Holistic therapy

One common misconception about addiction is that a person can just stop if they want to. After all, you need to take a drink or physically put drugs into your body to become addicted, so surely, it’s easy to simply quit. The reality is that few people understand the holistic nature of addiction. Addiction is not just a physical dependence on a substance; it’s also a mental, emotional and psychological condition. The holistic nature of addiction means that it requires a holistic treatment approach which will help to heal the mind, body and soul and give you the tools you need for long-term recovery.

Holistic therapy yoga

What is holistic therapy?

Holistic therapy is any type of therapy or treatment approach which takes into account the whole person, rather than just their physical body or mental health. Effective holistic therapy considers all aspects of a person’s life including their individual addiction causes, relationships and social life and any other areas which have been impacted by their addiction. This approach is crucial for effective addiction recovery because if these areas are not addressed, as soon as the person finishes rehab treatment and returns home, they will be faced with the same stresses and triggers that led to their addiction in the first place.

Holistic therapy for addiction at Liberty House

At Liberty House, we offer a comprehensive programme of holistic addiction therapies, some of which include:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talking therapy which helps people to change the way they think and behave. It is an effective treatment for addiction because it addresses the negative thought patterns and behaviours that can fuel addiction or be triggered by it.
  • Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which has been specifically designed to treat people who suffer from conditions like addiction, eating disorders and depression. DBT focuses on helping people to understand and manage their emotions which is important in addiction recovery as relapses often occur during emotionally difficult moments.
  • Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy is a type of talking therapy which explores the unconscious mind and the role that it plays in our behaviour. This can be a huge eye-opener for people in recovery who may not be aware of the underlying trauma or factors which have led to their addiction.
  • Individual therapy: Addiction recovery is a very personal journey and that is why each of our clients takes part in individual therapy. This provides them with the opportunity to explore their addiction in depth and to work through any personal issues with a therapist who has been through recovery themselves and understands their challenges and experiences.
  • Art therapy: Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy which uses art as a means of communication. This can be both a way for clients to relax and also to express themselves in a way that may be difficult to do with words.
  • Meditation: Meditation is a practice which can be used to focus the mind and promote relaxation. Stress and anxiety are two of the main triggers for relapse and meditation can be an extremely effective way to overcome this.
  • Music therapy: Music therapy is a type of therapy which uses music to achieve therapeutic goals. It can be used to help people to relax, express themselves and process difficult emotions, all of which can be invaluable in managing cravings and gaining new insights into addiction.
  • Yoga therapy: Yoga is a practice which combines physical exercises, breathing techniques and meditation. It can be extremely helpful in managing cravings and anxiety as well as improving strength and flexibility which can benefit your mind and body and bring a new level of spirituality into your life.
  • Gong bath therapy: Gong bath therapy is a type of sound therapy which uses the vibrations of a gong to relax the body and mind. This can be a very powerful experience which can help to release the emotions attached to addiction and open up new perspectives about how recovery can benefit you.

Why is holistic therapy for addiction effective?

Some people with addiction attempt recovery through detox alone. This is the process of removing the substance from the body – this is an important first step but it is not enough on its own. Without addressing the underlying mental, emotional and psychological issues which led to addiction in the first place, there is a very high risk of relapse.

Some common underlying causes and factors which can lead to addiction include:

  • Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression
  • Trauma
  • Stressful life events
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Family history of addiction
  • Easy access to substances

Addiction thrives when a person chooses to drown out their thoughts and emotions. If any of these underlying causes are not addressed, you are likely to return to substance abuse when old triggers arise. Through a comprehensive programme of holistic therapies, Liberty House is able to address all of these issues and give our clients the best possible chance of a successful recovery.

What are the benefits of holistic therapy for addiction?

The main benefit of holistic therapy is that it offers a much greater chance of long-term recovery. By addressing all aspects of a person’s life, not just their addiction, we are able to help them to build a solid foundation for recovery, repair relationships and give new hope for the future.

Other benefits of holistic therapy can include:

  • Improved mental health
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Increased self-awareness
  • Improved self-esteem
  • Greater insight into addiction
  • New coping mechanisms for difficult emotions and triggers

Where can I access holistic therapy for addiction?

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, get in touch with Liberty House today. Our range of holistic therapies will help to heal your mind, body and soul and give you the best chance of a happy, healthy future.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be religious to benefit from holistic therapy?
While some holistic therapies have their roots in religious or spiritual practices, you do not need to be religious to benefit from them. We offer a range of holistic therapies which are suitable for people of all faiths and those who do not have any religious views. The important thing is that you are open to trying new things and exploring different ways of managing your addiction.
How long does holistic therapy take?
The length of time that you will need to participate in holistic therapy will depend on the severity of your addiction and any underlying mental health conditions. Liberty House offers four different lengths of addiction recovery programmes ranging from two weeks to twelve weeks, so you will be able to find a programme which is right for you.
Can holistic therapies help me after I leave rehab?
Yes. Many holistic therapy approaches can be used in your everyday life to help you to stay on track with your recovery. For example, meditation and mindfulness can be practised anywhere and at any time, while yoga and art therapy can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. We also offer a range of courses which teach skills such as goal setting and stress management which will help you to maintain your sobriety in the long term.