Holistic drug rehab programs use an approach that promotes healthy lifestyle changes as complementary to traditional treatment to help people overcome addiction. Although holistic healing methods have been used since the beginning of time, this approach is increasingly popular for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. Today, drug and alcohol rehab centers across the nation use a variety of holistic techniques to help their patients recover.

What is a Holistic Approach?

Holistic health is a term that refers to the treatment of a “whole” person. In order words, holistic treatment programs take into consideration the mental, physical, and spiritual needs of an individual rather than solely on the symptoms of their disease. Oftentimes, addiction treatment providers use this type of approach to help patients understand their physical and psychological needs. The ultimate goal is to help patients achieve not only sobriety but optimal well-being, as well, where they are functioning as effectively as possible.

Holistic therapy focuses on improving an individual’s overall well-being. When used in addiction treatment, it can also be helpful in treating symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal. As a result, many substance abuse treatment centers use interventions such as yoga, massage, acupuncture, meditation, exercise, nutritional counseling, and more to help patients see improvements in their recovery and their daily life.

Different types of holistic therapies include:

• Art or music therapy
• Nutritional counseling
• Exercise therapy
• Spiritual therapy
• Meditation
• Message
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Mindfulness
• Reiki or energy work
• Herbal medicines or homeopathic treatments

Many holistic therapists stress the idea that each person’s body has its own innate healing abilities. The methods listed above are thought to help unlock this healing potential. A holistic approach may apply to substance abuse and addiction as well as an array of mental, physical, and behavioral issues. Throughout this approach, patients are encouraged to take back control over their lives, their health, and their recovery through natural healing methods.

Holistic Treatment for Drug Addiction

Holistic drug rehab programs offer non-medical and personalized healing methods for addiction treatment. As such, holistic therapists are able to treat emotional and mental symptoms as well as physical issues and nutritional deficiencies. After all, things like poor diet, lack of sleep, and mental illness are major obstacles that people in recovery may face – but holistic therapy can help treat.

Since each individual is unique with individualized needs, holistic therapies are flexible and can be modified to meet the specific needs of each person. Furthermore, drug rehab programs that use holistic methods will work closely with patients to design a comprehensive treatment regimen that targets their mental, physical, and spiritual needs. The core objectives and goals of holistic therapy for addiction treatment are:

• Promote physical fitness, strength, and health
• Identify and address the underlying causes of drug addiction
• Strengthen mental resilience to help people deal with cravings
• Help improve self-confidence
• Reduce the appeal of drugs and/or alcohol
• Introduce patients to stress-relieving coping mechanisms

Types of Holistic Therapies

Holistic therapy is a broad term that encompasses many different aspects of healthy lifestyles, ranging from nutrition and exercise to mindfulness and spirituality. Some of the primary types of holistic therapies used at many drug rehab programs include:

Exercise and Nutritional Counseling

A healthy body can help improve your mood and your recovery, which is why many holistic drug rehab centers provide exercise and nutritional counseling. Nutritionists can help patients learn how to eat healthily and restore proper nutrition to their body, while exercise may be offered in the form of a gym, sports activities, or outdoor activities like hiking, rock-climbing, or swimming. This type of holistic therapy can encourage physical and mental growth.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness helps promote self-awareness, something that is vital in sobriety to be aware of triggers and avoid relapse. Meditation, on the other hand, is a useful stress-reduction tool that can help ward off drug cravings. Mindful meditation is often encouraged for people in recovery, whether it be through guided meditation, yoga, tai chi, reiki, or other techniques that promote clarity of mind. This form of holistic healing helps encourage emotional and mental healing and resilience.

Art and Music Therapy

Expressive therapies, such as art, music, or drama, allow people to lose their inhibitions and express themselves in a creative, care-free, and non-judgemental way. Patients may make art, listen to music, play music, or create skits to help work through underlying emotions or practice coping skills. Art and music therapy provide a creative outlet for people to express emotions that are sometimes difficult to put into words.

Acupuncture and Massage Therapy

Massage and acupuncture are both used to relieve stress, relax the body, and help restore balance to the body. By relieving muscle tension and targeting certain pressure points, these therapies can be effective relaxation tools for people in recovery.

The Benefits of Holistic Drug Rehab

Holistic addiction treatment programs are most effective when combined with traditional rehabilitation techniques, such as behavioral therapy and peer support. This means holistic therapy is usually combined with medically assisted detox, group therapy, and individual counseling sessions. In addition, many people in recovery will attend 12-step support groups to help them stay sober.

When holistic therapy methods are paired with traditional drug rehab approaches, it can offer endless benefits to patients, some of which include:

• Reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms
• Preventing drug and alcohol cravings
• Providing an outlet to cope with difficult emotions
• Promoting self-awareness
• Improving self-esteem
• Providing stress relief and relaxation techniques
• Enhancing physical strength and well-being
• Improving mental health
• Offering a highly individualized treatment approach

Lastly, many advocates for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as these claim that they can significantly improve the chances of recovery when used in combination with traditional addiction treatment therapies and self-help groups. Holistic therapy is meant to enhance various aspects of one’s recovery rather than replace traditional drug rehab techniques.

Does Insurance Cover Holistic Addiction Treatment?

Since the majority of treatments used in holistic rehab are thought of as “complementary” or “alternative” medicine (CAM therapies), not all insurance providers will recognize the legitimacy of these facilities. As a result, only some insurance companies will provide reimbursement for holistic addiction treatment. This leaves many individuals forced to pay out-of-pocket costs for CAM treatment providers. That being said, many traditional substance abuse treatment providers will offer both evidence-based therapy and holistic therapies, so depending on the facility, your insurance may cover some or all of treatment.

In general, inpatient holistic rehab may cost between $200 and $900 per day, whereas outpatient rehab may cost anywhere between $100 to $500 per session. The out-of-pocket costs will also vary depending on how long the rehab program is, which amenities are offered, and the licensing and accreditation of practitioners at the facility. If you are attending a facility that combines holistic methods with traditional treatments, your insurance may cover a portion of the treatment while you remain responsible for the costs associated with the holistic aspects of care.

Find a Holistic Drug Rehab Near You

Many substance abuse treatment centers offer holistic therapy as part of their treatment programs to help patients find balance in all aspects of their life. More importantly, holistic healing methods are compatible with virtually every treatment approach – whether it be medication-assisted treatment or traditional behavioral therapy.

Using holistic methods to cope emotionally, physically, and spiritually can help you avoid relapse and live a healthy, happy life. If you or a loved one are interested in locating a holistic drug and alcohol rehab near you, pick up the phone and contact one of our dedicated treatment providers today.