7 Ways to Break the Cycle of Addiction
Your addiction changed everything about you, and these changes likely weren’t for the better. It’s time to take the best parts of yourself back. While traditional behavioral therapy is a good starting point, you may need a little extra encouragement to help keep you on the right track when you’re not under supervision. Here are 7 alternative therapies to consider:
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback, a form of biofeedback, has been used for more than four decades to help patients overcome emotional traumas such as PTSD. In recent years, it has gained speed for helping addicts overcome many relapse triggers, including insomnia, anxiety and anger.
Exercise
Exercise offers numerous benefits to the addicted brain. Working out strengthens the mind and body and triggers the release of endorphins. Exercise can mitigate stress and improves overall mood and energy levels. Whether you need a motivator like a workout buddy or a helpful nudge from one of the newest top-of-the-line smartwatches or fitness trackers on the market, look for ways to spur physical activity every day.
Register below and join the Sporting Recovery Gym Club. A safe place to perform your exercise programme with like minded friends…
Nutrition therapy
Nutrition therapy has long been used to help cancer patients ease the digestive symptoms of their disease. But evidence suggests that getting the right balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients can also lessen the physical burden of addiction. Whole food plant-based nutrition has been a route of success for many recovering addicts, as it aids greatly in the healing process. Gut health should also be considered when it comes to nutrition therapy, as an unhappy microbiome can perpetuate mood imbalance. Along with whole foods, be sure to introduce probiotics and fermented foods to boost your digestive system.
Mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware and in the moment, and meditation can help regulate your mood. It does so by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that release the stress hormone cortisol. There are those who also argue that regular meditation can purge the body of toxins. Another way to promote mindfulness and stay in the moment is through prayer and spiritual awakening, which can not only alter the course of your life but put you on the path to a greater relationship with God.
Animal therapy
Animals, especially dogs and horses, are commonly found in rehabilitative settings. They are especially effective in helping enhance mood. Spending time with companion animals can reduce the sensation of pain, boost self-esteem and help regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Many addicts report that caring for an animal helps them feel more confident in their recovery efforts.
Art therapy
An activity-based therapy similar to gardening and animal therapy, art therapy is used as a tool of self-expression and may build self-confidence in recovering substance abusers.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)
NAD is a naturally occurring substance found in all living cells. It’s a derivative of niacin and is essential to basic cellular processes. Given in IV form, NAD can help support cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. Studies are currently underway to determine the viability of NADs in healing age-related mitochondrial damage.
It is important to note that these therapies alone are likely not sufficient to treat substance abuse disorders. Instead, they may provide added support during the long ascent that is recovery. Drug addiction is not just a problem, it’s a disease that requires expert attention and individual therapy. And like other diseases, it is one that may be overcome with the right care, which may be enhanced by any number of supplemental therapies.
Written by Ryan Randolph
More information available at www.sportingrecovery.org.uk or call 0300 030 1233
Sporting Recovery is open every Wednesday afternoon from 12pm
Damilola Taylor Centre,
1 East Surrey Grove,
Peckham,
SE15 SE6.
