As people learn more about addiction and how it affects people’s lives, it has become clear that it is not simply a physical condition. Addiction affects the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. It causes physical damage, leads to strained relationships and isolation, and can cause or worsen mental health issues. The effects of addiction are felt by everyone who loves the person and their wider community. For this reason, treating addiction must not be limited to just medical care. Instead, a holistic treatment approach should give people the whole-self healing they need to overcome addiction.
Holistic therapies are uniquely able to support addiction recovery because they provide necessary healing, soothing, and emotional regulation during treatment. Incorporating nurturing practices into treatment programs lets people learn valuable tools for emotional regulation and self-care. Improving overall health and emotional wellbeing has been shown to offer people the best chance of long-term recovery from addiction.
If you or someone you love require addiction treatment, you are not alone, Northern Illinois Recovery Center offers a range of programs designed to support people at any stage of addiction or recovery. Call 855.786.1978 to speak to one of our compassionate admissions counselors.
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What is Holistic Therapy?
Holistic therapies are practices that increase a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Some examples of holistic therapies used in addiction treatment include:
- Recreation therapy
- Nature therapy
- Nutrition therapy
- Art and music therapy
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Yoga
- Meditation
Each holistic therapy offers people the chance to learn new skills that will support their lifelong recovery, have a break from the rigors of addiction and treatment, and learn valuable self-care skills.
Benefits of Holistic Addiction Treatment
When used alongside evidence-based treatments like therapy and medication, holistic therapies give people a chance to nurture their bodies and minds as they go through the stages of detox and treatment. The benefits of holistic addiction treatment include:
- Helping to find meaning and satisfaction in life after treatment
- Develop tools to help manage uncomfortable emotions
- Increase mental health and resilience
- Form new relationships
- Increase physical health
- Learn active self-care methods
- Find new ways to release dopamine
- Reinforce the idea that you are worthy of feeling good and receiving care
Learning how to manage challenges and difficult emotions is an important aspect of addiction treatment. When used as part of an addiction treatment program, holistic therapies can be valuable tools for people to use for the rest of their lives in recovery.
How is the Holistic Treatment Approach Used to Treat Addiction?
Usually, addiction treatment happens in progressive stages, starting with detox. After detox, people participate in a treatment program that includes medications, individual and group therapy, and education. A holistic treatment program offers the chance to participate in holistic therapies as part of the daily schedule. Using these therapies lets people have a break from the demands of the treatment program. It also helps them find things that feel good and help them stay grounded and regulated.
After treatment, people must plan for their aftercare. This plan may include continuing holistic therapies that were helpful during treatment or exploring new ones.
Learn More About Holistic Therapy at the Northern Illinois Recovery Center
If you or someone you love require addiction treatment, please reach out to the Northern Illinois Recovery Center staff. We offer programs designed to empower and support people as they recover from addiction. With the right care and support, you can recover from addiction and lead the healthy, self-directed life you deserve. Don’t wait another day to get the life-changing treatment you need. Call us at 855.786.1978 or fill out an online intake form.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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