Treating substance abuse requires treating both the addiction, and healing the whole person. In addition to conventional treatment programs and therapies, many who struggle with addiction are approaching the healing process from a holistic perspective. Alternative therapies including yoga, meditation, massage and naturopathy and nutrition can contribute to the overall well-being of those in recovery for drug and alcohol abuse, and can help ensure long-term success.

Because yoga is good for mind, body, and spirit, it can complement treatment programs early in the recovery process. In addition to the physical benefits of stretching and strengthening muscles, it can aid in relaxation and finding inner peace. The practice of yoga also balances and strengthens the nervous and endocrine systems, and increases self-awareness and self-control.

The physical practice of yoga was developed to help prepare the body and mind for meditation, which is used almost all cultures across the globe in the quest for finding peace and as a spiritual practice. Conventional health practitioners have begun implementing meditation into addiction recovery programs with very good success. Meditation cultivates self-love and can improve self-esteem, critical to the success of any recovery program.

Massage therapies can do more than help a person physically relax. Massage can help the detoxification process, and can ease mental stress and worry as well. The healing power of physical touch is only just beginning to be understood by Western medicine, but has been utilized by other medical systems for centuries.

Addressing nutrition is a critical part of healing both body and mind. People who struggle with substance abuse tend to be undernourished, and lacking in vitamins and minerals which can affect mental health. Proper nutrition helps restore balance in the body and supports healthy brain function, including our ability to make good decisions. Recovering addicts who improve their diet are found to be less likely to have a relapse. Vitamin and mineral supplements can also help the body detoxify and support the immune system.

Recovery includes nurturing all aspects of a person’s being, and is a lifelong process that involves taking care of body and mind.