Information on holistic alcohol rehab shows that holistic treatments greatly improve a patient’s success in recovery and sobriety. Since addiction affects all aspects of an individual and can be a symptom of underlying physical, mental and emotional issues, holistic approaches are highly successful because they take into account the patient’s entire well-being. This includes their mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health.
Holistic treatments for alcohol and other addictions encompass a variety of methods, including massage (for an additional cost)therapy, acupuncture, spiritual counseling, Chinese medicine (the use of herbs), art therapy, and recreational therapies and sports. Other successful holistic treatments for alcoholism are:
Yoga Therapy
A recent study in the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse reports that a 90-day yoga and meditation program will reduce addictive behavior, depression and anxiety. Yoga connects the mind, body and spirit, which can help to relieve stress, physical pain and emotional blocks. It also fosters self-awareness, inner strength, patience and tolerance — all keys to helping those in recovery to bear reality and control impulses.
Vitamin and Amino Acid Therapy
Many alcoholics suffer from nutritional deficiencies, but especially those with chronic alcoholism. Alcoholism and drug abuse can destroy the gastrointestinal system, limiting its ability to absorb nutrients. The most common deficiency is folic acid, thiamine, Vitamins B-12 and B-6, riboflavin, Vitamin C and Magnesium. Nutrient deficiencies can not only cause subclinical levels of diseases, but can also encourage cravings and make withdrawal symptoms worse.
Treating alcoholic malnutrition usually begins with a series of blood and urine tests to determine which nutrients your body is missing so that a customized cocktail of vitamins and amino acids can be administered. After just six days of therapy, patients can experience marked relief from symptoms of cravings, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Once the ability to absorb nutrients is restored, patients may be placed on a daily regimen of vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids and probiotics.
Nutritional Counseling
Another important factor in treating alcoholic malnutrition is providing nutritional counseling. In treatment programs that do not offer nutritional support for withdrawal and recovery, ongoing symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, dizziness, depression and impaired cognitive functions are fairly common in recovering alcoholics for up to a month after leaving a treatment program. These symptoms often threaten a client’s sobriety. However, clients who receive nutritional counseling and therapy while in treatment have a much higher success of sobriety after recovery.
Studies show that a healthy diet is key to addiction recovery. Alcoholics who quit drinking often gravitate toward sugar, which can cause blood sugar to fluctuate and aggravate cravings. A diet high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates can have the same effect on alcohol cravings and are also a threat to relapse. Nutritional counseling that focuses on a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, quality proteins and healthy fats can increase a patient’s chances of sobriety.
Choosing a Holistic Alcohol Rehab
When choosing a holistic alcohol rehab, it’s important to weigh all your options and consider those that also offer traditional treatments such as group therapy; relapse prevention; aftercare programs (such as sober living); and individualized, specialized and dual-diagnosis addiction treatment. Traditional treatments used in conjunction with holistic treatments have the best success rate.
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