Welcome to the (holistic) path to addiction recovery.
Let’s cut to the chase.
Folks are tired of “traditional” treatment models.
The old days of checking into a rehab facility to “detox” and then “doing well” for a few months are long gone. We now know that multi-faceted recovery programs that treat the whole person are much more effective.
Want to know the latest stats on addiction recovery? Read on.
What You’ll Learn…
- Why Holistic Recovery Works Better
- The Mind-Body Connection in Addiction
- How Community Support Transforms Recovery
- Building Your Own Holistic Recovery Plan
Why Holistic Recovery Works Better
What is holistic recovery, anyway?
The idea is simple. We need to treat the whole person: the mind, the body, and social connections as well. Any addiction recovery center worth its salt is on board with that principle.
Places like Novara Recovery in Northern Virginia are on the cutting edge with their integrated treatment programs. They blend traditional approaches with mind-body practices and community support to give people every tool they need to stay sober.
But here’s the question: why does a holistic treatment approach work so well?
The answer is simple: when you address every aspect of a person’s wellbeing in recovery, that recovery becomes much more sustainable. Mental health, physical wellness, and social support all work together to keep a person healthy.
Consider this: it’s not unusual for someone to go through detox, finish an inpatient program, and leave recovery in relatively good shape. But without also addressing the underlying mental health issues? The person is very likely to relapse. The same goes for social support and physical wellness. These things all work together.
The Mind Component ─ Mental Health Matters
Mental health is a huge factor in addiction recovery.
Studies show that over half of all people with substance use disorders also have a mental illness. It’s not a coincidence. Treating the mental health side of the equation produces much better outcomes.
Here’s what good holistic mental health treatment looks like:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors
- Trauma-informed care to help address the root causes of addiction
- Mindfulness practices to build greater awareness and emotional regulation
- Individual counseling and group therapy to provide support and tools for recovery
The key is that all of these mental health issues must be treated at the same time as the addiction. Recovery is not linear. You can’t “wait until after treatment” to address the underlying mental health issues.
Dual diagnosis is now the accepted standard of care in most modern treatment programs. This means that programs specifically look for and treat co-occurring mental health disorders alongside addiction.
Mindfulness and meditation are especially powerful mental health practices. These techniques help a person develop a greater awareness of their triggers. With time and practice, they learn to “sit with” their cravings and not act on them. The results are powerful and life-changing.
The Body Component ─ Physical Wellness in Recovery
Let’s face it. The body goes through a lot of punishment during active addiction.
Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and physical care are not optional parts of the recovery process. These things are absolutely essential for long-term recovery.
Regular exercise is one of the most powerful tools in a person’s recovery arsenal. Why? Well, physical activity naturally increases dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. These are the same chemicals that are artificially elevated by drugs and alcohol. By getting into a regular fitness routine, a person helps their body heal naturally.
Other forms of body-centered recovery practices include:
- Proper nutrition and eating habits to rebuild the body
- Yoga and stretching to build awareness of the body
- Getting quality sleep each night to help the brain and body recover
- Engaging in nature-based and outdoor activities
Speaking of nature… interestingly enough, studies on “nature-based” interventions in recovery find that 85% showed positive outcomes. Being in nature just seems to help with stress levels, mood, and general wellbeing.
Once again: the body and the mind are not separate systems. They are deeply interconnected and influence each other every day.
The Community Component ─ Connection Heals
Here’s the deal. Addiction recovery does not occur in a vacuum.
Humans are social beings. We need connection with other people to feel whole and to thrive. No recovery community can provide the kind of long-term accountability and support that human connection can.
The powerful effects of community in recovery include:
- Peer support groups and connections with others in recovery
- Family therapy and healing to support relationships damaged by addiction
- Sober living environments to help structure and accountability
- Alumni and post-treatment engagement to stay involved in recovery
The community aspect can make or break recovery. Sharing the journey with others normalises the process and makes people feel like they are not alone in their struggles.
Connection takes many forms. 12-step programs are a traditional example. But there are lots of different kinds of support groups out there. The specific approach matters less than finding the connection.
Family plays an important role as well. Addiction can damage entire family systems. Part of healing means helping the entire family understand the recovery process. This supports the person in recovery as well as the family members who are also affected.
Building a Sustainable Recovery Plan
You might be asking: what does all this mean for someone who wants to get sober?
A truly holistic recovery plan incorporates all three aspects of recovery we just discussed. Mind, body, and community working together is the strongest recipe for long-term sobriety.
One approach that works well is to…
Phase 1: Assessment and Stabilisation
- Identify co-occurring mental health issues
- Complete detox and initial medical stabilisation
- Establish early connections with recovery communities
Phase 2: Active Treatment
- Participate in therapy and counseling
- Integrate physical wellness practices
- Connect with peers and others in recovery
Phase 3: Maintenance and Growth
- Continue mental health treatment as needed
- Maintain healthy body practices and nutrition
- Remain actively engaged in community
The key is flexibility. Holistic recovery is different for each person depending on their individual needs.
Wrapping It Up
Holistic addiction recovery addresses what traditional treatment sometimes misses.
By approaching recovery in a way that treats the whole person, long-term sobriety becomes much more achievable. The stats on addiction recovery rates are sobering (pun intended). The good news is that the emphasis on integrated, whole-person care is building real momentum.
If we want people to recover and stay in recovery, then we need to give them the tools to live full and healthy lives.
The future of addiction recovery is already here.