For those of you who struggle with addiction, or have a loved one who is on the road to recovery, you understand the challenges associated with drug and alcohol addiction. It affects the life of the addict, the lives of the people around them, and the overall lifestyle of everyone involved. Addictions are stressful because those watching from the outside are fearful of overdose, and those affected can’t seem to break free on their own.
This is where treatment becomes critical: you must put an end to a substance abuse issue before it’s too late. Whether that means getting help for yourself or someone else, something must be done. Death is the harsh result of addiction for some, but proper rehabilitation can get you back on the right path before reaching that fatal state.
As you know, the recovery process involves much more than staying clean. It is an ongoing journey, and you will forever continue to heal physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Luckily, advances in technology and scientific research have supported the idea that just like any other disease, addiction can be healed with a holistic approach.
Following below is your guide to addiction recovery in relation to wellness.
The Link Between Your Lifestyle, Wellness, and Recovery
Addiction is not a choice, and it doesn’t discriminate between the young and the old, or the rich and the poor. Today, it is well-understood that addiction is a physiological disease that impacts both the body and the mind. This is why wellness is so critical for long-term success, as lifestyle variables support a healthier physical and mental state. From the introduction of meditation to the impact of adventure therapy, recovering addicts should not be afraid to step away from traditional methods.
In fact, one 2014 study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that mindfulness-based relapse prevention lowered the risk of relapse to both substance abuse and heavy drinking in comparison to traditional programs. These effects were also reported during the 12-month follow-up. It is believed that mindfulness and meditation strengthen a recovering addict’s ability to monitor and cope with the discomfort of negative affect and/or cravings.
Methods such as meditation and even equine therapy have the ability to further your true connection with yourself. This is why holistic treatments are so effective. They target and battle addiction while supporting your overall wellness. By achieving greater balance, focusing on your body, mind, spirit, and emotions, you can begin to heal on a much deeper level. In turn, this supports long-term sobriety and a much more fulfilling life.
At the end of the day, altering your lifestyle can impact your life in the following ways:
- By learning to truly nourish your body, you will have the energy you need to focus on fulfilling goals. Optimal nutrition can also help support systems associated with symptoms of anxiety or depression. This is the first step towards positive self-care. At Scottsdale Recovery Center, we offer therapies that focus on proper nourishment and making better choices nutritionally.
- Being physically active helps your body naturally recover, as you feel refreshed and invigorated. Exercise has also been shown to release critical neurotransmitters, naturally elevating moods in a positive, healthy way. Participating in social sports also provides greater support. Whether it’s joining your local gym, signing up for a recreational sports team, or practicing simple yoga, staying active will always have a positive effect on your recovery and long-term sobriety.
- Practicing mindfulness allows you to overcome any stress and chaos you are currently experiencing in your life. Mindfulness teaches you how to tune in with the emotions you are feeling at a particular instance in time. As you learn to live in the moment, you can develop healthier ways of dealing with your feelings rather than becoming overwhelmed with emotion.
This is particularly important when dealing with a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis refers to a condition where two diseases co-exist alongside each other. Addiction tends to stem from other illnesses, such as depression and bipolar disorder, among others. If you don’t understand why you’re feeling the way you are, or the root reason behind your addiction, it is easy for your mind to lose control amidst the chaos and stress it is experiencing.
An Introduction to Adventure Therapy
Over the past decade or so, research has continued to support the relationship between adventure therapy and positive addiction outcomes. Not only has nature been shown to offer healing effects, recovering addicts that practice adventure therapy also benefit from greater self-awareness and self-esteem. Also known as experiential education, adventure therapy allows recovering addicts to gain trust and pro-social behavior through activities such as cooperative games, exploring the wilderness, tackling hikes, and working with others to solve problems.
Faced with challenges in an exciting, supportive environment, patients are able to overcome underlying issues that test them mentally and physically. If they can complete activities such as rope courses or rock climbing, their esteem is heightened and the belief that they can overcome their addiction is much stronger. The practical lessons taken away from activities based in adventure therapy are also carried through a patient’s life of sobriety, providing them with greater insight and appreciation for the world around them.
Adventure therapy is also beneficial because it is based on natural instinct, versus the chemically induced urges caused by drug and alcohol addiction. Once a person is in tune with their true self, it becomes much easier to control impulses and decide which course of action is beneficial and which is not.
Scottsdale Recovery Center® offers a variety of holistic treatments options, which can be completed individually or at the same time as any of our other programs. Our aim at Scottsdale Recovery Center® is to provide you with as many tools as you need for a complete, successful recovery. Have questions about your journey to sobriety? Want to learn more about the services and holistic treatments that we offer? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to discuss the best program options for your case.
