Another Set of Tools in the Fight Against Addiction
When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, one treatment is not an effective treatment for everyone. The best chance at long-term recovery from substance abuse is personalized treatment programs that address all aspects of a person affected by addiction, including the mind, body, and spirit. While conventional treatment methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, group counseling, relapse prevention strategies, and family education are key for effective addiction treatment, naturopathic treatment methods can greatly enhance these methods.
Addiction is a serious issue that affects millions of Americans every year. Effective addiction treatment has never been more necessary; it takes a team to support sobriety. Naturopathic medicine can be a powerful tool in addiction recovery, both during treatment and as a relapse prevention strategy. Holistic medicine and naturopathic treatment methods take a whole-person approach to addiction instead of only looking at the individual’s current symptoms.
Drug and alcohol rehab centers have begun to incorporate integrative treatment methods which combine holistic therapies into conventional addiction treatment more and more. It can help medical detox patients go through the withdrawal process more easily and help detox the body more efficiently. Naturopathic methods can also help strengthen the body, mind, and spirit during drug and alcohol detox so patients can heal from the effects of substance abuse more easily.
Naturopathic therapies used during drug and alcohol rehab programs will help conventional methods dig deeper into the root cause of addiction while healing the body, mind, and spirit. Patients can use these therapies and methods to cope with stress during recovery and cope with cravings more easily. This is also an opportunity for individuals to explore healthier ways to cope with triggers, cravings, and co-occurring disorders, which can be a powerful tool in relapse prevention. Naturopathic addiction treatment will also encourage healthy lifestyles involving exercise, nutrition, sleep, and meditation to help patients live a life free of alcohol and drugs.
For more information on how our addiction treatment programs can help heal drug or alcohol dependence, please give The River Source a call at 866-294-9331.
What Is Naturopathic Treatment?
Naturopathic treatment adeptly combines natural therapeutic traditions with modern clinically based treatments to restore and optimize health. It focuses on a holistic approach to disease and health, meaning they look at the person as a whole and not just the current symptoms. This can involve considering all factors that compromise a person’s overall health including diet, exercise, genetics, environmental exposures, lifestyle habits, and social or emotional factors. Naturopathic medicine uses natural remedies to restore balance to the body to support natural healing processes.
Holistic and naturopathic treatment plans also place focus on education and prevention, teaching healthy lifestyle skills to manage disorders. There is also a great emphasis on individualized treatment plans and uses a series of principles which include:
- Self-healing – pinpointing and removing obstacles to recovery allow for natural healing.
Harmless treatment – treatment plans should never have harmful side effects or cause negative symptoms. - Holistic treatment – naturopathic treatment should effectively treat all aspects of a person’s health.
- Underlying symptoms – rather than stopping symptoms, naturopathic treatment will resolve underlying physical or mental issues by treating the body, mind, and spirit.
- Education in treatment – part of effective care involves teaching self-care and lifestyle changes to self-manage disorders and prevent further disease.
To manage various health conditions, naturopathic doctors will use a blend of traditional treatment methods such as labs, x-rays, and holistic therapies. This type of medicine aims to look for the underlying imbalance and root cause of disease rather than treating the symptoms present in an aim to help the body self-heal for long-lasting effects.
6 Examples of Naturopathic Treatment in Addiction Recovery
An integrative approach to recovery using a combination of conventional treatment methods with naturopathic therapies can offer the best chance at long-term recovery. Just as with conventional methods, several types of naturopathic therapies are used in recovery programs to address the body, mind, and spirit. Holistic therapies for addiction are beneficial throughout the recovery process, but especially during detox to ease withdrawal symptoms and to heal the body from the effects of substance abuse more quickly,
Some examples of naturopathic treatment in addiction recovery include:
- Massage Therapy – This complementary treatment uses various bodywork techniques to calm the mind and relax the muscles. A certified massage therapist will apply pressure and knead muscles throughout the body to address pain, muscle tension, anxiety, and much more. Massage therapy can help release endorphins and other neurotransmitters that were affected by substance abuse.
- IV and Oral Nutrient Therapy – Substance abuse will cause severe nutritional deficiencies; without proper nutrients, the body cannot heal. IV vitamin and amino therapy can help replenish nutrient levels more easily than through food alone. As the digestive system heals, patients can receive nutrient support via oral supplements.
- Yoga and Other Meditative Practices – Meditation can help those in recovery reconnect their mental and physical health. It can also help individuals cope with stressors, triggers, and cravings. Yoga is especially beneficial in addiction recovery as it helps to build muscle, stretch achy muscles, and learn controlled breathing. These are practices that can be used throughout the recovery process.
- Nutritional Guidance – Part of a healthy lifestyle is proper nutrition. Those in recovery benefit from nutritional guidance to learn how to take better care of their bodies and mind which can minimize the risk of relapse. Proper nutrition can also reduce cravings.
- Exercise – Physical exercise in recovery can be a key component in improving mental health and physical health. Individuals can learn how to build routines while filling up their time and thoughts. Exercise is a great way to improve mood, release endorphins, and build self-esteem as well. Many people in recovery use exercise as part of their relapse prevention plan to reduce cravings, triggers, and co-occurring disorders.
- Infrared Sauna – The soothing, warming infrared light of a sauna can help increase blood flow and circulation. Those in recovery will benefit from time in a sauna to relax and soothe aching muscles. Saunas are also great ways to help the body detox and boost the immune system.
The River Source Offers Naturopathic Treatment and More to Overcome Addiction
The River Source, with multiple locations in Arizona, offers an integrative approach to recovery by combining clinically based conventional addiction treatment methods with naturopathic treatments. We believe that patients have the best chance at long-term recovery when addiction treatment sees them as a whole, not just the symptoms they present. Our counselors and clinicians will help patients find the root cause of addiction and provide them with the tools to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Treatment plans are personalized and will include various addiction therapies including individual and group counseling, family education, medication-assisted treatment, relapse prevention planning, massage therapy, amino acid and vitamin IV therapy, personalized supplement packages, infrared sauna, and access to various exercise classes including yoga. Our treatment facility has comfortable and modern amenities and spacious, tranquil outdoor areas so clients can decompress between therapies.
If you would like to learn more about how naturopathic therapies can enhance your recovery program, please give us a call today at 866-294-9331. One of our intake specialists can help answer any questions you may have or get you started on the admissions process.
