Holistic approaches are part of many recovery programs.
They can help you heal and grow through all stages of recovery.
- Hypnosis
Hypnosis relaxes and focuses your mind – so you can let go of unhealthy habits and beliefs and make positive changes in recovery. You can work with a therapist or use self-hypnosis MP3s, CDs or APPS on your own.
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH)
Provides general information on hypnotherapy, its benefits, medical uses, and guidance on how to select a qualified hypnotherapist. Click on Find a Member and you can search for practitioner by location (state/province).
Health Journeys
Hypnosis and guided meditations for substance use disorders can support recovery by addressing habitual and compulsive behavior. Dependency on alcohol and drugs is often tied to anxiety so it responds to approaches that calm the mind and body. Health Journeys offers high quality hypnosis, guided imagery, and meditation MP3s and CDs. These can be used on their own or with counseling, psychotherapy and 12 step programs.
Research StudiesResearch Studies
In this review, 17 studies showed that hypnosis reduced anxiety by more than 79% compared to those who didn’t use it. Hypnosis was even more effective in reducing anxiety when combined with other psychological treatments.
Valentine KE, Milling LS, Clark LJ, Moriarty CL. The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 67(3): 336-363, 2019.
This scientific review looked at hypnosis for insomnia. Because it uses relaxation and suggestion, hypnosis can help improve sleep problems and other mood or anxiety issues.
Becker PM. Hypnosis in the Management of Sleep Disorders. Sleep Med Clin. 2015 Mar;10(1):85-92.
This study of 261 veterans with chronic drug and alcohol use looked at whether self-hypnosis increased self-esteem, improved mood and prevented relapse. Those who used self-hypnosis audiotapes at least 3 to 5 times a week reported the highest level of self-esteem and serenity, the least anger and the fewest impulsive actions after a 7 week follow-up.
Pekala, R. J., Maurer, R., Kumar, V. K., et al. (2004). Self-hypnosis relapse prevention training with chronic drug/alcohol users: Effects on self-esteem, affect, and relapse. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 46(4), 281–297.
- Acupuncture
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- Guided Imagery
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- Massage Therapy and Bodywork
- Meditation/Mindfulness
- Nature
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- QiGONG
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