By: Ava
October 4, 2023

Holistic Approaches to Relapse Prevention: Mind, Body, and Spirit

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In many ways, recovery should be seen as a long-term investment. During treatment, you put in many hours addressing the roots of your addiction. While you may have completed a treatment program, it does not mean that your recovery is complete.

In fact, the real work in recovery has just begun for you.

Truth be told, preventing a relapse goes beyond the physical aspects of drug addiction. To stay clean for a lifetime, you must fully address your whole being in mind, body, and spirit. To achieve total unity, you must embrace holistic relapse prevention techniques.

In this article, you will have a better grasp of holistic relapse prevention techniques and how these techniques can provide the breakthrough you need to stay sober for a lifetime. Multi-Concept Recovery (MCR) is Southern California’s premier outpatient treatment facility offering top-tier programs and support that empower you to grow in your sobriety. Call MCR today to learn more about our evidence-based programs.

Understanding Holistic Approaches to Relapse Prevention

On the surface, the term holistic conjures up visions of herbs, New Age spirituality, and practices that have little or no basis in science. The truth is that holistic practices emphasize that a person’s overall health is dependent on the balance of one’s physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. When relapse occurs, the focus is on the actual act of using substance. The reality is that the roots of relapse occur when the mind and spirit aren’t strong.

When you embrace holistic recovery practices, you are in a sense, strengthening your mental and spiritual fitness. When all spheres of your being are in sync, you are confident and aware of the triggers that can make you vulnerable to relapse. Ultimately, holistic approaches promote total wellness and help you feel truly happy, content, and serene.

What Types of Holistic Approaches to Relapse Prevention Can Benefit My Recovery?

When considering holistic relapse prevention tools to complement your recovery, the world is your proverbial oyster. Perhaps the biggest benefit regarding holistic approaches is you have many options to choose from, and you can mix and match approaches to suit your needs. Perhaps the most popular holistic relapse prevention tool is mindful breathing. With this technique, you simply find a quiet place to focus on your breath and accept whatever thoughts you have in your head, and let them go to focus on the present moment.

Yoga and meditation are also popular holistic practices that are popular in relapse prevention programs. Both practices can vary in intensity and discipline but are highly adaptable and easily integrated into your daily regimen. Another beneficial holistic practice is nature therapy. With nature therapy, you develop a meaningful relationship with your natural surroundings as you deal with those emotions and thoughts that make you vulnerable to relapse. Examples of nature therapy include gardening, hiking, or camping.

Other relapse prevention tools that are holistic-based include the following:

  • Art therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Adventure therapy
  • Animal therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Nutritional therapy and counseling
  • Energy healing

The Benefits of Holistic Relapse Prevention Programs

When you incorporate holistic approaches in your overall recovery program, the benefits you receive are tremendous. These approaches do a great job of addressing the distressing thoughts and emotions that can lead to cravings and ultimately relapse. These approaches also help you effectively deal with stress. Additionally, you can learn and put into practice essential life skills such as problem-solving, organizational skills, and time management. Most importantly, holistic relapse prevention techniques help you stick to better lifestyle habits and help you achieve a better outlook on your life.

Strengthen Your Recovery With Help From Multi-Concept Recovery

Relapse prevention is your insurance policy protecting you from the guilt and shame associated with relapse. If you are newly recovered, protect your sobriety with the help and support of Multi-Concept Recovery. As Southern California’s premier outpatient rehab, we offer evidence-based support and programs that sharpen your relapse prevention game and give you the confidence to handle the stresses of your everyday life. Our personalized and dynamic approach allows you to grow and flourish in your sobriety. Make the commitment to your long-term health and wellness and call Multi-Concept Recovery right now.