Why Holistic Therapies Provide Longlasting Recovery

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Why Holistic Therapies Provide Longlasting Recovery

cropped shot of bottom half of a woman using dumb bells and cell phone - holistic therapiesChoosing to go into rehab for substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major step in your journey to wellness. Having dedicated time to focus solely on yourself and create a respite for health is truly a benefit. Even better, when you use the holistic therapies you learned during early recovery throughout your life, chances of relapse greatly reduce. Here’s why.

What Does Holistic Mean?

When you have an opportunity to aid healing, without medications or surgeries, it’s a great feeling. More importantly, it gives you a sense of empowerment that you can manage your health effectively, especially when life tosses a few curveballs.

The medical definition of holistic, according to Oxford Languages, is “characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.” This is why holistic methods are frequently part of the continuum of care at quality rehabilitation facilities: they provide avenues for individuals to explore and care for their whole selves, and are tools for recovery success as people evolve.

You don’t have to buy a lot of shady products online to be holistic, but you do need to be willing to embrace different routines and ideas. You’ve likely heard of a lot of these methods, too, and maybe even tried a few. To be open and experimental is really the key to success with holistic therapies—not everything will bring you joy, but a few techniques will certainly resonate with you, and that’s all that matters.

Simple Holistic Care

You’ve heard this a gazillion times. We’re certain of it. But it doesn’t make it any less true: a whole-foods diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep are the easiest, cheapest, and most accessible holistic practices you can start right now. Okay, maybe tomorrow, but soon! So what does this routine look like?

  • Avoid processed meals, fatty or fried foods, simple carbohydrates (like white flour) and excess sugar. Sugar triggers the same neurotransmitters in your brain’s reward center as drugs or alcohol, so it’s important to monitor it.
  • Choose to fill your diet with whole grains, leafy greens and other vegetables, occasional fruit, and lean protein options. Think less about trendy diets and more about developing a solid eating plan.
  • Move your body every day. Yes, every day! How you do this is totally up to you, but the general medical recommendation includes both cardio activity and strength training. Some days, you might feel particularly active, and other days, a slow stroll around the block is fine. Just make a routine that works for you.
  • Invest in sleep. Even though there are many factors in life that interrupt rest, it’s critical to your overall health to prioritize good sleep hygiene.

You might also consider learning some breathing techniques for stress management. Most of the time, our body just moves air in and out without us really thinking about it. But when we apply deliberate focus to our breath, we can help regulate our nervous system.

These habits, as uncomplicated as they are, extend a profound boost to wellness in your mind, body, and spirit.

Additional Holistic Therapies

Many people who stay at Seabrook to regain their health are often surprised at the vast offerings of holistic care we provide clients. Additionally, by learning these various techniques in a safe and welcoming environment, individuals are more likely to give them a try and build upon them even more after they leave. Here are just a few:

  • Music therapy, an evidence-based application that helps people manage anxiety and stress, alleviate pain, and share feelings.
  • Yoga might seem intimidating at first, but there are various styles to meet each person where they are and create a purposeful practice.
  • Acupuncture allows for an effective pain management program that also lessens anxiety, improves sleep, and reduces substance withdrawal symptoms.
  • Drumming builds stronger connections, creates an environment for moving meditation, and encourages nonverbal expression of thoughts and feelings.
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a mental health intervention tool that’s especially helpful for people overcoming trauma, grief, and PTSD.
  • Brainspotting, another integrative therapy technique, also helps individuals with those conditions.

These and other holistic recovery options help you to relieve symptoms, but also get to the root cause of key issues so you can manage your life with authenticity.

At Seabrook, There’s Always a Way

Addiction treatment shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Some people might need 30 days of detoxification and behavioral modification, while others require medication-assisted treatment even after 90 days in a rehabilitation center. Our board-certified staff determines each person’s unique needs and offers numerous therapies and healing methods to support lasting recovery. This whole-person, individualized care lessens the chance of relapse and supports quality disease management. Now is the time for someone to care for you—let us show you how.