Medications and talk therapy programs used to be the only treatment options for people with addiction in many rehabilitation facilities. Holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, or fitness techniques were not widely accepted as valid options for recovery treatment. Now, empirical evidence overwhelmingly confirms the benefits of these age-old therapies. If you’ve been searching for holistic drug rehab centers, we can help! For individualized, evidence-based holistic addiction treatment, come to our facility at Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, NC.
Holistic Therapy Options at Crest View Recovery Center
Effective recovery efforts hinge on rebuilding the body-mind-spirit interconnections of people with addiction. Holistic care – also called alternative or complementary –simultaneously addresses the physical, nutritional, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of addiction to restore balance to the whole person. Here at CVRC, we have found that these non-medicinal therapies can supplement conventional treatment methods to bring lasting healing and recovery from addiction.
We realize that every individual is unique and responds differently to various forms of care. Our state-of-the-art addiction rehab facility in Asheville utilizes a wide range of customized holistic treatments. These types of therapy aim to help clients:
- Identify underlying emotional concerns
- Learn healthy ways to resist cravings
- Cope with detoxification and rehabilitation
- Enhance physical fitness
- Bolster self-esteem
- Gain spiritual grounding
Holistic treatments may be the prescription you need to cleanse yourself of toxic thought patterns and behaviors and cultivate constructive habits for an addiction-free life. During your stay with us at CVRC, your counselor may recommend some of our complimentary therapy amenities including:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Fitness Therapy
- Wilderness Therapy
- Nutrition Counseling
Yoga in Addiction Recovery
Yoga is a group of ancient Eastern practices. This approach entails breathing, stretching, posing, and meditation techniques. Western forms emphasize physical exercise, but yoga was originally based on ethical and spiritual principles focused on health, self-discipline, and purposeful living. Growing bodies of research recognize yoga’s stress-reducing potential as a powerful aid in enhancing addiction recovery.
Regular, extended substance misuse impacts neural pathways related to emotions, decision-making, and impulse control. The brain’s circuitry can regenerate itself after some time without the presence of alcohol or drugs. Yoga can facilitate this healing as well.
Yoga can balance mood and brain chemistry by promoting the production of neurotransmitter GABA, a natural tranquilizer known to be low in people with SUDs and co-occurring disorders. This practice may also promote growth in regions of the brain. Researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that brain areas key to self-concept, attention, visualization, and handling stress are larger in individuals who engage in yoga regularly.
Addiction often develops as a response to stress; alcohol or drugs serve to suppress negative emotions and triggers. Studies suggest that yoga helps lower stress levels and stress-related pain, depression, and anxiety. According to Harvard Medical School, the practices are effective self-soothing techniques that lower blood pressure, ease respiration, and bolster the body’s ability to adapt to stress.
Many variations of yoga are safe, but some may be too strenuous for individuals dealing with the effects of addiction and trauma. CVRC teaches trauma-sensitive yoga that emphasizes gentle movements and controlled breathing. Our certified yoga therapist leads structured, self-paced sessions to help our clients renew their minds and bodies.
Other benefits of yoga include:
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy, strength, and physical stamina
- Heightened self-reflection and self-confidence
Meditation for SUD Rehab
Addictions often arise out of emotional reactivity, automatic negative thinking, escapist attitudes, or social isolation. Expert findings indicate that addiction is a cycle of uncontrollable substance misuse fueled by dysregulation in neural circuits that govern executive function, motivation, and habits. Current research is uncovering how implementing meditation at any point in this cycle can help stabilize attention and emotions, boost concentration, and promote self-control and spiritual growth.
Meditation, in all its variations, encourages mindfulness — tuning into the present moment and passively observing thoughts and feelings as they come and go. It is often a part of yoga routines, but it can be implemented on its own. This practice increases concentration, sensory awareness, and relaxation, strengthening impulse control and lowering relapse rates.
Researchers have discovered that regular meditation can improve cognitive health, which is especially beneficial as the brain is recovering from addiction-related damage. Studies combining aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness meditation training have noted a marked increase in recovery rates, even up to six months post-treatment.
You will begin practicing multiple meditation techniques under the guidance of your CVRC therapist. However, you will soon learn that you can take this method with you long after your recovery treatment. At CVRC, we teach you how to tune in to their mind-body connection. Meditation exercises help you relax and equip you with coping skills for continued recovery and sobriety.
Acupuncture at Crest View Recovery Center
Acupuncture is the oldest form of medical treatment practiced in China. Fortunately, Western medicine has caught on to the advantages of this unique therapy and accepts it as a viable complementary medicine. Acupuncture has proven to be a potent, cost-effective solution for pain and anxiety management because it stimulates the release of endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and other ”feel-good” neurotransmitters.
As the opioid crisis escalates worldwide, medical systems are urgently seeking non-medical means to counter addiction, specifically to opioids. Since the National Institutes of Health acknowledged the benefits of this ancient Chinese therapy in 1977, acupuncture in the US has been increasingly replacing conventional medications in many clinical situations that pose a risk of addiction to narcotics.
During acupuncture treatment at CRVC, practitioners place thin, sanitized needles into certain points on the ear to stimulate trigger points throughout the body. The entire process takes 30-45 minutes while participants sit quietly. Our acupuncture therapy is sanctioned by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association which maintains that the treatment:
- Reduces cravings
- Alleviates withdrawal symptoms including pain, anxiety, and stress
- Helps balance emotions
- Stabilizes sleep patterns
Fitness Therapy in Addiction Treatment
People with addiction tend not to exercise regularly, so they often enter rehab with compromised health. It’s common knowledge that physical activity benefits overall well-being, and this is definitely the case for many individuals recovering from SUD. Our fitness therapy program at Crest View Recovery Center introduces clients to this simple yet powerful avenue of healing.
Exercise can support your recovery efforts during and well beyond treatment. It is a great way to use free time in rehab and in daily life, instead of spending that time seeking and using substances. Committing to a regular regimen adds structure to your days, giving you something important to anticipate and plan your schedule around.
The health benefits of consistent exercise include reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and some cancers, weight management, blood sugar and insulin regulation, and strengthening of bones and muscles. This activity is a budget-friendly means to release pent-up tension and negative stressors. Research shows that exercise can increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life in sobriety.
Fitness therapy takes on many different forms that can be simple and tailored to your physical condition and goals. Walking, running, yoga, swimming, hiking, skating, dancing, and many sports are some popular approaches. The options are limitless: choose one or several that you do and enjoy comfortably.
With fitness therapy as part of your rehabilitation at CVRC, you’ll likely find that exercise helps:
- Provide a coping mechanism
- Build self-confidence
- Promote healthy sleep
- Relieve stress
Wilderness Therapy for Addiction in North Carolina
Rachel Carson, an American marine biologist and author, stated: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” Wilderness therapy is an opportunity to experience the healing benefits of being in the great outdoors. It removes you from the temptations of your normal environment, encourages self-reflection, and enhances physical health.
Wilderness therapy is a complementary treatment that has been especially beneficial for young people who are withdrawn and uncooperating in their treatment. It is an intensive, hands-on approach that engages individuals on physical, cognitive, and emotional levels. The therapy is designed to encourage positive change as individuals examine their feelings and beliefs in a vastly different scenario than their usual surroundings.
Exercises may include outdoor activities such as expeditions, zip line excursions and team games under the supervision and direction of a licensed, trained therapist. Whatever the activity, the goal of wilderness therapy is to achieve a therapeutic goal. It is not meant to be dangerous but to help individuals gain insight into their attitudes concerning the issues at hand. The treatment also aims to help participants translate their wilderness experiences and observations into daily living.
Many people with addiction struggle with social isolation, lacking the ability to communicate with or trust others. Wilderness therapy challenges them to collaborate for accomplishing their shared tasks. Participants must depend on each other and respect the perspectives and feelings of their teammates. This is a potentially life-changing experience of self-discovery that re-establishes trust in oneself and in others.
Addiction, Self Care, and Wilderness Therapy
A common sign of addiction is a lack of concern about one’s well-being. Many people with SUDs stop eating or bathing regularly or neglect to treat injuries. On an outdoor excursion, participants eat on a schedule and take care of their physical needs, thus relearning the importance and benefits of self-care.
Crest View Recovery Center is located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, a perfect setting for wilderness therapy. Our rigorous schedule gives you plenty of time to let the fresh mountain air and sunshine open your body, mind, and soul to a new adventure. You will recharge your immune system and energy levels and reap the benefits of outdoor physical activity firsthand.
Wilderness therapy helps people:
- Create goals and a plan to reach them
- Cultivate insight into their beliefs and motivations
- Develop self-confidence
- Handle disagreements with others positively
- Express themselves more openly
Nutrition Counseling in Our NC Rehab Facility
Addiction affects the body directly and indirectly by leading to poor dietary choices. The body breaks down from constant exposure to toxic substances and a lack of wholesome foods. We really are what we eat; proper nutrition can bring healing, restore energy, and improve appearance.
SUDs can wreak havoc physiologically with effects varying according to the individual and substance of choice. Complications include nausea, diarrhea, memory loss, hypertension, seizures, and liver damage. More obvious effects such as tooth damage, extreme weight loss, and skin scarring erode self-esteem as well as the body.
One of the many life changes you will learn to make in recovery has to do with your diet. Nutrition counseling at Crest View Recovery Center will equip you with the knowledge needed to make healthier choices to rebuild and maintain vitality and wholeness. A nutritionist or dietician will help you devise a recovery eating plan, showing you ways to:
- Eat regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Cut back on caffeine intake
- Limit refined sugars and carbohydrates
- Choose foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and protein
- Follow a sustainable and enjoyable diet plan
- Include appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements
The Benefits of Holistic Treatment for Addiction
Addiction recovery isn’t just about ending substance use. It’s also about rebuilding the broken areas of one’s life, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones and exchanging harmful behaviors for healthy ones. While medication-assisted treatment can help people to end drug or alcohol use, holistic treatment helps in these other areas.
Therapy is an important part of the recovery process in that it helps people to develop coping mechanisms and gain a healthy mindset regarding recovery. Holistic therapy offers individuals the opportunity to heal and move forward.
Finding Holistic Drug Rehab Centers For Your Needs
It is important to note that these alternative therapies can be used to enhance traditional rehab protocols, not as stand-alone treatments. As with any type of therapy, these interventions may not be suitable for everyone. We will be happy to help you determine the best options to assist your recovery and sustained sobriety.
Contrary to what many people believe, there is hope for recovery! If you’ve been struggling with substance abuse of any kind, you may be experiencing feelings of hopelessness, doubt, fear, and uncertainty. But, there is help available here at Crest View Recovery Center. Our team strives to offer the best of care to those who are working to recover from addiction. So, regardless of the severity of your struggle, we are here to help!
If you or your loved one needs help with overcoming addiction, please contact Crest View Recovery Center today at (866) 327-2505. Allow us to help you as you take the first step on the journey to recovery.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3646290/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/yoga-for-anxiety-and-depression
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3796320/
https://sophia.stkate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1282&context=msw_papers
https://www.smartrecovery.org/benefits-of-exercise-in-addiction-recovery/