Alternative Therapy for Addiction in Utah
Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Midway, Utah
There is no universal form of addiction therapy treatment. Every person is unique and what may work for one person may not work for the other, even if they are suffering from the same or a similar type of addiction.
While traditional forms of treatment are valuable and certainly have their place in the addiction treatment process, alternative therapy for addiction is becoming more and more popular among treatment professionals, both as a standalone treatment option and a therapy option to complement more traditional forms of therapy. At Acqua Recovery, we provide varying levels of care and addiction treatment in Utah. Reach out to determine which program may be best for you.
What is Alternative Therapy for Addiction and Mental Health?
As the name suggests, alternative therapy for addiction and mental health is an alternative treatment option that differs from the more traditional forms of therapy.
Unlike traditional forms of therapy that primarily focus on medical interventions or psychotherapy, alternative therapies encompass a diverse range of holistic practices aimed at addressing the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of addiction and mental health challenges.
Alternative therapy is centered on the idea of holistic healing. This holistic approach recognizes that addiction is not solely a physical ailment but a complex interplay of physical, emotional, and psychological factors. By addressing the entire spectrum of an individual’s health, alternative therapies aim to create a more comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. This personalized approach extends beyond the treatment itself to encompass the individual’s lifestyle, cultural background, and belief systems.
Types of Alternative Therapy
Alternative therapies can encompass a wide range of practices, each offering unique benefits to individuals seeking recovery. The overarching goal is to provide individuals with alternative avenues for self-expression, healing, and the development of coping mechanisms that extend beyond the scope of traditional treatment modalities.
At Acqua Recovery, we offer a number of alternative therapies including:
Breathwork
Breathwork is a therapeutic practice that involves conscious control of breathing patterns. It helps promote relaxation, stress reduction, and increased self-awareness.
By utilizing breathwork during addiction treatment, individuals can achieve a meditative state, fostering emotional release and a sense of inner peace. This, in turn, can help manage cravings, anxiety, and other emotional challenges associated with recovery.
Cold Water Therapy
Cold water therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, involves exposure to cold water in various forms, such as ice baths or cold showers.
Not only has cold water therapy proven to be effective in improving overall mood, reducing inflammation, and enhancing mental resilience, but when it comes to addiction treatment it has also been shown to help aid in physical recovery, promote mental clarity, and serve as a powerful tool for self-discipline.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy in Utah is a hands-on approach that encourages individuals to engage in activities, often in a group setting, to process and address emotions. Examples of experiential therapy include outdoor adventures and team-building exercises.
By participating in these experiences, individuals in recovery gain insights into their behavior patterns, build trust, and develop essential life skills, fostering personal growth and resilience.
Equine Therapy
Also known as horse therapy, equine therapy involves individuals interacting with horses under the guidance of a trained professional. Spending time bonding with horses can help those in recovery develop empathy, trust, and effective communication skills.
Equine therapy has proven to be particularly effective in treating those who may struggle with traditional talk therapy by providing a non-verbal means of both communication and connection.
Art Therapy
Art therapy utilizes creative expression as a therapeutic tool for individuals in addiction recovery. This can include painting, drawing, or any other form of art.
During art therapy, individuals can both explore and communicate their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a non-verbal way through the use of their artwork. This can help those in therapy process trauma, improve self-esteem, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Benefits of Alternative Therapies in Addiction Treatment
Whether done on its own or used to complement other, more traditional forms of therapy, alternative therapy offers a wide range of benefits for those in recovery.
Some of the biggest benefits of alternative therapy in addiction treatment include:
Alternative therapies address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of addiction. By treating the whole person, these therapies provide a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to recovery while promoting holistic healing.
Alternative therapies can be tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual, fostering a personalized approach to recovery.
As we touched on, while alternative therapies stand on their own as effective treatment methods they also complement traditional approaches. The combination of alternative and evidence-based methods enhances the overall efficacy of addiction recovery programs.
Many alternative therapies, such as breathwork and cold water therapy, focus on stress reduction. Stress is a common trigger for addictive behaviors, and learning effective stress management techniques can help individuals manage the emotional challenges that often accompany addiction recovery.
Alternative therapies such as breathwork and experiential therapy promote self-awareness by encouraging individuals to connect with their emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations. This heightened sense of self-awareness helps individuals better understand and address the root causes of their addictive behaviors.
Engaging in various alternative therapies provides individuals with a diverse set of coping mechanisms, reducing reliance on substance use as a way to cope with stress or emotional pain.
Alternative therapies such as art therapy provide outlets for individuals to express themselves in unique and meaningful ways. Encouraging creativity fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-discovery.
Therapies such as breathwork place an emphasis on the connection between mind and body. These practices encourage individuals to be present in the moment, fostering a deeper understanding of how thoughts and emotions manifest physically.
Unlike short-term interventions, alternative therapies often instill habits that can lead to long-lasting lifestyle changes. Engaging in these types of therapies can contribute to a sustainable and balanced lifestyle that supports ongoing recovery.
What Does Alternative Therapy Treat?
Alternative therapies can help in the treatment of a wide range of both substance abuse and mental health conditions. That being said, there are certain disorders that alternative therapies are more efficient in treating than others.
Examples of conditions that alternative therapies are particularly effective in treating include:
Alternative therapies can assist individuals in overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, supporting them through the withdrawal process.
Whether it’s through the mindfulness of breathwork, the resilience-building aspects of cold water therapy, or the self-discovery facilitated by experiential and equine therapies, these modalities support individuals through the withdrawal process and lay the groundwork for lasting recovery.
Many individuals with addiction also struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders. Alternative therapies can be effective in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
By treating the interconnectedness of addiction and mental health, individuals can experience comprehensive healing.
Trauma is often a significant underlying factor in addiction, and alternative therapies provide a therapeutic space for individuals to navigate and heal from traumatic experiences.
Experiential therapy and art therapy, in particular, offer avenues for expressing and processing the complex emotions associated with trauma.
Developing healthy emotional regulation skills is fundamental to long-term recovery. Alternative therapies, such as breathwork and art therapy, empower individuals to understand and regulate their emotions, breaking the cycle of relying on substances for emotional relief.
Effective stress management is a crucial aspect of addiction recovery. Alternative therapy techniques like breathwork and cold water therapy equip individuals with effective stress management tools, reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Alternative therapies that focus on mindfulness can be instrumental in addressing body image issues and eating disorders. These therapies foster a positive connection between the mind and body, promoting self-acceptance and healthier relationships with food.
Social anxiety often accompanies addiction. Alternative therapies that incorporate social elements, such as group activities or team-based experiences, help individuals gradually build confidence, overcome social barriers, and establish meaningful connections with others.
Unfortunately, many who have chronic pain turn to medications that they may become dependent on or even addicted to. Alternative therapies can help them learn healthier ways to alleviate pain symptoms without having to turn to pills.
Receive Alternative Therapy for Addiction at Acqua Recovery in Utah
If you or a loved one are seeking a comprehensive and alternative approach to addiction recovery, look no further than Acqua Recovery in Utah. Our treatment center is committed to providing a supportive environment where individuals can explore and engage in various alternative therapies to promote healing and sustainable recovery.
At Acqua Recovery, our team of experienced therapists and practitioners work collaboratively to create personalized treatment plans that integrate alternative therapies with evidence-based practices. Our holistic approach aims to address the underlying causes of addiction while empowering individuals to build a foundation for long-term recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our alternative therapy programs and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life free from the grips of addiction.
Take the first step to transforming your life.
Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.
