A drug rehab will often offer a very practical programme including the 12 Steps for taking care of the emotional issues that addicts face. This is an excellent source of support, motivation and maintenance to those recovering from addiction. However, the holistic aspects of recovery can also be extremely beneficial to the well-being of addicts.
Recovery in a drug rehab means doing things differently
A key part of an addict working a Twelve Step programme is the adoption of a power greater than themselves. A Higher Power need not even be a 'being'. The emphasis is on the loving and caring aspect of it.
The Twelve Steps are a blueprint to a spiritual way of life but a 12 Step programme is not religious by any means. A spiritual programme is simply one that encourages the adoption of spiritual principles such as honesty, open-mindedness and willingness.
For much of every addict's life they have poisoned their bodies with substances, entered toxic relationships and have not taken care of their physical self. Much of this behaviour comes from the low self-esteem many addicts experience - they cannot comprehend that treating themselves badly is simply unacceptable, and they do not believe that they deserve better.
Getting healthy - inside and out
Most addicts enter recovery in a terrible physical state - they are malnourished from rarely eating or overweight from over-eating. They have unhealthy bodies due to the toxins they willingly ingested and have bad teeth due to lack of dental care. Addicts who continue to eat badly and ignore taking care of their physical state are not bringing any positive influence to their well-being.
Exercise and a healthy diet are not only physically important; they are emotionally and spiritually important too. Many recovering addicts require psychiatric medication as the chemical balance of their brain has been upset by drug use. However, proper diet and exercise can have a positive effect on these conditions. Under-nourishment is often the cause of depression or worsens chronic depression. Proper eating and exercise are excellent for helping to relieve this and instil a sense of self-worth in addicts, as well as helping to normalise sleeping patterns and raise energy levels.
Meditation to music, or simple talking to a Higher Power, in order to 'hand things over', can relieve stress levels greatly and provide much needed comfort to those who are struggling.
Many treatment centres offer yoga to their clients as the practice focuses on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being - all the areas of an addict's life that have been tarnished by their addiction.
The key to happiness
Recovery from addiction requires abstinence plus change. Arresting the obsessive and compulsive behaviour is the first step towards healing. The second step is the improvement of the addict's life and the realisation that they too are a good person and deserve a life that is satisfying and fulfilling, where they can reach their full potential.
