Alcohol is a substance that can be regularly used for most people without any issue. However, some people find it hard to quit drinking and spiral from drinking occasionally to binge drinking and without attending an alcohol treatment center, they can soon be on their way to developing alcoholism.
One of the most common telltale signs of alcohol abuse and alcoholism is that an individual continues to drink to excess despite the damage it is doing in their lives. This is essential because the more a person drinks, the more they are unable to control their drinking.
In many respects, alcohol use disorder is the “acceptable” face of addiction in that it is not an illegal substance. However, this can often prevent people from recognizing there is a problem, particularly if they regularly mix with people at places where alcohol is being consumed. It is important to remember that an individual can only reach out for help with their alcohol abuse if they accept they have a problem.
That said, this does not necessarily mean that they have to voluntarily check themselves into an alcohol treatment center. Many people with alcohol issues remain in denial of there being a problem and are only able to see they need help when others make it known to them. Many people entering alcohol rehab do so as a consequence of an intervention although because of the highly-charged emotional nature of the process, it is generally recommended to engage a specialist to assist.
How Holistic Therapies Can Help
People who have been struggling with alcohol are generally negatively impacted across many areas of their lives. Much of the damage done will be as a consequence of addictive behavior such as becoming unreliable at work or committing misdemeanors like driving while intoxicated. However, the most significant damage is done to the mind, body, and spirit which is addressed through therapeutic treatments in holistic alcohol rehab.
The following treatments and therapies are just some offered at Elevate as part of an alcohol abuse treatment program:
Mindfulness and Meditation
People who have been struggling with alcohol are often not able to find enough peace in themselves to relax. This can be due to an internal struggle with themselves over their alcohol consumption or because there are other pressures in their lives that preoccupy them. Mindfulness focuses on deep-breathing and achieving a relaxed state where the only focus is on the moment the individual is in. Going through detox and alcohol rehab is extremely challenging and meditation is very helpful in encouraging self-awareness and acceptance during the process. Patients are able to use mindfulness techniques in their daily lives when they complete a program at an alcohol treatment center.
Physical Exercise and Fitness
Individuals abusing alcohol for prolonged periods of time almost certainly neglect their personal appearance and physical fitness. A consistently bad diet and consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol can combine to significantly deteriorate the health of the individual unless they receive treatment. Elevate places emphasis on achieving physical fitness as part of an alcohol rehabilitation program because it is an effective component in the physical fight to overcome addiction. When people regularly exercise it improves overall well-being by increasing the production of natural endorphins which in turn makes them feel more motivated to maintain sobriety.
Music & Art Therapy
Alcohol use disorder drives people into isolation from those closest to them. Very often individuals will have lost the ability to communicate their thoughts and fears, possibly as a consequence of distancing themselves from partners, friends, and family. Art and music therapy allows patients to become more introspective as they are challenged to communicate their thoughts through these creative channels. Art and music therapy is such an effective component of holistic alcohol rehabilitation because it challenges patients to think about things in a different and interesting way. By learning how to express their deepest thoughts to others nonverbally, patients often discover things about themselves and the talents they have that they were never aware of before.
Yoga
Yoga is a holistic practice used in alcohol rehabilitation to improve flexibility, focus, and self-awareness. Although many think of yoga as being quite a gentle form of exercise, it is much more invigorating than it looks. During a typical yoga class, individuals are guided to focus on individual body parts while controlling their breathing. The sequences of movements, postures, and poses are introduced which stretches the body out as much as the individual can manage, which improves flexibility after practicing yoga for some time. The end of a yoga session usually involves a short period of meditation during which time the body is completely relaxed after the exertion of the class. The overall sense of well-being experienced after practicing yoga is remarkable, which is why it is one of the most compelling activities for people in recovery from addiction.