Natural healing remedies are continuing to gain popularity in society. People are beginning to turn their backs on pharmaceuticals, preferring alternative ways to help heal physical and mental health issues. Addiction treatment centers that guide clients with a substance use disorder (SUD) to sobriety incorporate holistic therapies into their treatment programs. As treatment centers blend Western techniques like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with Eastern practices like mindfulness, they acknowledge findings of the effectiveness of Eastern traditions. However, a quick search on the internet will discuss how natural remedies like milk thistle can cure an SUD. How can you know what doesn't work for an SUD?
Natural Remedies
Healing centers that focus on healing your physical or mental wounds without traditional Western therapies do so without Western medication. Instead, they replace the medical model with one based on holistic treatments. Holistic therapies focus on bringing the mind, body, and spirit together. Natural healing centers concentrate on lifestyle change, healing remedies, or nutritional guidance.
People beginning to work on their sobriety can integrate traditional therapies with holistic therapies. Still, the temptation to use natural remedies as a cure instead of evidence-based treatments persists. One natural remedy that helps is exercise. Exercise is a healthy form of therapy for those with SUDs. Movement, whether it's an individual sport or group sport, releases dopamine, which elevates positive feelings. Some recommended natural remedies are detailed below.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is not a cure-all. Some internet articles suggest apple cider vinegar has health benefits, including the ability to reduce cravings. They claim the vinegar contains micro bacteria called “mother," which reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Supporters of apple cider vinegar as a tool to prevent relapse conclude that regular use will stop the urge to use, improve metabolism, and bolster the immune system. Edwin McDonald IV, MD, discusses this theory. Dr. McDonald explains that the “mother” acts as a probiotic to help control blood sugar, reduce bacteria on salad, and potentially aid in weight loss. However, he cautions there isn't scientific proof of the importance of the "mother."
Milk Thistle
A debate surrounds the effectiveness of milk thistle on certain liver diseases. Proponents of milk thistle as a remedy for substance addiction claim milk thistle extract restores liver function and can prevent liver disease. Researchers studied the clinical efficacy of milk thistle in healing cirrhosis of the liver. However, evidence from multiple studies is not enough to say whether milk thistle is effective or not.
Mindfulness
Natural remedy enthusiasts and supporters believe mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can redirect harmful thought patterns towards healthy thought patterns. Meditation or yoga guides people to look inside themselves, slow down their thoughts, and listen to what their body tells them. Mindfulness is the practice of assessing, processing, and finding a healthy solution. Researchers have studied the effects of mindfulness on a person's mental health. Approximately ten to fifteen years of research began to see if mindfulness helps people with an SUD. Recent research showed mindfulness does affectcravings and substance misuse. Thus, the studies suggest mindfulness techniques are effective in substance addiction treatment.
Nutrition
Natural healing centers use proper nutrition as a part of healing the mind and body. Scientists agree with the importance of nutrition in substance addiction treatment. A healthy diet is vital for mental and physical health. The article The Importance of Nutrition in Aiding Recovery From Substance Use Disorders: A Review states there isn't a specific assessment for guiding the nutrition needs of those with an SUD. The researchers involved in the paper did note that people with an SUD often suffer from malnutrition or deficiencies that can cause:
Alcoholic myopathy, also known as skeletal muscle dysfunction.
Loss of bone density.
Mood disorders like depression or anxiety.
Western and Eastern Methods Help Heal
Giving up alcohol or drugs is challenging and poses risks to a person's physical and mental health. Anyone who decides to give up a substance benefits from a detoxification program staffed with medical professionals. An addiction to alcohol or other substances creates a physical dependence on a chemical. Once the withdrawal process begins, the brain doesn't immediately recognize the absence of the substance and continues to overproduce natural chemicals that counteract the effect of a substance. The result is a person's body experiences a variety of symptoms, such as:
Fatigue
Moodiness
Nausea
Potential for death or suicidal thoughts
A study titled An Holistic Approach to Substance Abuse Treatment found integrating traditional and holistic forms of therapy provided numerous benefits for those with a SUD. For example, when treatment centers used CBT or another form of conventional treatment with holistic therapies like art, dance, yoga, or meditation, people could better understand their SUD and replace harmful behaviors with healthy behaviors.
As more people turn to natural remedies to help them cope with mental health, substance use, or physical disorders, knowing how they affect their health and heating is imperative. Internet searches for home remedies or easy solutions to a mental health or substance use disorder will produce results. Still, without further research, a person can put their well-being in danger. Not every claim of how a natural remedy can cure, prevent, or heal is scientifically proven. Natural remedies, like mindfulness or exercise, are proven to help those with an SUD during substance addiction treatment and recovery. However, natural alternatives to traditional care may have little to no effect on recovering from an SUD. Instead, treatment centers like Monte Cristo Recovery that support evidence-based forms of therapy provide the treatment needed for recovery. Our center in Orange County, California, includes nutritionally balanced meals, comfortable beds, and a space to heal. To learn more call, (714) 824-9896.