Given that the standard addiction recovery methodology has low success rates, mental health experts have developed a plethora of alternative addiction treatments. Many of these build upon the traditional approach, using different ways to stimulate a person and help them with their mental struggles.
Some of these methods even use psychedelic substances in an attempt to rewire the brain. Others focus on improving sleep and other bodily functions. Whatever the case might be, the scientific society is deeply interested in these approaches, as some of them might eventually replace traditional rehab.
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8 Best Alternatives to Traditional Addiction Rehab
There are so many reasons why someone gets hooked on a substance, but a lot of them take root in upbringing and childhood trauma. Some of these behaviors are adopted by mimicking parents (such as smoking or drinking), which is why it’s really hard to eliminate them.
1. Psychedelic Treatment
Although psychedelic treatments might sound counterintuitive, they might provide excellent results in controlled environments. Specifically, you have substances such as ayahuasca or psilocybin, which might take you on a spiritual journey during which you’ll be able to address the reasons behind your addiction.
For example, there is empirical data that ibogaine treatment might affect our behavioral patterns and reduce the cravings. While these substances might not completely eliminate the issue, they might lead to mental healing. However, due to their volatility, addicts must go through complete screening beforehand to determine if they’re suitable candidates.
2. Workouts
The biggest issue with addictions is not the physical cravings but the mental ones. This is why psychologists mainly focus on things that will help your brain, specifically, hormones and neurotransmitters. Almost every mental health specialist will recommend workouts and time in nature as a way of addressing these problems.
Basically, workouts will enhance your immune system, supplying the body and the brain with oxygen and fresh blood. Enhanced circulation will hasten the delivery of nutrients, which will improve your digestion, sleep, and mental clarity. Furthermore, working out affects the secretion of dopamine, increasing your self-control and improving your self-perception.
3. Yoga and Meditation
Both of these methods work really well for addicts, but also for anyone else who wants to improve their bodily functions. The great thing about yoga and meditation is that they can address the root causes of your addiction, providing a sustainable, long-term solution.
Studies indicate that people who practice yoga have more gray matter, enhancing their mental acuity. Furthermore, by nurturing your brain, you’ll have more self-control, thus reducing cravings. Meditation might not provide the same bodily improvements, but it is vital for reducing stress and anxiety, both of which are associated with addictive behavior.
4. Art Therapy
One of the biggest issues with addicts is that they have no direction in life. Many of them are not working toward any projects, nor are they looking to form families or build interpersonal connections. Art therapy puts a stop to all of that, as it gives you a reason to wake up in the morning and do something constructive.
This method allows for emotional expression while tackling stress and anxiety. Many healthcare specialists praise art therapy as a medium that can reveal addicts’ repressed emotions such as anger, guilt, and grief. The treatment is especially effective for introverts and people who generally don’t communicate well, as it gives them a secondary outlet for their thoughts.
5. Sleep Management
Poor sleep is often associated with anxiety, stress, and a plethora of other mental and physical problems. Among other things, it affects our ability to stay sober and make rational decisions. Any disruption may increase cravings, as well as affect emotional regulation and our ability to make rational decisions.
Sleep classes will help you rewire your brain and biological clock. They help you manage sleep patterns and improve melatonin secretion. During therapy, a specialist will create a schedule that you must follow. They will introduce a relaxing routine that will promote better sleep and other practices that will help you deal with the issue.
6. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is another great method for alleviating the impact of all these negative substances in your body. Massage will relax your entire body, making it easier to fall asleep while reducing pain. The therapist will help reduce the tension, improve blood flow, and boost your energy levels.
Massage is especially great as a detox, hastening metabolism. You will be able to flush out all the substances that increase your cravings or that don’t allow you to “reset yourself.”
7. Adventure Therapy
Although adventure therapy sounds like nothing more than a fun activity, it is based on some essential psychological principles. Addicts will go into nature with their caretaker, putting them outside their comfort zone. Adventure therapy is especially valuable for tackling fears and anxieties that led you to addictive behavior.
During these trips, you’ll improve physical strength and confidence. Adventure therapy gives you a fantastic chance for personal growth and behavioral change. Besides hiking, the trips include kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and various other activities. The therapy combines exercise with scenery change, having a strong impact on your brain.
8. Supplement Intake
A lot of our mental issues and hormonal imbalances are directly affected by a lack of vitamins and minerals. Issues contributing to addiction, such as lack of sleep, anxiety, and low energy, can all be tackled by increasing your organic or supplemental intake.
Some of the vitamins that psychologists recommend include vitamins B12, C, and D. You will also benefit from iron, magnesium, zinc, and folic acid. It is vital that you stay in touch with your healthcare provider throughout, as you don’t want to disrupt your current therapies.
Last Thoughts
If you failed your first rehab recovery, you shouldn’t be too worried. There are so many fantastic alternative treatments you can explore, many of which provide excellent results. With the right psychologist by your side, you can slowly work on your underlying issues to complete a long-term recovery.
