Alcohol Use Disorder?
There are many kinds of therapies that work for alcohol use disorder, including 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.
Get Holistic Therapy For Alcohol Abuse At The Nestled Recovery
At Nestled Recovery, we have a unique, holistic approach to addiction treatment and long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders. You can expect to receive professional, trauma-informed care in our beautiful, state-of-the-art rehab center while learning how to incorporate mindfulness into your healing journey.
Using the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, we consider the entire person: mind, body, and spirit, creating tailored treatment plans with a range of psychotherapies and experiential therapies to choose from. We offer medical detox, intensive outpatient programs, and alumni support in addition to our signature residential rehab program. If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use disorder, contact us today.
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