During treatment for a mental health or substance abuse disorder, evidence-based therapies are routinely merged with a holistic treatment approach to maximize your chances of recovery. Holistic treatment programs are beginning to trend in the world of addiction recovery. Some people may not feel fully comfortable with the traditional treatment methods.
Explore holistic therapy addiction treatment at Northern Illinois Recovery Center and learn how it can help improve program results and overall well-being.
Some mental health disorders also increase your chances of attempting suicide, isolating yourself from others, and experiencing instability. Substance abuse disorders can likewise cause physical, emotional, and financial harm. The long-term effects of substance use can alter the way the brain responds to life. Substance use at an early age can lead to changes in the development of regions of the brain responsible for emotional reasoning, processing, and more. Addiction treatment may offer standard therapies to promote optimal health.

What Does Holistic Mean?
Holistic treatments are not considered a single treatment procedure. Remember, the holistic activities are intended to supplement the rehabilitation process. Your therapist must be diligent in your rehabilitation process to ensure optimum benefits. It starts with improving your physical and psychological condition. Naturally, traditional withdrawal strategies are required, alongside strict healthy eating and daily exercise.

Dual Diagnosis Support
Another advantage of holistic medicine is that it supports dual diagnosis. Several forms of holistic treatment help patients with more than one condition, like addiction and anxiety. If a comorbid disorder has developed into an addiction, the preexisting disorder has been considered an important factor in its development. Therefore, tackling mental health problems at the earliest stages of recovery is vital.
Addiction and Mental Health
- Impair your judgment and logical reasoning
- Lower your inhibitions
- Cause cognitive and neurological impairments
- Worsen underlying comorbid and co-occurring disorders
- Lead to legal problems
- Cause employment issues
It takes your body and brain time to heal from addiction fully. Addiction can also cause withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings, making it hard to recover without treatment. Many people in substance abuse recovery experience at least one relapse, which occurs when they begin abusing drugs or alcohol again after sustaining a period of abstinence. Ideally, you complete treatment for at least 90 days to increase your chances of full recovery.
Mental health disorders require early treatment because many mental health conditions worsen until you receive help. Mild symptoms are easier to control and treat, while severe symptoms may require more intense treatment. Many mental health disorders cause neurotransmitter imbalances, which lead to uncontrolled emotions and difficulty in managing your daily life.
Spiritual Healing


What is a Holistic Addiction Treatment Program?
Other holistic therapies, like yoga and massage therapy, improve cognition and concentration while promoting relaxation. Reducing stress through holistic approaches such as Tai Chi introduces movement to help enrich the mind, body, and spirit. A holistic treatment approach can work in combination with other treatments, such as evidence-based therapies. Relaxation techniques are a common practice to help those with the recovery process. For example, social media addiction can cause self-esteem to wane.
Relaxation techniques can help guide a person through their emotional issues to improve their daily life. The emotional well-being of a person in addiction treatment can mark a lasting recovery if handled with care. Nutritional therapy can serve as a gateway to improving well-being if a person is recovering from malnutrition or exhaustion from the medical detox.
What are Evidence-Based Approaches?
Mental health counseling, such as cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, is common during mental health and substance abuse treatment because it helps you identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Family therapy is another resource for addiction treatment.
Emotional support is necessary to help the person recognize that their journey will be made easier with a support system. Drug abuse tends to cause people to isolate or withdraw from loved ones. Drug addiction could be a result of self-medicating or other underlying issues. A family therapy program. Northern Illinois Recovery Center ensures that you and your loved ones are on the same page during your recovery.
Medication therapy management and medication-assisted therapy are also two evidence-based approaches that are highly effective in recovery from mental health and substance abuse disorders. Individual therapy, which can include trauma-focused counseling, provides you with a safe, supportive environment to share and express complex or troubling emotions. Group therapy improves your ability to communicate and identify with others.
Peer-led support groups, which can include 12-step groups, like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous), offer strong recovery-focused networks to help you remain clean and sober following treatment. The addiction recovery process requires attention from different perspectives. Conventional and alternative therapies can be viewed as a reinforced method of integrative health.
Holistic Therapy FAQs
Holistic activities play a crucial role in recovery by healing the mind, body, and spirit simultaneously, not just addressing the symptoms of addiction. These practices help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and triggers without resorting to substance use. By fostering self-awareness and overall well-being, they create a strong foundation for a sustainable and fulfilling sober life.
The four core holistic needs are physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. Addressing the physical need involves healing the body through nutrition, exercise, and sleep, while the emotional need focuses on processing feelings in a healthy way. The mental and spiritual needs are met through therapies that reshape thought patterns and help individuals find purpose and connection beyond their addiction.
Yes, holistic healing is an evidence-informed approach that significantly improves recovery outcomes when integrated with traditional therapies. It works by providing a comprehensive toolkit for managing the root causes of addiction, such as trauma and chronic stress. Many individuals find that holistic methods empower them to take an active role in their healing journey, leading to higher rates of long-term success.
Common examples of holistic therapy include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and art or music therapy. Yoga and meditation help calm the nervous system and improve mental focus, while acupuncture can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Creative therapies like art and music provide non-verbal outlets for expression and emotional processing, which are vital for healing.
Some aspects of holistic treatments may be covered by insurance, but it’s best to speak to your healthcare provider. Coverage varies significantly between insurance providers and specific plans, with some covering therapies like acupuncture or clinical counseling when deemed medically necessary. Our admissions team at Northern Illinois Recovery Center can help you verify your benefits and understand what your plan includes for a comprehensive treatment program.
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