By guest author Rufus Carter
Drug and alcohol dependency is not a disease that can simply be cured by doctors and
therapists. Addiction is in both the mind and body, and must be treated continually in your day-
to-day life, even after treatment. Once you break free from its chains, you have to protect
yourself against becoming shackled once again. But how? The guide presented by Alcoholism-
Addiction-Psychology can help you begin this journey.
Fitness-Based Recovery
Physical fitness can be an effective supplement to the recovery process, so consider what you
might enjoy adding to your lifestyle. Swimming, for example, promotes relaxation, reduces pain,
and boosts alertness and focus. Yoga has similar benefits, plus it allows you to connect your
mind and body, which can help you better manage your response to stress. Running is another
type of exercise that can keep you on track as it releases a plethora of “feel good” brain
chemicals. Any type of fitness-based activity can become a helpful part of your recovery plan.
Dopamine, one of these chemicals and a neurotransmitter that affects mood, sleep and
cognition, is one reason exercise is so often prioritized during recovery. Regardless of which
activities you choose, try writing down your health goals. This practice can help you stay
focused on the bigger picture.
Photo Credit: Sarah Chai via Pexels
Support When You Need It
As much as these personal methods of treatment can assist you on your path to sober living, sometimes you need a helping hand. Psychology Today reports that non-traditional addiction services such as case management, recovery coaching, intervention, and recovery companions can also support your efforts. These complementary therapies utilize a network of professionals as well as friends, family, and others in recovery to help you apply coping skills and avoidance techniques.
Inpatient treatment programs with specialized forms of care are also available and should be considered, as they utilize basic care standards that are considered the best practices for addiction recovery.
If you’ve already garnered a strong support system and would prefer to continue treatment at home, then an outpatient program may be best for you. Many programs are rooted in faith and follow the 12-step approach for recovery, says The Treatment Specialist. You can search for treatment programs near you and learn more about the available options by going online.
Alternative Therapies
Experiential therapies tap into physical, social, and emotional engagement. Types of experiential therapies include music therapy, ropes courses, wilderness therapy, recreation therapy, rock climbing, and art therapy. These and other programs will empower you to overcome obstacles and express your thoughts and feelings. The behaviors you learn during each of these are scalable and may be applied to your recovery. For example, when you realize that you can overcome sweltering heat and survive in a desolate landscape, you may realize that you have the power to overcome your addiction.
You may find that eastern medicine or holistic practices are beneficial during your recovery. Research shows that some of these alternative practices, including acupuncture, and reported positive results. Addiction Center also encourages exploring holistic practices, like meditation, art therapy, and acupuncture.
Changing Your Life
During your recovery experience, you may come to realize that other aspects of your life need to change. You may have been part of a corporate culture that fed your addiction, in which case you may want to look into working from home as part of your recovery process. This kind of change can be critical for a successful recovery. Ideally you find success in a home business such that you can make it a major part of your life to fill the vacancy left by substance abuse.
Whether you choose to work from home or not, take some time to make your home a safe and healthy place for your recovery. The environment we surround ourselves in makes a big difference. For example, clutter can increase anxiety, whereas natural lighting and potted plants can reduce stress. Simple changes to your home environment can make working from home and spending time in your living space a healthier and more relaxing experience.
As you choose the recovery treatments that are right for you, please remember that alternative treatment methods are best employed while undergoing clinical care and are not meant to be a substitute for traditional drug abuse therapy. They are tools you can use to build a new foundation. This strong foundation is an important part of your addiction recovery. We encourage you to see professional medical help along your journey, and use these other methods to bolster your recovery process.
If you or someone you love have been affected by addiction, visit Alcoholism-Addiction-Psychology to find scientifically-based evidence on these issues that is presented in an accessible way. Our goal is to increase understanding of alcoholism and addiction in order to help those who suffer from them.
