Holistic rehabilitation is an approach to addiction treatment that addresses the individual as a whole—mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Holistic treatment centers incorporate alternative medicine and practices such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage therapy. These techniques are often combined with traditional treatment methods to provide a comprehensive approach to treating alcohol addiction and other substance use disorders.

When used alongside evidence-based addiction therapies, holistic treatments can enhance overall well-being and introduce healthier coping strategies. Many rehab centers now integrate some form of holistic care into their addiction treatment programs.

This article explores holistic rehab, detailing the treatments involved and how this approach supports long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

What is Holistic Rehab?

Holistic addiction treatment takes an integrated approach, viewing the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected rather than separate. It focuses on treating the whole person, considering mental, emotional, and social factors in addition to the physical symptoms of addiction. Holistic rehab utilizes techniques and treatments from integrative or holistic medicine to support recovery.

Just as with other health conditions, improving overall well-being—such as reducing stress, eating healthily, enhancing immunity, and addressing mental health—helps the body heal naturally and stay healthy. Holistic treatment plans incorporate a range of alternative and complementary practices to:

Address underlying trauma that may contribute to addiction
Improve overall physical health
Treat mental health issues like anxiety and depression
Ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings
Foster spiritual growth
Encourage relaxation during recovery

Holistic practitioners believe in the body's innate ability to heal itself, including from substance use disorders. The therapies used in holistic programs aim to support this natural healing process. Through activities like yoga, meditation, exercise, and nutritional adjustments, these programs provide new coping skills that aid in relapse prevention.

Common therapies used in holistic treatment include:

Acupuncture
Art therapy
Ayurveda
Chiropractic care
Exercise therapy
Herbal treatments
Kinesiology
Massage therapy
Meditation
Nutritional counseling
Reiki
Trauma reprocessing therapies
Yoga

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, where needles are inserted into specific points on the body. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, these acupuncture points are believed to activate the central nervous system, releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. This process is thought to trigger the body's natural healing abilities and restore balance, especially after prolonged substance abuse. Acupuncture is often used in addiction treatment to promote relaxation and research indicates it can help alleviate cravings and reduce uncomfortable physical symptoms during detox.

Art therapy

Art therapy utilizes visual arts, drama, dance, and movement as tools to address past traumas linked to addiction while promoting physical, mental, and emotional healing. It also serves as a way for individuals to discover meaning and support their spiritual recovery from addiction.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient healing practice from India that aims to restore balance within the body through a customized approach. This plan may include therapies such as massage, tailored diets, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and physical exercise. Ayurvedic treatments are believed to help release unconscious blockages that contribute to stress and substance-seeking behaviors.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic care involves the spine, which houses neurotransmitters responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the body. When the spine is misaligned, this communication can be disrupted. Chiropractors can adjust the spine to correct these misalignments, ensuring that neurotransmitters send accurate signals. When these neurotransmitters are working correctly, patients find it easier to manage drug cravings, which enhances their likelihood of sustaining long-term recovery.

Exercise therapy

Exercise therapy is an effective way to relieve stress and improve mood, offering individuals in recovery a healthy way to cope without resorting to drugs or alcohol. Depending on the rehab facility, activities may include personal fitness, climbing, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor pursuits.

Herbal Therapy

Herbs, as natural botanical substances, can offer beneficial effects on the body and are frequently used in detox programs. For instance, ginseng is believed to reduce opioid tolerance and dependence. Other herbs commonly used for withdrawal include valerian, which helps alleviate insomnia, and milk thistle, which supports liver function.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology involves gentle muscle testing to identify imbalances within the body. Through the use of nutritional supplements, lymphatic massage, and contact with specific points, it helps restore the body to its natural state of balance. Similar to acupuncture, kinesiology can stimulate the body’s inherent ability to heal and correct imbalances caused by long-term substance abuse.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy not only relaxes tight muscles and promotes a feeling of relaxation, but research has shown it can also lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, while boosting serotonin and dopamine levels by 28% and 31%, respectively. This can help mitigate the dopamine reduction that occurs during withdrawal.

Meditation

Guided meditation assists individuals in recovery by helping them clear their minds of stress and triggers while enhancing focus and overall mental health.

Nutritional Therapy

Maintaining good health is crucial during recovery. Nutritional therapy focuses on providing individuals with balanced meals designed to enhance health and support the healing process.

Reiki

Reiki is a traditional Japanese healing practice based on the belief that energy flows through specific points in the body, known as chakras. Blockages or disruptions in this energy flow can negatively affect both physical and mental well-being. Reiki is used to address stress, anxiety, and past traumas, which often contribute to the underlying causes of addiction.

Trauma Reprocessing Therapies

Therapies like EMDR and Sensorimotor therapy assist individuals in processing and healing past trauma, which may be a contributing factor to their addiction.

Yoga

In yoga, patients engage in stretching, breathwork, and guided relaxation exercises. Research has demonstrated that yoga supports recovery from addiction and can help reduce stress, promoting a calmer and more relaxed state during addiction treatment.

Beyond substance use disorders, this holistic approach is also effective in treating various mental health and behavioral issues, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Holistic Rehab vs. Traditional Addiction Treatment

Holistic therapies are often viewed as alternatives to evidence-based therapies, which are treatments that have been scientifically proven to be effective.

Traditional Addiction Treatment Therapies

Traditional treatment centers primarily use evidence-based therapies to address substance abuse. Treatment typically begins with medically supervised detox, where healthcare professionals administer medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. After detox, patients usually participate in individual and group therapy sessions, as well as receive counseling and skills training. Common psychotherapy methods include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

In addition to therapy, doctors may prescribe medications to manage co-occurring mental health disorders and help reduce cravings related to substance abuse. These medications are often part of long-term aftercare and relapse prevention.

Holistic Addiction Treatment Therapies

In contrast, holistic addiction treatment focuses on healing the body through healthy eating, herbal supplements, and adequate hydration. Practitioners believe that introducing additional chemicals through medication can keep the body in a toxic state, hindering the benefits of being completely drug-free.

Holistic rehab centers emphasize self-discovery and therapies that support the body’s natural healing processes. Patients undergo detox and withdrawal, and when appropriate, therapies like acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies are used to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Many rehab centers combine holistic therapies with evidence-based treatments like medically-assisted detox, individual and group therapy, and other medical interventions for a comprehensive recovery program.

Why Holistic Aftercare is Important

Holistic practices play a vital role in aftercare, which follows the completion of an intensive treatment program. Aftercare is crucial for long-term recovery because it provides the tools and support needed to avoid relapse. Continuing holistic practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, and meditation helps individuals maintain focus on their sobriety.

As with the treatment phase, individuals in recovery may also participate in traditional aftercare activities, including outpatient treatment, medications, group or individual therapy, and 12-step programs for ongoing support.

Benefits of Holistic Treatment Centers

Holistic addiction treatment centers offer a mind-body approach to recovery, providing several benefits:

Improved overall health: Herbal supplements, better nutrition, exercise, and hands-on treatments like chiropractic care and massage therapy contribute to overall health and well-being.
Enhanced self-esteem: Holistic treatments recognize the individual as more than just their addiction. Approaches like art therapy, meditation, and yoga help rebuild self-esteem damaged by substance abuse.
Comprehensive treatment: Holistic treatment aims to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery, fostering long-term healing.
Stress reduction and healthier coping mechanisms: Holistic programs use meditation, yoga, and exercise to help manage cravings and teach new coping strategies, supporting relapse prevention.
Spiritual growth: Practices like meditation and yoga can promote spiritual connections, which have been linked to better outcomes in substance abuse recovery. A 2019 study showed that those with strong spiritual beliefs tend to have better health and longer lives.
Long-lasting benefits: Habits like exercise, nutrition, and meditation learned in rehab can lead to sustained well-being, reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Increased success rates: A study found that individuals who are satisfied with their treatment are more likely to succeed in recovery. Holistic therapies like yoga and massage can make the recovery process more enjoyable and relaxing.

Traditional treatments are often combined with holistic approaches, allowing patients to benefit from both methods.

Is Holistic Addiction Treatment Effective?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), evidence-based treatments are the most effective for substance abuse. However, holistic therapies like massage and meditation can complement traditional methods by reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being, making patients more receptive to psychotherapy and other evidence-based treatments.

Holistic treatments may vary in effectiveness for different individuals, so it’s important for the treatment plan to be personalized to meet each person's needs and recovery goals.

Drawbacks of Holistic Rehab for Substance Abuse

While holistic rehab offers many advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider:

Cost of treatment: Some holistic therapies can be expensive. While practices like yoga and meditation are low-cost, others such as massage therapy and chiropractic care can add up, especially without insurance coverage. Holistic rehab centers are often more costly than traditional ones.
Limited inpatient facilities: There are fewer inpatient holistic rehab centers compared to traditional ones, making it harder to find available facilities, particularly those offering specialized services.
Dependence on belief in holistic treatments: If you’re skeptical about treatments like yoga or energy therapies (e.g., reiki), you may not experience their full benefits.
Holistic treatments are supplementary: Holistic therapies are typically most effective when paired with evidence-based treatments, not as standalone solutions.

Is Holistic Rehab Right for Me?

Holistic rehab may be a great choice if you believe in the connection between mind, body, and spirit and prefer a natural approach to healing. It is also a good option for those who feel disconnected from more traditional treatment methods.

Since holistic treatments are often combined with evidence-based therapies, patients benefit from a comprehensive, well-rounded recovery program that promotes healthy habits and a balanced approach to long-term sobriety.

If you’re unsure if holistic rehab is suitable for you, consulting with an addiction specialist can help determine your specific needs and which treatment methods will work best for you. While you can pursue activities like yoga and meditation on your own, an addiction specialist can help you create a balanced treatment plan that integrates both traditional and holistic therapies.

How to Pay for Holistic Rehab

Holistic rehab centers tend to be more expensive than traditional treatment options and are often considered luxury rehabs. However, if holistic treatments are part of a broader addiction treatment program, some of the costs may be covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States. Many private insurance plans also offer varying levels of addiction treatment coverage.

That said, some insurance companies may not cover holistic treatments like acupuncture or herbal therapy. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.

Even if your insurance doesn’t cover holistic treatments, you can still participate in activities like yoga and meditation, either during rehab or as part of aftercare. These practices are often available independently and can be an affordable way to continue your healing journey.

Get Help with Holistic Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Holistic therapy, with its emphasis on mind-body balance, complements many addiction treatment methods. Practices like yoga, meditation, and healthy eating provide effective coping mechanisms for long-term recovery. Many rehab centers offer holistic therapies as part of their comprehensive treatment programs.

If you or a loved one are dealing with drug or alcohol addiction, help is available. Rehabilitation programs are accessible, and we are here to support you in achieving a happy, healthy, and sober life.

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