Different Types of Holistic Treatments for Addiction

Holistic treatment can be a crucial part of recovery. The number of holistic practices one can utilize is seemingly endless, ranging from meditation and exercise to music and art therapy. Holistic treatment is also excellent when coupled with evidence-based modalities and may strengthen your recovery. 

After careful research, you may find that incorporating some holistic treatment is a good path. At NorthStar Transitions, you can experiment with holistic options through any of our programs, whether dual diagnosis, partial hospitalization (PHP), or an experiential therapy and wellness program

What Does Effective Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Look Like?

Many people researching treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental disorders become overwhelmed by the number of options available. It's incredible how many alternatives there are nowadays. It's easy to start to feel like the walls are caving in when overwhelmed with options.

The fact is that there is no one "correct" treatment or a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction or mental health treatment. Instead, effective treatments are tailored to each person and often combine multiple techniques and practices. For example, some facilities focus on medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, or the 12 Steps, while others focus on more evidence-based treatments in combination with a holistic approach. 

Before entering a treatment program, consider each option, what you might be more receptive to, and where those are offered. Don't be afraid to scour websites and learn all you can about a given facility's program offerings. Additionally, don't hesitate to call and ask them questions about what you discovered. Your treatment is your journey, and you must have autonomy over decisions regarding your care. That requires you to ask any question that makes you well-informed. 

Traditional Methods of Addiction Treatment 

Assessment is necessary for admission to a treatment program. During an initial assessment, professionals and clinicians can get to know you better, understand your condition or conditions, and create an appropriate care plan. That means they will use their expertise to determine which treatments and modalities may be most effective for you.

Some traditional approaches and techniques may be more effective than others. These methods have been tried and tested on many individuals who went through treatment. With the rise of telemental health and virtual treatment, modern approaches allow individuals to seek treatment while fulfilling the daily duties of their life.

Depending on your life situation, different levels of care may be more appropriate for you. For example, residential treatment, which occurs post-detox, is a residential program that offers 24/7 supervision and around-the-clock care. It does, however, require you to reside at the treatment facility. Residential treatment can be excellent for you if you require intensive care. It allows you to build a strong community within the facility. However, it does require time away from family, friends, and responsibilities like work. 

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the next step down from residential treatment. PHPs are intensive but offer less supervision and allow you to continue working, going to school, and spending time with family during treatment. 

Outpatient programs are even less intensive than PHP. Individuals seek treatment either as-needed or on a slightly more structured schedule once or twice throughout the week. As OPs are the least structured option, they are most effective for those who have completed a residential program or PHP. 

During programs like these, you are likely to experiment with several modalities, including: 

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps interrupt negative thinking patterns to help you change your behavior and improve your quality of life
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) helps you regulate your emotions, tolerate stress, and improve relationships
  • Trauma-informed care, because many root causes for addiction and mental illness may derive from trauma

Holistic Treatment and Practices 

The number of holistic practices available is extensive, ranging from common practices, like yoga, to more alternative approaches, such as massage therapy. But, again, the beauty of holistic practices is that you can experiment with many to discover which works best for you. 

The appeal of holistic treatment is not just that it's modern. So many traditional therapies focus on addiction itself. But, while the addiction must be treated, we can't stop there. We must treat the person as a whole, considering their mind, body, and soul. Holistic treatment does this. 

Typical forms of holistic treatment you can try today include: 

  • Exercise and nutrition 
  • Meditation and mindfulness practices 
  • Breathwork 
  • Massage therapy 
  • Aromatherapy 
  • Acupuncture and acupressure 
  • Art and music therapy 
  • Yoga 
  • Tai Chi 
  • Nature therapy 

Benefits of Holistic Treatment 

In addition to treating your mind, body, and soul, holistic treatment offers many other benefits. That is why many people implement these practices into their daily life to maintain wellness. These practices can help: 

  • Reduce stress 
  • Teach healthy coping techniques 
  • Prevent the risks of relapse 
  • Provide spiritual connection 
  • Improve other areas of your physical, mental, and emotional health 

To begin healing, consider seeking holistic treatment today. 

The road to recovery can be long and strenuous. That is why you must prioritize your physical and emotional well-being, in addition to your addiction and mental health. An excellent way to do that is through holistic treatment. Holistic treatment uses a whole-person approach that prioritizes the mind, body, and soul. In combination with evidence-based modalities, holistic care can reduce stress, improve overall well-being, and reduce the risks of relapse in recovery. You can begin experimenting with holistic practice today by trying meditation, breathwork, or other mindfulness-based techniques. To learn more about holistic treatment or to seek help, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400. We can help you on your path to healing today. 

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