Holistic health is all about looking at the body as a whole to achieve health and wellness. If you have an untreated mental illness, you can’t really be healthy, just like you wouldn’t be considered well if you had a broken leg or a kidney infection.
Addiction rehab, more than any other health service, benefits immensely from a holistic approach. Addiction is a complicated health issue that negatively impacts not just the body, but also the mind, lifestyle, and future of the person affected.
To successfully and safely overcome addiction, it’s crucial to consider its impact on the whole person or even their entire community.
So, how does holistic addiction rehab work? If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, keep reading to find out how a holistic approach can make a difference.
**The Physical Aspect**
Many substances lead to physical dependence, meaning the body gets so used to the substance that it struggles to function without it. Both drugs and alcohol can change your body’s chemistry, significantly affecting your physical health.
When someone first starts their recovery journey, they often experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be very dangerous depending on how long and how severely they’ve been addicted.
The first step in any rehab center is to address this physical dependency. Some centers use medication to help ease withdrawal symptoms, reducing the health risks and the body’s shock. Other centers may rely on mindfulness, meditation, therapy, and similar methods to get through this tough period.
After the initial withdrawal, holistic recovery centers, like Elevate Rehab, start focusing on improving physical health. Activities such as weightlifting and yoga help individuals become more aware of their bodies. These practices help identify weak areas and build strength, especially in muscles that may have weakened due to lack of use.
Additionally, these centers often educate clients about the importance of a healthy diet in maintaining overall wellness.
**The Mental Aspect**
While physical dependence is a challenge, psychological dependence can be even more powerful. This type of dependence is fueled by emotional and mental processes that contribute to substance abuse.
If a recovery center only addresses physical dependence and ignores the underlying emotional or mental issues, relapse is highly likely.
Holistic rehabilitation stands out because it ensures that all aspects of a person’s health are improved, making it easier to address and overcome any kind of issue.
Since mental and emotional issues are often hard to identify and treat, addicts need a supportive and attentive recovery center to help them navigate this sensitive journey towards sobriety.
Just as with physical recovery, different centers have different approaches to mental recovery. Counseling and massage are common holistic practices, but some centers offer unique programs.
For example, some rehab centers use equine therapy, where individuals care for horses to connect with themselves, while others might focus on music and arts. It’s important for potential clients to think about what brings them joy and comfort before choosing a holistic rehab center.