You’ve decided that you’re ready to quit using drugs and alcohol, but how do you actually go about doing it? One way is by seeking treatment for your addiction at a rehabilitation center or facility.
However, other alternatives to conventional treatment programs exist—including some that use natural substances instead of pharmaceuticals.
Here are some alternative therapy options for addiction recovery in California:
Herbs and Medications
Some plants are helpful in combating addictions. Some medications were created specifically to help addicts of certain drugs. Here is a short list of options:
Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic brew used for healing and spiritual rituals in the Amazon Basin.
It has been used by indigenous tribes for hundreds of years but has recently gained popularity in Western society as an alternative treatment for addiction.
Ayahuasca can be dangerous if not prepared correctly, so it’s important that you work with a reputable shaman or therapist who knows how to administer this substance safely.
Kava Kava
Kava Kava is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It’s a natural anti-anxiety remedy to help you relax and feel less stressed.
Kava Kava can also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety by acting on brain chemicals called GABA receptors (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
The drug naltrexone (brand name Vivitrol) is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the brain’s receptors for opioids. Naltrexone can be taken as a pill or through injection.
This reduces cravings and helps prevent relapse in people who are addicted to alcohol or other drugs.
It works best when combined with behavioral therapy and other forms of treatment, such as 12-step programs or group support meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Methadone and Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
Methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone) are other opioid medications that can be used to treat opioid addiction.
Methadone is a full opioid agonist, while buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist and, therefore, has less risk of overdose and respiratory depression than methadone.
Holistic Therapy
Holistic medicine is another alternative therapy for treating addiction. A holistic therapy plan may include a variety of alternative therapies, including yoga and meditation, counseling, and group therapy.
When employing holistic therapy, an individualized treatment plan should be created that addresses your specific needs.
Holistic therapy offers a variety of therapies to help you achieve true recovery from addiction. Using a holistic approach to healing treats the whole person, including the mind, body, and spirit.
One holistic approach to help treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions is mind-body therapy.
Meditation, yoga, and mindfulness techniques are part of its treatment program.
Other holistic healing modalities include acupuncture or tai chi training for people who suffer from addiction or co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Art Therapy
Art therapy uses the creative process to address mental health concerns, including addiction. The main goal of art therapy is to promote healing through self-expression.
Art can help you express feelings and emotions that are difficult to put into words, which can be especially helpful if you’re struggling with trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Art therapy also helps improve self-esteem and self-awareness by allowing you to explore your thoughts and feelings through visual means.
By exploring these aspects of yourself through art projects like collages or paintings, you’ll gain insight into how others see you as well as how they perceive your situation or environment.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a treatment that helps people learn how to control their brain waves. It helps treat substance use disorders by increasing the body’s ability to self-regulate and self-correct.
A therapist or trained professional uses a computer system to display the patient’s brain wave activity on the screen, and then the patient can see what his or her brain looks like when it’s calm or active.
The goal of neurofeedback is for patients to learn how to change their own brain wave patterns by practicing different activities on the computer screen (for example, focusing on a certain color).
Meditation
Meditation is a mental exercise that helps you relax and focus on the present moment. It can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, which in turn allows you to deal with stress and anxiety more effectively.
Meditation can help you learn how to be calm and focused even when faced with stressful emotions and difficult situations.
Meditation also teaches people how to manage their cravings for substances in a way that doesn’t involve drinking or using drugs.
Conclusion
If you’ve tried other methods to treat your addiction and they didn’t work, maybe you should consider some of the options above.
Everyone heals in their own way. You never know what might work for you.