It’s natural for people in need of addiction treatment to have a lot of questions. Changing your life takes courage. You want to make sure you’re choosing the best recovery center for your needs. Is a traditional outpatient program right for you, or would holistic addiction treatment be more effective?

Detox is the first step in recovery, but what happens after detox is key for maintaining a healthy lifestyle long term. If you’re searching for an Indiana rehab program, it’s important to understand the basic approaches to recovery treatment so you can choose a program that best supports your needs. 

What Is Holistic Addiction Treatment? 

There are many misunderstandings about the term “holistic medicine.” Holistic recovery programs consider the needs of the entire person. Their goal is to help clients improve their health and well-being on every level, not just to treat an addiction issue. 

For example, studies have shown that adult survivors of childhood abuse have a higher risk of developing substance use disorders. An addiction treatment program that includes therapy to address childhood trauma is holistic because it treats the whole person, not just their addiction. 

Holistic therapies may include those that seek to improve a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. 

Do Holistic Drug Rehab Centers Use Evidence-Based Therapies? 

Holistic drug rehab centers include both traditional and modern methods of treatment. To qualify as an insurance-approved rehab, treatment centers must offer evidence-based therapies. Traditional methods you can expect to see in a comprehensive program include:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• 12-Step programs
• Family therapy
• Anger management 
• Life skills training
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

Exactly which treatments are included in an individual’s treatment program depends on their personal needs and goals. Some people may be surprised to learn that many holistic treatments are also well-researched methods that are backed by science. 

Types of Therapies Offered in a Holistic Addiction Treatment Center

“Art therapy is most effective when provided by a trained and qualified art therapist.”

There are many types of holistic therapies, but not all have been scientifically researched. Below are some options that are among the most frequently recommended types of holistic therapy because they are proven or regarded as evidence-based. 

Art Therapy

Art therapy includes a variety of experiences including listening or playing music, making art of all types, or enjoying the art of others. Professionals may recommend art therapy for clients who would benefit from improving their cognitive functions and self-esteem. 

Art therapy can also help people improve their social skills and learn how to manage stress more effectively. Some research on art therapy shows it can be effective in helping people deal with trauma, reduce stress, and improve mental health. However, it’s important to note that art therapy is most effective when provided by a trained and qualified art therapist. 

Yoga

Yoga is a form of exercise, but it is also a form of moving meditation. Practitioners may describe their experience with yoga as peaceful, calm, and relaxing. The effects of yoga provide more than a momentary relief from stress. 

The results of a pilot study about yoga therapy found it can play an important role in reducing substance use and alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD and substance use disorders frequently co-occur. 

Nutrition Therapy

Many people enter recovery in poor health. The combination of substance use, a lack of medical care, and poor nutrition can lead to a number of health issues – many of which can be improved through nutrition.

Of course, good nutrition is important for everyone, but people living with substance and alcohol use disorders suffer from specific nutrient deficiencies that contribute to physical and mental health concerns. Nutrition programs are interventions that support holistic wellness. 

Equine Therapy 

Animal-assisted interventions like equine or canine therapy allow people to engage in a type of therapy that doesn’t require them to speak directly with a therapist. It does not necessarily include riding a horse or living with an animal. Animal therapy provides opportunities to take care of and spend time with animals under the supervision of a trained therapist. 

Equine therapy has been found effective in helping people become more self-aware, boost self-esteem, and reduce anxiety symptoms. The non-verbal experience of equine therapy may help some people who have a difficult time talking about their emotions. 

Nature and Wilderness Therapy

Some holistic addiction treatment programs offer nature and wilderness therapy programs. They may include hiking in remote areas, camping, or participating in outdoor adventure challenges. Spending time in nature can help regulate the nervous system and fight the cumulative effects of stress. 

Getting outdoors also helps those with chronic health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These two conditions are frequently associated with substance use disorders. The best nature and wilderness programs are those designed and supervised by qualified therapists. 

Learn More About Holistic Addiction Treatment With Never Alone Recovery

If you’re looking for an Indiana rehab to help you recover from alcohol or substance use disorders, you don’t have to choose between science-backed therapies and holistic therapies. They are often the same. Holistic treatments are those that support the whole person, including their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. 

Holistic treatments, such as art therapy, yoga, nutrition therapy, and nature therapy, sound like fun — and they can be. However, they are also serious approaches to treatment that can help you resolve the challenges that have become obstacles to health. 

For help finding a recovery program that provides the types of treatments you are looking for, call Never Alone Recovery at 866-788-8335. At Never Alone Recovery, our addiction recovery consultants aim to help you find the ideal center for healing.