Holistic approaches are part of many recovery programs.
They can help you heal and grow through all stages of recovery.
- Massage Therapy and Bodywork
Massage therapy and bodywork help release muscular tension, improve sleep, and lessen pain. Emotionally they help you relax more deeply and feel more peaceful. Some rehab facilities use massage as part of recovery treatment.
Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing
Developed by the Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota, this website answers many questions about massage, the different types, how it helps, how it works, finding a therapist and much more.
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
Describes the benefits of massage and what to expect in a session. The Therapist Locator is by city, state or zip code.
The Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals (ABMP)
Offers a Find a Massage Therapist or Bodyworker by zip code to find therapists who are certified by ABMP. Listings describe each practitioner’s specialty and a link to their contact information.
Research StudiesResearch Studies
Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy (MABT) combines massage, mindfulness, and emotional work. It was studied in women with substance use disorder over a 12-month outpatient treatment period. There was a significant improvement in substance use, craving, awareness, depression and the ability to control emotions and behavior, including anger, anxiety, sadness or fear.
Price CJ, Thompson EA, Crowell S, Pike K. Longitudinal effects of interoceptive awareness training through mindful awareness in body-oriented therapy (MABT) as an adjunct to women’s substance use disorder treatment: A randomized controlled trial. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Volume 198, 2019, Pages 140-149.
Massage therapy has benefits for people in chemical dependency treatment – including quicker detox, deeper relaxation and greater self-acceptance. It also helps as part of long-term healing. This paper describes its use in inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.
Cynthia L. Adcock (1988) Massage Therapy in Alcohol/Drug Treatment, Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 4:3, 87-102
- Acupuncture
- Animal/Pet Therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Creative Arts Therapy: Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Poetry
- Coloring Therapy
- Gardening
- Guided Imagery
- Herbal Therapy
- Homeopathy
- Hypnosis
- Journaling
- Meditation/Mindfulness
- Nature
- Nutrition
- QiGONG
- Yoga