Overcoming an addiction is no simple matter. It challenges you physically and mentally. However, through alternative recovery methods, you can draw on your personal resources and embrace success.
Unconventional but Important
Addiction and substance abuse are on the rise. In fact, according to statistics, about 21.5 million people over the age of 12 suffered with a substance use disorder in 2014, and deaths due to overdose are steadily on the rise. While the statistics suggest effective treatment is more vital than ever, the outcomes of traditional strategies are disappointing. Experts cited by Reuters explain, “Given the high relapse rates with available treatments, it’s obviously important to investigate the effect of unconventional approaches on substance abuse problems.”
Motivational Recordings
Listening to motivational audio or video recordings can be a boon for improving one’s mindset, lifting stress, relieving depression, and lowering anxiety. As Psychology & Science explains, you can reframe your viewpoint to reveal new opportunities and foster empowerment. By listening to positive information every day, you can flood your mind with inspiring and encouraging thoughts, helping you to recognize your own potential and reframe your outlook.
Physical Activity
Engaging in a fitness regimen can be an important asset when overcoming an addiction. When you enter the process of recovery, your mental and physical health is damaged from substance abuse. You can begin repairing the damage with a well-designed exercise program. Also, it’s vital to replace your unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones, and an exercise program can help supplement addiction treatment in important ways. Engaging in a routine workout plan can help reduce cravings, lower stress levels and improve your outlook.
Incorporate repetitive fitness activities such as yoga or swimming, which can encourage new body awareness. For example, yoga uses strength and flexibility exercises and engages mindfulness techniques to enhance sensory experiences and concentration. Some experts feel swimming is particularly helpful, promoting relaxation in unique ways and encouraging healing through the special coordination used in swim strokes. By infusing daily life with yoga practices or swimming, you can heal while improving self-regulation and self-introspection.
Nutrition
It’s important to understand that substance abuse hurts your body in a couple specific, diet-related ways, and without a proper diet, you are at increased risk for relapse. MedLine Plus explains that your body is damaged from the substance itself. Meanwhile, your lifestyle develops unhealthy patterns such as poor diet and irregular eating. The damage from substance abuse can reduce the ability to recognize hunger, leaving you open to succumbing to cravings instead of satisfying your body’s need for food. Balanced meals can reduce withdrawal symptoms and help to replace depleted nutrients and balance electrolytes.
Groups, Structure, and Treatment
The road to recovery is not meant to be traveled alone. Alternative methods are important but should only be used in conjunction with information and therapies through your health care professionals. Avoid trying to create a do-it-yourself program. According to some studies, it’s crucial to participate in a structured treatment plan with health care professionals. You become part of a larger picture, making group therapies in a program a vital part of supporting your recovery. You avoid isolation, and knowing you aren’t alone in your struggle can be vital. Skilled leaders can help you find ways to navigate your journey, and you can connect with others for guidance and insights when needed. Counselors can teach you about what is happening in your struggle, how to meet challenges, and help to rebuild your life. You receive resources and structure you can’t find going solo. With professional guidance, you can achieve success.
You can successfully navigate the road to recovery. It’s vital to restore your mind and body, repairing the damage from substances and reframing your mindset. Alternative methods can help you tap into resources for a new, healthier lifestyle.
Author
Kimberly Hayes enjoys writing about health and wellness and created PublicHealthAlert.info to help keep the public informed about the latest developments in popular health issues and concerns. In addition to studying to become a crisis intervention counselor, Kimberly is hard at work on her new book, which discusses the ins and outs of alternative addiction treatments.