Substance abuse is a problem that often requires medical treatment. This is the norm for the initial stages. Later, many patients eventually see the benefits of natural treatments during the course of their recovery. What are some helpful hacks that could aid in a faster recovery and lower the chances of relapse? Read to learn more.
Many people have the misconception that substance abuse may be treated by sheer will. Those who have not gone through addiction may be quick to judge it, but it is a complex problem that requires medical intervention. Several studies support the idea that substance abuse is a form of mental illness that needs proper diagnosis and management. Why is this so?
Using substances for prolonged periods may affect the brain’s chemistry and the way it functions. For example, opioid drugs trigger the release of endorphins. The body becomes accustomed to such increased levels of endorphins and other chemicals and needs them in order to function. Thus, the body craves drugs that trigger the release of endorphins. This ultimately alters the brain’s chemistry and increases a person’s dependency on opioids.
Another reason that substance abuse often requires formal management from an addiction treatment center is the possibility of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms from abruptly reducing or ending the use of substances are more than unpleasant. Sometimes, the symptoms may be fatal. When people withdrawing from drugs vomit excessively, show the symptoms of high fevers, have diarrhea, or experience seizures, they may die of dehydration or organ failure. Experienced medical assistance may ease such symptoms and protect the health of their clients.
When people who have addiction problems self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, they may think that they are not answerable to anyone. This leniency may contribute to their substance abuse problems. It may lead to more relapse episodes and make them feel as if their efforts to recover have failed.
Medical intervention and formal treatment from rehabilitation centers may help with this. Such assistance provides people with the right resources, whether through medication or natural means, to improve the chances of successful recoveries.
As people progress through the stages of medical intervention such as drug detox, doctor checkups, and the use of maintenance medications, they also have the option of incorporating natural methods to assist with the process. Many people claim that such methods may improve people’s chances of achieving successful recoveries and decrease the likelihood of experiencing relapses.
The process of recovery is as much of a mental battle as it is a physical battle. Aside from the alterations it makes to brain chemicals, addiction is also a formed habit that serves as a response to changes. Finding a support group may help people become more accountable in their habits, receive sympathy and understanding, and find motivation to overcome the daily struggles of recovering from addictions.
According to the saying, “No man is an island.” If you are going through any struggle, especially one as difficult as substance abuse, it is a big help to know that you are not alone. Having a support group boosts your determination to keep working toward your recovery goals.
People who have addictions often have a sedentary lifestyle. Some of them may look healthy or thin on the outside, but may report feeling sluggish and low on energy. This is often caused by sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, and wear and tear on the body due to substance use.
One of the best and most natural ways to help in addiction recovery is to get moving. Physical activity helps release brain chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine in a natural way. This means that through exercise, the body may heal and reduce its dependency on drugs and achieve a consistent level of brain chemicals.
To start adding exercise to your life, consider going for short walks of around fifteen to thirty minutes each day. As you notice your endurance is steadily increasing, you may incorporate other activities such as running, biking, or other cardiovascular activities into your routine.
Other benefits of exercising include:
● Reducing idle time – People with addictions formerly spent a great deal of time using substances and may have trouble finding new activities. They may be at risk for relapses if there have idle moments in their daily schedules. Dedicating time for physical activity may reduce the chances to give in to temptations.
● Boosting confidence – People who have abused substances for prolonged periods often feel symptoms of depression or have negative self-images. Exercising and seeing the progress of their work may help boost their confidence and may help place them in better positions to achieve future goals.
● Increasing energy – People going through withdrawal may have low energy levels. Physical activity is a natural way of increasing one’s energy since activity stimulates the muscles and increases blood flow to the brain and other organs.
Some people use medication to achieve sobriety. For other people, the side effects of medications may be overwhelming, and others simply want a break from using medication-based options in their recoveries. Thankfully, there are alternative therapies for people who want to address their substance use:
● Emotional freedom techniques (EFT) – The practice of EFT uses the fingers to tap on a sequence of points in the body called meridians or acupressure regions. Practitioners believe that by tapping these points, they unlock areas of the body with potential sources of energy. This practice reportedly gives people increased strength, focus, and clarity, even if they are recovering from substance abuse.
● Mindfulness therapy – One of the most widely used alternative therapies for addiction and other mental health disorders, mindfulness therapy requires people to train themselves to identify and control their thoughts and emotions and find appropriate responses for them. This type of therapy may help people cope with anxiety, trauma, or the stresses of daily life.
● Art therapy – A natural and enjoyable way to improve one’s chances of recovering from substance abuse is through art. Sometimes, pent-up emotions, stress, and boredom may cause people to experience self-defeating thoughts and seek drugs to find comfort. Art therapy may serve as a replacement and a healthier outlet to treat feelings. People who create art during their period of recovery report that they feel more relaxed, confident, and accomplished as they finish their works and gain inspiration from their experiences.
If people have undergone long stretches of substance abuse, they may sometimes feel as if their bodies are in need of complete nutritional overhauls. Many drugs make people lose their appetites or take their focus away from eating, so some longtime drug users suffer from malnutrition. Some doctors recommend that people take natural supplements to help heal their bodies from their previous states.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help boost brain function and aid symptoms of anxiety, depression, and addiction. Vitamin B-complex are substances that may help the brain and the body recover from withdrawal symptoms. Amino acid supplements may help restore organs, muscles, and various bodily functions, such as metabolism, after substance abuse. When combined with a proper diet, natural supplements may help strengthen the body and lessen dependency on harmful substances.
Aside from supplements, there are other holistic options available to help heal the mind and body. The use of oils, plant extracts, and aromatherapy may help those in recovery gain clearer minds and energize their bodies.
For example, kudzu is a Chinese plant that is said to help people with alcohol addiction. Other plants, such as ginseng, ashwagandha, and Rhodiola rosea may also be helpful for people who are trying to overcome drug and alcohol addictions. Such holistic options may have restorative properties for the body and mind. They may also help promote long-term sobriety through regular use.
Conditions such as substance abuse make it hard for people to practice optimum nutrition. Their losses of appetite and their preoccupations with using drugs may be hurdles for people who want to eat well and stay healthy. Thus, it is important to follow a nutrient-dense diet filled with whole foods instead of a diet of processed options that offer empty calories. Some important foods to include in your diet may include:
● Lean protein and fatty fish – Lean protein contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein and aid in proper metabolism. Fatty fish is also rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids for brain development.
● Leafy greens – Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and lettuce contain many vitamins and minerals needed to repair one’s brain and body.
● Berries – This food group contains large amounts of antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and rebuild one’s immune system during recovery.
Medicated addiction treatment is a valuable tool, but natural treatment tools are also available for people who want to explore other options. Consider these top alternative hacks to help with addiction recovery to move toward a natural and successful sobriety.
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