Can Holistic Care Such as Tai Chi Positively Impact Substance Use Disorder?
Managing substance use disorder (SUD) can be challenging without receiving the benefits from professional support. Opting for holistic care to combat the adverse health effects of SUD can provide significant assistance and a more successful outcome. Participating in tai chi during treatment at Restoration Recovery can be a highly beneficial option for those who are looking for a complementary approach to traditional treatment.
The Various Challenges That Can Arise With Untreated SUD
If left unmanaged, addiction can poorly impact many different aspects of an individual’s life. Severe SUD encompasses general addiction or slight dependency. If one has abused substances for a prolonged period, they may notice that different areas of their life may have gradually declined. An individual with SUD may choose to continue misusing substances, even knowing the harmful effects of their condition.
For those who do choose to discontinue abusing drugs, withdrawal symptoms can be highly difficult to cope with once they stop. This can often lead to an unwanted relapse. In some cases, it can be extremely dangerous for an individual to go “cold turkey” from drugs or alcohol. Thus, surrendering to professional care is imperative to overcome SUD. Certain challenges related to SUD commonly include:
- Impaired relationships with family, friends, or partnerships
- Difficulty maintaining work performance
- Delayed academic progress
- Financial strife
- Physical ailments
- Problems with law enforcement
What Is Holistic Care?
Choosing to move forward with traditional forms of care can be a great start to addiction treatment. However, sometimes, combining a standard service with holistic care can be even more helpful. According to the Western Journal of Medicine, holistic services can be a complementary approach to other treatments that do not require a specific set of techniques.
Along with traditional care, different holistic treatment modalities can provide a more personal touch as most services target an individual’s social, spiritual, and psychological well-being. For example, an individual facing challenges with SUD may benefit from attending psychotherapy along with holistic treatment. In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in combination with holistic care can be very helpful.
The Benefits of Tai Chi as a Form of Holistic Care for SUD
There are several different types of holistic care services available that are used to help treat SUD. One such service is tai chi. This is a unique type of martial art that is commonly practiced for increased physical and mental health benefits. Addiction and mental health disorders commonly co-occur (known as a dual diagnosis), and tai chi can help.
According to Frontiers of Psychology, studies have shown that tai chi is highly effective in improving the lives of those facing challenges with a dual diagnosis. For instance, tai chi has proven to be effective for those experiencing problems with addiction, depression, or anxiety.
Peer support is crucial for sustaining long-term recovery. One may choose to practice tai chi movements alone or with peers for greater benefit. Many health benefits can be derived from participating in moderate to high-intensity tai chi for a long period. Advantages commonly include:
- Decreased withdrawal symptoms
- Alleviated depression or anxiety symptoms
- Long-term sobriety
- Stimulated endorphins for increased happiness
- Improved cognitive function
- Enhanced physical and psychological strength
- Reduced resting heart rate that may have been triggered by withdrawal
Moving Forward With Restoration Recovery’s Holistic Care Program for SUD
SUD can be tough to manage without additional treatment options. Choosing to move forward with holistic care for SUD at Restoration Recovery can significantly improve one’s quality of life. Many holistic therapies at our facility are rooted in bodywork and mindfulness practices, and our holistic therapies can treat a variety of health conditions. Restoration Recovery’s patients are strongly encouraged to participate in holistic modalities in combination with other therapies to establish a long-term recovery.
Although tai chi is known to be a great holistic treatment for combating SUD, other natural forms of care are also available to those seeking something more. Holistic therapy options may vary depending on the severity of one’s condition. It can be helpful for one to contact a specialist and develop an individualized treatment plan for a more comfortable path forward in treatment.
Other Holistic Forms of Care for SUD
Some patients enjoy combining tai chi with other holistic forms of care in their daily routine. Participating in different forms of holistic care can help one decompress from a stressful day. Post-treatment recovery can also be a good time to practice holistic care, such as tai chi. Choosing to partake in a recreational activity can be an effective way to meet others navigating through a similar journey.
Everyone deserves to heal from SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions. Other holistic services that are provided at Restoration Recovery include:
- Spiritual growth and development
- Dance/movement therapy
- Nutrition lessons
- Cultural awareness
- Yoga and meditation
- Acupuncture
- Art therapy
- Recreational and leisure activities
At our California recovery center, our serene setting helps patients achieve not just wellness, but wholeness. Our mission is to help people struggling with substance use disorder, a mental health disorder, or dual diagnosis disorders to achieve long-term recovery by offering treatment options that heal the mind, body, and spirit. Rather than just treating the disease, holistic treatment looks at a person as a whole and introduces healing to other aspects of an individual. You can expect to have your mind, body, and spirit integrated into addiction treatment at Restoration Recovery. Call us at (888) 290-0925 to learn how you or a loved one can incorporate our holistic services into your recovery treatment.
