Substance use is a widespread struggle, albeit one that is shrouded in silence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that out of 46.3 million who struggle with substance use every year, only 6.3% receive the care they need and deserve. Many who struggle with substance use struggle behind closed doors, and this indicates a growing need for holistic options that heal the mind, body, and spirit toward lasting recovery. In this article, we will explain how holistic methods of treating substance abuse that target the whole person are some of the most sustainable ways to treat this condition.
Substance Abuse Is a Growing Crisis
Here is a little glimpse at what the numbers are telling you about substance abuse in the U.S.:
- 134.7 million aged 12 and older use alcohol in a given month.
- 64.4 million report using tobacco and other nicotine vaping products in a given month.
- 47.7 million report using illicit drugs currently.
- 145.1 million aged 12 and older have used illicit drugs in their lifetime.
- 48.7% of teens misuse alcohol by 12th grade.
- 36.8% teenagers misuse at least one drug before 12th grade.
While these figures may just seem like some numbers at the outset, they tell you of deep-rooted problems that need holistic, comprehensive methods of recovery toward a healthier society.
Now, let us look into how these holistic recovery options target the whole person to heal and strengthen the mind, body, and spirit together.
The Mind
Substance abuse changes the brain chemistry and functioning in a way that it takes priority over everything else in life. It also depletes those chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that are needed to ward off mental health complications, like anxiety and depression.
Consider the brain the organ of the mind. Healing the mind is central to ending the vicious cycle of substance abuse.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapists use therapeutic modalities like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and more to target the underlying thinking, emotional, and behavioral patterns leading to substance use.
They also equip you with productive coping strategies so that you can handle life’s stressors and triggers without having to resort to substance use, even going forward.
Coping Strategies and Life Skills
When you work with a therapist, you also learn coping strategies and life skills like communication, socialization skills, stress management skills, anger management skills, and more, so that you can practice and cultivate positive habits to build a healthier life.
Meditation and Mindfulness
When it comes to healing the mind, holistic methods such as meditation and mindfulness complement traditional routes of therapy.
They are powerful tools that allow you to live in the present, ward off negative thoughts and emotions, and control impulsive behavior.
The Body
Substance use can damage the body to a great extent. But the amazing thing about your body is that it can repair itself, provided you give it the right tools and strategies. A healthy body, along with a healthy mind, reduces cravings and adds zest to the feeling of being alive.
Nutritious Diet
When you are struggling with substance abuse, it can deplete your body of many nutrients as you prioritize substance use over food and water. In recovery, this will change.
A nutritious diet involving fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is crucial to restoring health and boosting your energy levels, just to begin with.
Hydration
Substance use can lead to dehydration and other health complications, but you can keep your body healthy by drinking lots of water, juices, and even other healthy non-alcoholic beverages.
In fact, keep a water bottle with you at all times. This will not only hold water, but will also remind you that you need to drink water at regular intervals.
Physical Exercise
A nutritious diet alone cannot undo the damage that substance abuse has caused; you will also have to begin exercising, too.
Exercise does not mean hitting the gym hard and fast right away. You can begin small but steady – start exercising 15 minutes every day, then you can slowly extend this to one hour.
Exercise can be any physical activity you wish to engage in – walking, jogging, running, swimming, aerobics, or gym.
Complementary Therapies
Along with nutrition and exercise, you can try out some innovative, complementary therapies like massage therapy and acupuncture. These help release the underlying stress and tension from your body and promote relaxation.
The Spirit
More often than not, in the context of recovery from substance abuse – we focus on the mind and body, but rarely on the spirit. Yet, healing the spirit is crucial to a well-rounded, lasting recovery. It provides the inner strength you need to stay focused on this sober path.
12-Step Recovery Models
12-Step recovery models like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous focus on spiritual awakening in the context of recovery. By inviting the “Higher Power” into your life, you build motivation and accountability toward your own recovery.
Spiritual Counseling
Spiritual counseling allows you to connect with your faith, principles, and inner strength. It serves as a source of motivation for you to remain committed to recovery despite obstacles and challenges in the way.
Creative Expression
Alternative therapies, such as art therapy, music therapy, and dance therapy, that use creative expression as a doorway to healing, enable you to identify and release pent-up emotions toward self-discovery and personal growth.
Outdoor Activities
Substance abuse does not just damage your relationships; it isolates you from the rest of the world. This is why holistic recovery methods emphasize outdoor activities that allow you to spend time and become one with nature.
Activities like gardening, walking, hiking, and spending time outdoors allow you to clear the mental clutter, reduce stress, and lead a healthy life, away from substance use.
The Benefits of Holistic Approaches to Substance Abuse
Holistic recovery methods go beyond just treating substance use. They heal your mind, body, and spirit, and ensure a meaningful, fulfilling life. Here are some of the benefits you stand to gain from a whole person recovery:
- Enhanced Recovery Outcomes: Holistic recovery methods do not just “heal” substance use; they provide you with the tools to manage your life’s stressors and triggers, reducing the likelihood of relapse and enhancing lasting recovery.
- Better Health and Well-Being: Nutrition, exercise, meditation, and mindfulness are just some of the tools used to rebuild your mind and body health, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels.
- Structured Lifestyle: Holistic recovery methods build positive habits that you can integrate into your daily life, so as to build a recovery-focused, structured routine.
- Emotional Stability: Psychotherapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy provide you with the tools and strategies to identify your triggers, manage your emotions, and develop productive coping strategies.
- Spiritual Healing: Holistic recovery methods focus on one crucial yet forgotten aspect of recovery – your spirit. In doing so, they provide a sense of hope and strength from within, which enables lasting recovery.
Substance use can become a very complicated challenge at the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. This is why the concept of a whole person recovery targets the whole you to restore harmony that is crucial to a long, fulfilling life.
Take Your First Step Toward Healing Today!
Whenever you are ready to take your first step toward recovery, Sober Living West is always here for you.Please call us at (310) 218-5158, and our experts are always available to answer your queries and connect you with holistic recovery options that meet you where you are in this journey toward recovery.