A Holistic Lifestyle Guide to a Holistic Recovery

A holistic approach to recovery means looking at the well-being of several dimensions of health. These dimensions can include physical, emotional, and social well-being; in some cases, this can also include a person’s spiritual well-being. 

Similarly to why individualized treatment has become so important in today’s modern methods of treatment, holistic approaches to recovery have also become prevalent as we understand how a person’s path to recovery is heavily influenced by aspects of who they are: including their gender, culture, faith, and life experiences. Interpreting one person’s experience and using it to approach the recovery paths of multiple people isn’t effective or helpful. 

Our trained professionals at the Lakehouse Recovery Center prioritize actively listening to and asking what each patient needs for their recovery, resulting in an approach to treatment that acknowledges the person as a whole and not just their condition. 

Living a Holistic and Healthy Lifestyle

Understanding an approach to a holistic lifestyle can help to understand a holistic approach to treatment and recovery. A definition of holistic health includes nutrition, exercise, and the avoidance of harmful drug use, helping to reduce the risk of diseases, illness, and an overall decrease in health. 

Just as we offer a curriculum that includes yoga and meditation, we also educate on mindful eating. This part of the curriculum helps to teach patients to notice how they nourish themselves, making sure they are eating healthy, getting the proper nutrients, drinking plenty of water, and listening to how the body is communicating its needs. 

Holistic health interventions can be connected to other health factors. Many initiatives have been created that aim to improve overall health and healthy lifestyles that anyone can take part in. 

Addiction and Holistic Treatment 

Many of the patients we often see here at Lakehouse Recovery experience a level of dissociation when entering into the program. Excessive substance use affects the way our brain and bodywork to the point that the two can become disconnected. This sometimes manifests by individuals not acting like themselves, being subdued, or completely unaware of the surroundings as a whole. 

A holistic approach to recovery helps address these common issues and concerns. Parts of the curriculum are designed to counter these dissociating effects of substance use. That can again be through the practices like yoga and mediation, but there are a number of other ways for individuals to reconnect their minds with their bodies after years of substance use. For some, addressing this dissociation may require intense help and treatment, while for others, reconnecting may be as simple as practicing mindfulness. How you reconnect will be dependent on you. 

Other forms of treatment that can be considered for a holistic form of treatment include: 

• Energy work 
• Bio and neurofeedback
• Nutritional therapy 
• Herbal medicine and homeopathic remedies 

These alternative forms of treatment can help with symptoms of withdrawal, stress, co-occurring mental illnesses, compulsive patterns, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Despite these benefits, some question the effectiveness of these methods.

Unfortunately, not much research has been conducted on the treatment, which is why these techniques are not always implemented. The other two major benefits of alternative treatment methods are that they are more appealing to individuals who prefer non-traditional methods of treatment. Developing holistic practices to achieve recovery can also help the individual to learn effective habits for an overall healthier lifestyle. 

Common Issues With Holistic Treatment 

Aside from general feelings of skepticism and an overall distrust in cultural treatments, another major concern that comes with alternative and holistic treatment includes pricing. A lot of these alternative treatment methods and practices are not covered by insurance. Often, those who seek acupuncture, dry needling, or even massage therapy as a means of treatment can not get it covered by their insurance. The pricing of these practices can be incredibly expensive. 

On the flip side, when it comes to treatment centers and facilities, curriculums and programs included in the treatment plans can oftentimes be included. For example, here at the Lakehouse, yoga, and meditation are a part of our curriculum, which is different from individuals who are just seeking yoga and meditation classes for their own personal practice. The latter would have to most likely be forced to pay out of pocket for those practices. 

Always be sure to check with insurances or treatment centers to know what may or may not be covered. Sometimes doing the research is essential for making sure you can adequately get the help and treatment you deserve. 

Homeopathic and holistic methods have been practiced by people of various cultures for centuries. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and homeopathic remedies have been in use for years and passed down through generations. Nowadays, many people are turning to these holistic practices to develop overall healthier lifestyles. This includes medical treatments for mental, physical, and even spiritual well-being. This has extended to many treatments and rehabilitation centers over the years as well. They have been shown to help individuals create healthier and more mindful life habits, which can be key in recovering from substance use disorders, addiction, and co-occurring mental illnesses. Here at the Lakehouse Recovery Center, we have effectively integrated programs revolving around yoga, meditation, and nutrition in a way that helps our patients reconnect their energy with their own bodies and with themselves. To learn more about how we can help you on your path to recovery, please reach out to us at (877) 762-3707.