Holistic treatment and therapies are becoming more and more commonplace in facilities, and many now recognize them as elements of effective addiction treatment.By focusing on mental health, physical well-being, emotional conditions, and the spiritual state, holistic therapies aim to treat the whole person and reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia, while increasing confidence in a person’s ability to handle the stressors of recovery.Most importantly, holistic therapies serve as a complement to traditional treatment strategies, such as counseling, life skills, and relapse prevention skills training.

Common examples of holistic treatments focused on the body include yoga, massage, and acupuncture.  These improve a person’s physical well-being, allowing them to feel strong, relaxed, and fully-rested. Increased physical strength and a sense of comfort in one’s own body can improve confidence and may help an individual feel ready to take on any challenges they face in recovery.

Yoga, along with other therapies like meditation and aromatherapy, can also improve a person’s mental and spiritual well-being. These therapies can provide stress-lowering coping methods that may help an individual better deal with cravings for drugs or alcohol. They also promote introspection and reflection by giving individuals the opportunity to examine their own actions, thoughts, and feelings. Such introspection can be key in achieving and maintaining sobriety in the long-term.

The positive effects of holistic therapies may not be immediately obvious to those who aren’t familiar with addiction. However, by experiencing holistic as well as traditional treatment strategies, an individual may feel that they are receiving a more complete treatment experience.

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