The prevalence of substance use disorders continues to rise within the United States. In 2020, approximately 40.3 million individuals, over the age of 11, were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. (1) The next year, the number of individuals who met the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder increased to approximately 46.3 million individuals. (2) With so many individuals experiencing the negative consequences of substance use, the access to effective treatment options is crucial. Those affected by substance use, such as the individuals who engage in it or their friends and family, may not be aware of the available treatment options for those experiencing substance use disorders.

Here at CuraSouth, we offer evidence-based treatment, including holistic options. Providing a relaxed, homestyle retreat, our treatment facility offers the best amenities when compared to a standard hospital. With addiction treatment services, such as therapeutic interventions, intervention services, and aftercare planning, we can help you or a loved one reach your treatment goals. Contact us today to receive more information and to begin your individualized treatment plan.

Healing the Mind & Body as a Whole in a Tampa, FL Treatment Program

Addiction and dependency to a substance impacts an individual physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Holistic approaches to treatment focus on treating the mind and body as a whole. Holistic treatment options are often used to complement traditional treatment options, such as detoxification and medication assisted treatment.

Here at CuraSouth, we address addiction holistically through the following methods:

• Physically – Through the use of medication assisted treatment and clinical care, we address the physical needs of the body, such as reducing the negative symptoms of withdrawal.
• Mentally and emotionally – Through the use of therapeutic interventions, such as individual, group, and family therapy, we can help individuals develop adaptive coping techniques to address mental or emotional concerns.
• Socially – Utilizing life skills courses, recreational therapy, and group workshops, we can help individuals develop a sense of community and belongingness.
• Spiritually – Through the use of acupuncture, meditation and mindfulness, nutrition therapy, and yoga, we can help foster growth to an individual’s spirit.

Integrating Alternative Therapies in Substance Abuse & Addiction Treatment

The use of alternative treatment options, such as acupuncture and mindfulness, has increased since 2015. (3) Integrating alternative therapeutic options can help individualize an individual’s treatment plan, and provide them with additional tools to help them along their treatment journey.

Here at CuraSouth, we integrate the following holistic options into our treatment programs:

• Yoga therapy
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Acupuncture
• Nutrition therapy

Nutrition & Exercise & Their Role in Holistic Addiction Recovery

Those who engage in substance use often neglect their nutrition. Those who seek substance use treatment may present with nutritional deficits. Research, focused on neuroscience, has found that there is some overlap between addiction and appetite in the brain’s reward-processing center. Here at CuraSouth, we offer nutrition therapy, where one of our certified nutritionists can help you develop healthy nutritional practices. During nutrition therapy, the focus is on the impact that nutrition has on one’s overall sense of well-being. Proper nutrition and exercise can aid in stabilizing emotions, increasing energy levels, increasing self-esteem, and releasing neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin.

How Meditation & Mindfulness Can Aid in Finding Inner Peace

Mindfulness refers to the state of mental awareness. Mindfulness focuses on the here and now and being aware of one’s physical surroundings, physical sensations, and their current mental state. Mindfulness can help individuals slow down their heart rate, control impulsive reactions, and connect with their body. Mindfulness is used during the treatment of substance use disorders, and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mindfulness and meditation are closely related. Meditation is a practice which involves focusing and clearing the mind through various techniques. There are different types of meditation techniques that can be utilized during the practice, such as mindfulness meditation, focused meditation, guided meditation, mantra meditation, and spiritual meditation.

The Effectiveness of Art & Music Therapy

Artistic forms of therapy have been used for a long time to help individuals recover from psychological or physical distress. Research has found that artistic methods of therapy can enhance one’s quality of life and their ability to cope with psychological related stressors. (4)

Ways that art and music therapy can aid with addiction treatment include: (5)

• Helping reduce pain
• Aiding with stress management
• Promoting wellness
• Improving communication techniques
• Helping with physical rehabilitation
• Enhancing memory
• Providing an outlet for individuals to be able to share their feelings

Healing Through Nature Utilizing Outdoor Activities

Nature and outdoor activities are great holistic treatment options. Research has found that spending at least 120 minutes per week in nature can help increase an individual’s overall health and well-being. (6)

Positive ways that one’s health can improve due to being nature or outdoor activities include: (7)

• Better breathing
• Improved quality of sleep
• Reduced depressive symptoms
• Increased motivation to exercise and be active
• Improved mental energy
• Boosted immune function
• Decreased chances of developing myopia
• Improved sense of emotional well-being

Holistic Approaches to Relapse Prevention

Approximately two-thirds of individuals who receive substance use treatment relapse at some point. (8) Relapsing occurs when an individual engages in the use of substance following a period of sobriety. Holistic approaches are often utilized to help with relapse prevention. Holistic options that can help with relapse prevention include yoga, massage therapy, nutrition therapy, and meditation. Here at CuraSouth, we offer relapse prevention training to help each individual develop the necessary tools to maintain their sobriety long-term.

Focusing on Healing Trauma & Its Connection to Recovery

Holistic approaches to treatment can help those experiencing addiction and dependence get to the root of their substance use. Focusing on healing the trauma that may have contributed to, complemented, and followed an individual’s substance use disorder can help an individual stay sober over time. This is due to them being able to work through and process any triggers that may exacerbate an individual’s substance use.

Finding Meaning, Connection, & Purpose Through Spirituality in Holistic Addiction Treatment

In substance use treatment, spirituality differs from religious spirituality. Spirituality often refers to one’s connection with themselves and their surroundings. Spirituality helps individuals develop deeper meanings to their life. This can encourage an individual to find meaning, connection, and purpose in their life, which can help an individual stay motivated during the recovery journey. Here at CuraSouth, we offer 12-step mentoring that focuses on the 12-steps of recovery, which include spirituality.

The benefits of holistic addiction treatment include:

• The alleviation of various withdrawal and post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
• Stress management and stress relief.
• Increased ability to regulate negative emotions and work through potential triggers that may lead to relapse.
• Maintenance of physical health.

Our Simple Admissions Process

If you suspect that you or someone you love are experiencing a substance use disorder, treatment is the most effective way to develop the skills needed to overcome it. Offering both holistic and evidence-based treatment options, CuraSouth is dedicated to helping those impacted by substance use reach their sobriety goals. One of our Treatment Advisors is ready to help guide you through our simple admissions process. A free, no obligation insurance benefits check can be provided upon your request. Contact us today to start your road to recovery.