Holistic approaches are part of many recovery programs.
They can help you heal and grow through all stages of recovery.
- Herbal Therapy
Herbal supplements can help you deal with withdrawal symptoms and issues such as anger, anxiety, sadness and trouble sleeping.
All herbs can have side effects and may interact with other medications. It is good to speak with a health professional who knows about herbs before you take them.
MedlinePlus
Developed by the National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus has a section on 103 commonly used Herbs and Supplements covering background, evidence, dosing, safety, and interactions.
Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
Provides easy to understand, science-based information on 277 herbs and dietary supplements.
Nutritional supplements, vitamins and herbs can be purchased online through various web sites such as Vitacost, iHerb, Swanson, Lucky Vitamin, e-Vitamins, and Vitamin Shoppe.
Research StudiesResearch Studies
In one study, 179 people took chamomile extract 1500 mg a day for 8 weeks. It reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in people who had both issues. People in substance use recovery often have these symptoms.
Jay D. Amsterdam, Qing S. Li, Sharon X. Xie, and Jun J. Mao. Putative Antidepressant Effect of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Oral Extract in Subjects with Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Sep 2020. 815-821.
Sixty-three adults between the ages of 18 and 70 who reported sleep problems received either saffron extract (14 mg twice a day) or a placebo (a dummy pill). Those taking saffron showed improvements in insomnia and sleep quality.
Lopresti A, Smith SJ, Metse A, et al. Effects of saffron on sleep quality in healthy adults with self-reported poor sleep: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020;16(6):937–947.
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and other plants. Recent studies looked at its effect on anxiety and stress. Data suggest that L-theanine taken daily at 200 to 400 mg doses for up to 8 weeks are safe and have anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects.
Filipe Lopes Sakamoto, Rodrigo Metzker Pereira Ribeiro, Allain Amador Bueno, Heitor Oliveira Santos. Psychotropic effects of L-theanine and its clinical properties: From the management of anxiety and stress to a potential use in schizophrenia. Pharmacological Research. Volume 147, 2019, 104395.
- Acupuncture
- Animal/Pet Therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Creative Arts Therapy: Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Poetry
- Coloring Therapy
- Gardening
- Guided Imagery
- Homeopathy
- Hypnosis
- Journaling
- Massage Therapy and Bodywork
- Meditation/Mindfulness
- Nature
- Nutrition
- QiGONG
- Yoga