Find Holistic Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs

Many people are looking to more natural methods of treatment rather than traditional medicine. As a result, more addiction treatment centers are incorporating holistic strategies for recovery, sometimes referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The type of treatment is designed to provide patients with traditional treatment modalities (e.g., individual, group, and family therapy) while helping patients express themselves through holistic modalities.

What Is Holistic Treatment for Drug & Alcohol Addiction?

Holistic drug treatment centers treat the “whole patient,” including the mind, body, and spirit, to help patients stop using drugs or alcohol. Sometimes referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), holistic rehab programs don’t follow traditional treatment modalities, which focus on individual, group, and family therapy. Instead, holistic treatment centers focus on addressing the individual, working on the mind, body, and spirit connection to help patients struggling with addiction. Some may focus solely on holistic treatment modalities, while others may incorporate them with traditional treatment modalities to complement a patient’s recovery.

Why Holistic Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Holistic addiction treatment programs focus on improving the mind, body, and spirit. According to the philosophy behind this type of program, these areas of health are connected. This means that disease in one area will affect the others. Many people use drugs and alcohol to “self-medicate” various problems (e.g., co-occurring disorders like depression), which can further create a disconnect between the mind, body, and spirit. A holistic addiction treatment program works to heal each area so the person can maintain recovery after the main issues influencing their substance use are resolved.

Although research is limited, studies suggest that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can improve symptoms commonly seen in patients struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), including anxiety, depression, and pain.¹ Studies also suggest that meditation and other forms of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) are effective for several conditions, including SUD.¹ While more research is needed, traditional treatment modalities (e.g., psychotherapy, 12-step) combined with CAM may provide promising results for people struggling with SUD.²

Benefits of a Holistic Treatment for Drug & Alcohol Addiction

Holistic rehab centers offer several benefits for people struggling with drug addiction or alcohol addiction. One benefit is that many holistic rehab centers offer the same evidence-based treatment options as traditional rehab centers. Like traditional rehab programs, holistic rehab programs often have trained therapists on staff. This way, patients can receive the same group and individual therapy sessions as they would with a traditional rehab program, but with additional holistic offerings.

In addition to standard rehab features, holistic addiction treatment programs may also emphasize:

• All-natural, organic meal plans to address any nutritional deficiencies due to addiction and improve physical health.
• Physical activities such as biking, hiking, rock climbing, or swimming.
• Meditation.
• Group exercise, such as tai chi or yoga.
• Complementary therapy, such as acupuncture or massage.
• Alternative types of psychotherapy (e.g., animal, art, or music therapy).
• Scenic locations in the mountains or by the ocean.

What to Look for in a Holistic Rehab Program

As with any rehab program, you should evaluate holistic addiction rehab programs carefully to be sure the program you’re considering is right for you. Questions to consider when looking at these types of programs include:³

Best Holistic Rehab Programs for Drug or Alcohol Addiction

If you’re looking for the best holistic rehab programs near you, it’s important to consider the types of treatment programs available to ensure your needs are met. Recovery looks different for everyone and can take place in different settings (e.g., inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab) and at different levels of intensity. What works for one person might not work for another. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), effective treatment is individualized and considers a person’s legal, social, and vocational problems in addition to their substance use.⁴

There are several ways to find holistic substance abuse centers near you including:

• Talking to your doctor or a mental health practitioner. They can start the process of referring you to holistic drug rehab.
• Use an online resource to find holistic treatment options in your area.
• Use our rehab directory, which allows you to search for rehabs by using the keyword ‘holistic.’ You can also filter by location, levels of care, and insurance accepted.

If you’re ready to reach out for help, contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) to learn more about treatment, resources, to get support, and to get started with treatment. Our helpline is available 24 hours a day when you call .