Category: Holistic Care

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A Guide to the Biopsychosocial Model of Mental Health

According to the biopsychosocial model of mental health, there are 3 different dimensions of health and illness. Clinicians believe biological, psychological, and social factors can all affect your well-being.

Within this model, you’ll receive holistic treatment. Your care plan will include various therapies that focus on each aspect of your life. This comprehensive approach addresses your needs as a whole person, instead of just treating isolated symptoms. 

Understanding the Biopsychosocial Model

George L. Engel introduced the biopsychosocial model of mental health1—sometimes called the BPS model—in 1977. Since then, it’s gained widespread support among mental health professionals. 

According to Engel, health problems don’t happen in a vacuum. He defined 3 areas that contribute to any diagnosis: 

  • Biological
  • Psychological
  • Social

These 3 dimensions of wellness have a complex relationship. Having symptoms in any one of these areas can cause problems in the other two. 

For example, seasonal allergies are a biological issue. If you work outside, severe symptoms might force you to take a sick day. That could affect your income and your family, which are social issues. Sneezing all day can also put you in a bad mood, affecting your psychological state. What starts as a simple immune response can impact every aspect of your life. 

When you understand how your symptoms support each other, it’s easier to find the right types of treatment. For example, data shows that anger makes chronic pain more severe.2 If you have both of these issues, going to talk therapy for anger management could help you physically heal. 

The BPS model draws clear distinctions between its 3 areas of focus: 

Biological Factors

There’s a strong link between mental and physical health.3 On one level, this may seem intuitive. If you’re sick, you’ll probably have to rest instead of doing things you enjoy. But the connection goes much deeper. Having a heart attack, for example, raises your risk of depression. And some mental health issues, like PTSD, can have physical symptoms.4

Mental Health and Genetics

Many mental illnesses run in families,5 suggesting they might be genetic. However, until researchers can isolate the relevant genes, this will remain a theory. Today, experts believe that bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia, among other diagnoses, are likely hereditary. 

The Neurochemistry of Addiction

Behavioral health problems can also have biological components. For example, the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a role in addiction.6 This naturally occurring chemical makes you feel a sense of reward. 

When you have an addiction, the act of taking drugs stimulates the release of dopamine. That’s true no matter which drugs you’re using. Your brain can come to depend on substance use as the trigger to produce this essential neurochemical. In other words, you’ll only feel a sense of achievement when you drink or take drugs. 

This chemical balance can get worse over time, making it harder and harder to quit. While that cycle is a biological process, it also has serious emotional consequences. 

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors, like self-esteem, can affect your mental health.7 On its own, low self-esteem isn’t technically a symptom of mental illness. But it can lead to more severe issues. For example, one study found that people with less self-esteem had a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and attention problems.

Cognitive Processes

A cognitive process is the way your brain performs a task.8 Learning, decision-making, and paying attention are all examples of cognitive processes. 

Mental illness affects your cognitive processes. For example, data shows that depression interferes with memory formation.9 And ongoing memory problems can affect your work, social life, and overall well-being.

This connection goes both ways. Poor cognitive processing10 increases your risk of developing a new mental illness. Without proper treatment, this can lead to a spiral of worsening symptoms. 

Social Factors

Interpersonal relationships have a major impact on mental health.11 Social support lowers your risk of developing mental illness and addiction. And if you do have mental health issues, strong relationships improve your chance of recovery. 

Cultural Norms

There’s more to your social life than relationships. Your cultural background also influences your mental health.12 That’s because your values affect the way you think about your behavior. In some cultures, for example, it’s okay to have a beer with friends after work. In others, drinking is strictly taboo. Either way, your beliefs may affect how you define alcohol abuse. 

It’s important to find treatment that supports your values. With the biopsychosocial approach, clinicians may design a clinical care plan just for you. They may employ a variety of treatment methods, depending on your unique recovery goals. 

Socioeconomic Status

Your economic status matters, too. Researchers correlate lower socioeconomic status with higher rates of mental illness.13 This is probably due to the chronic stress of financial insecurity. That stress can also damage relationships, cutting you off from valuable social support. And what’s more, a lack of resources makes it harder to afford mental health treatment.

Application of the Biopsychosocial Model in Assessment

Under the biopsychosocial model, treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment.14 This approach to diagnosis is the standard of care. In other words, experts agree that it’s an effective way to start planning your long-term recovery. 

During the assessment, your care team will ask a series of questions15 about your physical, mental, and social well-being. These interviews are extremely detailed and may vary between providers. However, most assessments will include certain basic questions:

  • Do you have any past or present medical diagnoses?
  • Do you have any past or present mental health diagnoses?
  • Do you have a family history of any physical or mental illnesses?
  • What symptoms are you currently experiencing?
  • Do you now, or have you ever taken illicit drugs?
  • What is your living situation?
  • How much sleep do you normally get in a night?
  • Who is part of your support network? Does it include family, friends, healthcare providers, etc?
  • What is your highest level of education?
  • Are you currently employed?

Clinicians use this information to understand how your symptoms fit together. If you don’t already have a diagnosis, they may give you one before discussing treatment. Either way, the next step is to develop your plan of care. 

Treatment and Interventions

Despite the evidence that supports it, biopsychosocial treatment is not widely available.16 One study found that in hospital settings, few doctors perform comprehensive assessments. Instead, most providers focus on physical symptoms. If you’d like to receive treatment under the BPS model, you may need to seek out a specialized program.

By definition, biopsychosocial care includes multiple types of treatment.17 Each one addresses a different aspect of your health. For example, your care plan might include some or all of these therapies:

  • Biological: Medical care, nutrition counseling, physical therapy
  • Psychological: Talk therapy, behavioral therapy
  • Social: Family therapy, support groups

In many programs, your clinicians will work together18 to provide integrated treatment. You may meet with your care team as a group, and they may meet privately to discuss your case. This close communication allows them to track your progress and make adjustments to your care plan if necessary.

Limitations and Criticisms

While biopsychosocial assessment is the standard of care, this model has some limitations.19 Specifically, it focuses more on diagnosis than treatment. Without formal guidance on how to design a care plan, every provider takes a slightly different approach. This makes it hard for patients to know what they can expect during recovery. 

Some experts argue that the biopsychosocial approach is outdated.20 Critics say that scientific breakthroughs “have changed the very face of psychiatry in the last few decades,” leaving Engel’s theory behind. This new research suggests that some mental health issues have purely biological causes. However, we need much more data before we can confirm these theories.

The BPS model is more holistic21 than other approaches—maybe to a fault. S. Nassir Ghaemi, Director of the Mood Disorder Program at Tufts Medical Center, explains that “its boundaries are unclear.” In the effort to include so many dimensions of health, Engel left room for practitioners to interpret information as they see fit. As a result, their personal biases may affect treatment. Biopsychosocial treatment “gives permission to do everything, but no specific guidance to do anything,” Ghaemi writes. 

Future Directions and Implications

Despite these critiques, other experts say we can keep learning from this approach. For example, experts posit that focusing on the biopsychosocial model might reduce burnout among medical students.22 This could have far-reaching implications for the future of treatment. By setting an example for the next generation of healthcare providers, we might be able to reduce the stigma around mental illness. 

Biopsychosocial care also offers unique opportunities during recovery. Because treatment is so personalized,23 you and your care team may develop a closer bond. That connection can help you commit to treatment more fully. 

For a complete assessment of your physical, mental, and social needs, reach out to a treatment center and inquire with their admissions team. From there, you can begin planning the next phase of your recovery journey—and the rest of your life. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Biopsychosocial Model of Mental Health

What is the biopsychosocial model of mental health?

The biopsychosocial model of mental health recognizes that biological, psychological, and social factors all contribute to a person’s well-being and the development of mental health issues. It emphasizes holistic treatment that addresses each aspect of a patient’s life to provide comprehensive care.

What are the 3 dimensions of the biopsychosocial model?

The biopsychosocial model consists of 3 dimensions: biological, psychological, and social. These dimensions interact with each other, and symptoms in one area can impact the other two. By understanding these connections, healthcare providers can develop tailored treatment plans.

What types of treatment are involved in the biopsychosocial model of mental health?

In the biopsychosocial model, biological treatments may include medical care, physical therapy, and nutrition counseling. Psychological treatments may involve talk therapy and behavioral therapy. Social treatments may include family therapy and support groups. Integrated care, where different treatment providers collaborate, is common in this model.

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Holistic Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Holistic treatment, sometimes called alternative treatment, uses a variety of techniques to approach healing. This philosophy considers each client as a whole person, with a deep intrinsic connection between their mind, body, and spirit. More and more rehab programs are implementing holistic therapy to treat substance use disorders.

For the most part, these techniques are not based in Western medicine. The term “holistic therapy” usually refers to Eastern modalities, such as Reiki, yoga, and similar practices. However, there are some exceptions, like certain types of massage therapy. And it can be most effective to combine holistic work with more clinical techniques.

A growing body of research supports the idea that holistic medicine can have a powerful impact on healing. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), “recent changes in medical education have begun to address the need for holistic medical care.” ((Mantri, S. (2008). Holistic medicine and the western medical tradition. AMA Journal of Ethics, 10(3), 177–180. https://doi.org/10.1001/virtualmentor.2008.10.3.mhst1-0803)) These practices can be extremely helpful for clients who are healing from conditions that affect both physical and mental health, such as substance use disorders.

Defining Holistic Treatment

Holistic treatment isn’t just one type of therapy. Instead, this term refers to an overarching philosophy of care. Depending on your specific rehab program, you may participate in any number of different therapeutic techniques.

This perspective is multifaceted, and aims to address many aspects of health at the same time. Specifically, “it addresses the psychological, familial, societal, ethical and spiritual as well as biological dimensions of health and illness. The holistic approach ((Gordon, J. S. (1982). Holistic medicine: Advances and shortcomings. Western Journal of Medicine, 136(6), 546–551. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1273970/)) emphasizes the uniqueness of each patient, the mutuality of the doctor-patient relationship, each person’s responsibility for his or her own health care and society’s responsibility for the promotion of health.”

One key difference between most holistic programs and most Western programs is the emphasis on spirituality. For example, some alternative therapies include energy work, such as reiki, or transcendental meditation. However, the gap between Eastern and Western philosophies is beginning to close. Some clinical therapies even have strong foundations in spiritual practices. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), for example, was inspired by Zen Buddhism.

Data suggests that certain meditative and spiritual practices may have a measurable impact on mental health. The concept of the mind-body connection, in particular, may be extremely important for healing from substance misuse. Experts are calling for more research in this area, and claiming that “brain–body information streams would seem to be necessary elements of a comprehensive model of addiction.” ((Eddie, D., Bates, M. E., & Buckman, J. F. (2022). Closing the brain–heart loop: Towards more holistic models of addiction and addiction recovery. Addiction Biology, 27(1), e12958. https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.12958))

Holistic Therapy for Substance Use

While holistic therapy can refer to a variety of modalities, certain treatments are commonly used in rehab programs. Many of these practices are ancient, with centuries of anecdotal evidence. Nevertheless, more data is needed, as this is a relatively new subject of scientific inquiry. As research continues, many of them are being tailored to meet the unique needs of clients with substance use disorders.

Yoga

Yoga is both a physical and spiritual practice, in which clients move, stretch, breathe, and meditate. It has many well-documented benefits for physical health and can be helpful for those with or without any diagnosis. Specifically, it’s known to relieve muscle pain, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep and balance, and help with weight loss.

Evidence also suggests that yoga can help manage the symptoms of substance use disorders. ((Kuppili, P. P., Parmar, A., Gupta, A., & Balhara, Y. P. S. (2018). Role of yoga in management of substance-use disorders: A narrative review. Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, 9(1), 117–122. https://doi.org/10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_243_17)) Specifically, research has found that it helps with nicotine withdrawal. It has also been “found to be a feasible and well accepted adjunct treatment for alcohol dependence.” ((Hallgren, M., Romberg, K., Bakshi, A.-S., & Andréasson, S. (2014). Yoga as an adjunct treatment for alcohol dependence: A pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(3), 441–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2014.03.003))

Meditation

Meditation is an umbrella term that can refer to a number of practices, but most often includes being still and focusing on one’s own internal experience. Practitioners may sit in silence, clear their minds, listen to guided narratives, perform visualizations, or simply count backward from a high number. Body scans are another popular meditative practice. During this meditation, you gently bring your attention to each area of your body in turn, usually starting with either the head or the feet, and simply notice how it feels in the moment. Mindful breathing is often a big part of meditation. According to Dr. Hari Sharma of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Ohio State University, “An ever-increasing body of research shows various health benefits associated with meditation.”

Specifically, meditation may ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep habits, and even reduce blood pressure. There’s also evidence that it might reduce blood pressure and alleviate gastric symptoms, helping clients with irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.

Meditation can also help clients with substance use disorders to “gain self-efficacy skills.” This refers to a person’s belief in their own ability to achieve goals. “Self-efficacy reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one’s own motivation, behavior, and social environment.” And as you heal from substance misuse, this growing sense of confidence can be extremely important.
Mindfulness
During recovery, mindfulness can help you resist triggers. This collection of strategies teaches clients to stay present in the moment, accepting difficult feelings without acting impulsively. Research has shown these techniques to be “successful for reducing dependence, craving, and other addiction-related symptoms ((Sancho, M., De Gracia, M., Rodríguez, R. C., Mallorquí-Bagué, N., Sánchez-González, J., Trujols, J., Sánchez, I., Jiménez-Murcia, S., & Menchón, J. M. (2018). Mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of substance and behavioral addictions: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 95. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00095)) by also improving mood state and emotion dysregulation.”

Mindfulness can also help with overall brain function, ((Alizadehgoradel, J., Imani, S., Nejati, V., & Fathabadi, J. (2019). Mindfulness-based substance abuse treatment (Mbsat) improves executive functions in adolescents with substance use disorders. Neurology, Psychiatry and Brain Research, 34, 13–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.npbr.2019.08.002)) which may help clients build healthier, more sustainable habits over time. Specifically, these interventions improve executive function. These skills “are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.” Executive function ((Executive function & self-regulation. (n.d.). Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/)) is especially important for those who want to improve memory, self-control, and mental flexibility. It can also help you stay present in your body during difficult moments.

Massage

There are countless types of massage therapy, including Swedish massage, deep tissue, Thai massage, and Shiatsu. While one or more of these modalities may be best for your physical needs, all of them have similar neurological benefits.

Massage therapy increases dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters that help you experience happiness and a sense of achievement. It also decreases cortisol, sometimes called “the stress hormone.” Because of these effects, it is particularly helpful to clients in recovery. Massage can be especially helpful in the early stages of withdrawal, ((Massage and addiction | massage therapy journal. (n.d.). American Massage Therapy Association. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/massage-and-addiction/)) when patients exhibit low levels of dopamine.

This modality can also alleviate physical pain, and can even improve body awareness. This may help clients practice mindfulness, reconnecting with their own bodies even while they experience uncomfortable symptoms. By focusing on acceptance, it may be easier to navigate certain triggers.

Massage can continue to be helpful throughout the recovery process, ((Adcock, C. L. (1988). Massage therapy in alcohol/drug treatment. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 4(3), 87–102. https://doi.org/10.1300/J020V04N03_07)) even after withdrawal symptoms end. Its benefits include “quicker detoxification, deeper relaxation, and greater self-acceptance.”

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine, in which an acupuncturist inserts needles into specific areas on the client’s body, with the intention of channeling and rebalancing their energy. Some experts believe acupuncture may help clients detox from substance misuse. ((Shwartz, M., Saitz, R., Mulvey, K., & Brannigan, P. (1999). The value of acupuncture detoxification programs in a substance abuse treatment system. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 17(4), 305–312. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0740-5472(99)00010-0))

Preliminary data suggests that this type of therapy is especially helpful for those in recovery from opiate misuse. ((Lin, J.-G., Chan, Y.-Y., & Chen, Y.-H. (2012). Acupuncture for the treatment of opiate addiction. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, 2012, 739045. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/739045)) However, questions have been raised about the methodology of these studies. While more research is needed, many clients find this modality to be helpful.

The Pros and Cons of Holistic Healing

Holistic medicine may help you reintegrate your sense of self. Because substance misuse impacts both the body and mind, these modalities may remind clients what it means to feel whole. By simultaneously improving your physical and mental health, you can also hone the skills that will help you live a healthier life, even after inpatient treatment.

As one expert describes it, holistic wellness ((Torres-González, F., Ibanez-Casas, I., Saldivia, S., Ballester, D., Grandón-Fernández, P., Moreno-Küstner, B., Xavier, M., & Gómez-Beneyto, M. (2014). Unmet needs in the management of schizophrenia. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 97. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S41063)) “is a conscious, deliberate process whereby a person makes choices for a self-defined lifestyle that is both healthier and more satisfying.” This puts you back in control of your own life. Remember that you have both the right and the ability to make healthy choices. If you engage in holistic therapy during rehab, you may be better equipped to live sustainably in the long term.

Some of these treatments, like massage therapy, can also feel like a profound relief. After the stress and trauma of life immediately before rehab, there’s a great benefit to simply experiencing physical comfort. And this type of healthy, sustainable pleasure is also an important part of recovery.

However, it’s important to note that these holistic methods aren’t appropriate for everyone. Many clients need medical treatment in addition to—or instead of—these therapies. This is especially true for clients with certain physical conditions, including chemical dependence on illicit substances.

If you do want to pursue holistic healing, make sure to speak with a medical professional about any potential risks, given your unique health history. For example, a person who has experienced trauma within a religious community might not be a candidate for spiritual practices, like certain kinds of yoga or meditation. You may still be able to benefit from other holistic modalities, but it’s important to proceed carefully and with intention.

Learning to Be Whole

The road to recovery looks different for each person. Even if holistic healing is a good fit, you may find that certain modalities work better for you than others. Remember that the goal of this therapy is to treat each client as a whole and complete person, worthy of great respect, with unique needs and goals.

With that in mind, your needs might or might not be met by these methods. But by listening to yourself, and staying as mindful as you safely can, you’ll be able to choose the best possible path forward.

If you’d like to learn more about holistic therapy for substance use disorders, you can browse our list of holistic rehabs here.

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Holistic Therapies in Drug and Alcohol Rehab

The use of holistic therapies in rehab is a highly debated topic. While some experts claim that alternative therapies are the missing piece of effective treatment, others say they lack scientific backing. Still, as modern addiction treatment progresses, more rehabs offer holistic therapy.

Here, we’ll take a look at what holistic therapy options are available, how they work and the research that speaks to their effectiveness in treating addiction.

What Are Holistic Therapies?

Holistic (also known as alternative, complementary or unconventional) therapies are designed to treat a person as a whole—body, mind and spirit. In rehabs, holistic therapies help address issues that both lead to and result from an addiction. Rather than targeting a specific issue, they’re designed to address your overall mental, physical and spiritual wellness.

Alternative treatments use mindfulness, spirituality and energy-related work to boost your health and well-being. Supporters of this approach see addiction as a symptom of broader unwellness. They also point out it’s equally important for the negative emotional and physical side effects of addiction to be treated, in addition to the addiction itself. Certain holistic therapies are commonly used in addiction treatment:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, dance and other types of mindful movement
  • Acupuncture and acupressure
  • Massage
  • Reiki, crystals and other types of energy work
  • Herbal, Chinese or ayurvedic medicines
  • Homeopathy
  • Nutritional therapy

These therapies are designed to treat the underlying causes of addiction and promote more meaningful and longer-lasting healing. They also differ from conventional treatment in that they’re based on a more spiritual understanding of addiction.

Tai Chi
Picking up a healthy practice like Tai Chi helps maintain your wellness in recovery—and your sobriety, as a result.

Do Alternative Treatments Work for Addiction?

Measuring the effectiveness of addiction treatment in general is no easy task. This is even truer of holistic therapies, for a few reasons:

  • Holistic treatments are almost always used in combination with conventional methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. Alternative therapies enhance and support these traditional therapies, which makes it harder to measure the success of holistic methods alone.
  • Holistic therapies include a wide range of practices. The term “holistic therapies” covers a broad scope, so blanket statements about their effectiveness aren’t entirely accurate.
  • Each individual responds differently to different therapies. What works for you might not work for someone else, and vice versa.

The question, “Do holistic therapies work?” is, definitively speaking, unanswerable. But addiction experts do have some evidence of their effectiveness through clinical research.

What We Know About Alternative Therapy in Rehab

Below are some facts about the use of holistic treatments in rehab along with corresponding research for each:

Holistic Therapies Treat More Than Just Addiction

Unconventional treatments attempt to treat your well-being as an interconnected whole,1 rather than honing in on one aspect of your physical or mental health. Holistic measures address other common concerns:

  • Physical symptoms brought on by the addiction and/or withdrawal
  • Emotional imbalances at the root of your addiction
  • Nutritional deficiencies that create chemical imbalances in the brain
  • A lack of spiritual grounding, which can contribute to feelings of loneliness and meaninglessness

These are just some of the underlying issues that may be indirectly related to (but play a significant role in) your addiction.

Wellness Therapies in Rehab Increase Chances of Program Completion

Treatment centers that use holistic measures have better program-completion rates.2 A study by the academic journal Psychiatry Services found that better services in a rehab center and the client’s satisfaction levels were positively correlated to completion of the program. In other words, your comfort level in rehab is important when it comes to completing treatment. And of course, if you complete your treatment program, your likelihood of maintaining sobriety is higher.

Holistic Approaches Treat Trauma Connected With Addiction

The link between trauma and addiction has been well established. Whether your addiction brought trauma into your life or traumatic life experiences led you to addiction, the majority of addicts identify as having some form of trauma. Experts agree that healing trauma is an essential component of recovery. The impact of holistic therapies on trauma3 is quite definitive—if you struggle with trauma and are seeking help for an addiction, holistic treatment options could improve your chances of a lasting recovery.

Complementary Treatments Decrease Chances of Relapse

Once you’ve completed treatment, holistic therapies can help you prevent relapse. Specifically, one study found that mindfulness-based therapies successfully prevent relapse.4 Clinicians found that through meditation, recovering addicts were better able to identify potentially triggering scenarios and remain calm in stressful situations, which may have otherwise caused them to relapse. Receiving alternative treatments while in rehab can provide you with the necessary skills for a lasting recovery.

Holistic Treatments Combat the Stigma of Addiction

One of the greatest obstacles in both seeking treatment for addiction and maintaining recovery is stigma. Stigma often prevents people with addictions from seeking help and adds to the difficulty of staying sober. However, alternative treatments help people in recovery manage stigma more effectively.5 Creating feelings of inner peace and harmony better equips someone to handle the stigma that can come with addiction.

Women Respond Better to Alternative Therapy in Rehab

Studies show that alternative therapies are more effective in treating addiction in women6 than men. This trend may be partially attributed to the socialization of women to be more open to alternative approaches. Whatever the reason, if you’re a woman seeking treatment, it could benefit you to look for a rehab that gives you the option of holistic therapies to complement your core program.

Meditation holistic
Your comfort level in rehab is important when it comes to completing treatment—rehabs that employ holistic measures have better program-completion rates.

Benefits of Holistic Therapy

Although holistic therapy for addiction remains a debated issue among researchers and clinicians, many agree to the following benefits:

It’s natural. Alternative therapies use methods that are natural and don’t involve prescription drugs. While the use of medication can be a good treatment tool, it’s not necessary in all cases and if you prefer to avoid it, holistic measures may be right for you.

It restores your body’s equilibrium. Addiction wreaks havoc on your body’s inner balance. Oftentimes, addiction comes with other harmful habits, such as poor nutrition or sleeping. Holistic therapies can address these other imbalances, leading to overall improved health.

It develops lifelong healthy habits. Meditation and yoga are two examples of healthy practices that you may wish to continue after treatment. These go a long way in helping maintain your wellness in recovery—and your sobriety, as a result.

It treats the body, mind and spirit. Holistic methods treat the whole person by dealing with wellness concerns on multiple levels. By expanding treatment to various aspects of self, holistic therapies encourage a more complete sense of well-being.

Choosing a treatment center that offers holistic options gives you access to these extensive benefits, which you can take with you well beyond your time in rehab.

Wellness Programming at Rehabs

The decision to seek treatment isn’t an easy one to make. But many rehabs try to ensure your treatment journey is as comfortable and comprehensive as possible. And the best treatment centers don’t depend solely on holistic therapies; rather, they use alternative methods to complement evidence-based treatment.

With holistic therapies, you’re more likely to not only find peace in your experience, but also remain in the program when the process gets tough. While you do the hard work of getting sober and sorting through a painful past, alternative treatments make you more receptive to conventional therapy and uplift your overall state.

Compare rehabs offering holistic therapy with key information listed in one place, including price, insurance accepted, and conditions treated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holistic Therapies in Rehab

Are holistic therapies effective?

Clinical research suggests holistic therapies positively impact recovery: 

• They treat underlying trauma related to addiction. 
• Rehabs with holistic therapies often have higher completion rates.
• Mindfulness therapies can prevent relapse.

Can holistic therapies treat addiction?

Yes. Many rehabs now use holistic treatments alongside conventional therapies. Holistic therapies can address aspects of addiction that talk therapy doesn’t, and make your treatment experience more enjoyable.

What types of holistic therapy are used to treat addiction?

While a wide range of practices fall under the term “holistic,” certain therapies are more commonly seen in rehab:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Massage
• Nutritional therapy