Mile High Recovery Center: Your Partner to Lasting Recovery
Mile High Recovery Center (MHRC), located in Denver, Colorado, offers a complete program for people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
Everyone’s recovery journey is different. Treatment should reflect that. At Mile High, we provide a variety of services to fit each person’s unique needs, goals, and experiences..
These services include:
- Detox: Medically supervised withdrawal from addictive substances.
- Inpatient Rehab: A safe and structured environment for intensive treatment.
- Outpatient Programs: Different levels of outpatient care, including a partial hospitalization program (PHP) that offers more support to traditional outpatient treatment.
- Sober Living: A stable living environment for those in early recovery.
- Aftercare Treatment: Support to help maintain recovery after completing a program.
MHRC goes beyond simply addressing the physical dependence on substances. We believe in the power of holistic therapies for addiction which treat the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
By offering these combined services, MHRC equips individuals with a full set of tools to manage their addiction and achieve long-term wellness.
Understanding Holistic Therapies for Addiction
Holistic therapies for addiction differ from traditional treatments in many ways. Instead of only treating the physical dependence on substances, holistic therapies for addiction aim to address addiction’s root causes.
They also aim to create a foundation for overall well-being by helping define and practice new coping mechanisms that help individuals through daily stressors.
These therapies can include practices like:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Nutritional counseling
What Is the Goal of Holistic Therapies for Addiction?
Each holistic approach works in different ways, but they all share common goals, including:
- Promoting self-awareness
- Reducing stress
- Creating a sense of calm
This can help people in recovery manage cravings and develop healthy ways of coping while building a better life.
Holistic therapies for addiction recovery don’t replace traditional methods like medication or therapy. Instead, they complement these approaches by providing additional tools and strategies for managing addiction.
This comprehensive approach can lead to a more successful and sustainable recovery for those struggling with substance abuse.
The Role of Holistic Therapies in Addiction Recovery
Many people struggling with addiction experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil. These factors can trigger cravings and make relapse more likely.1
Holistic therapies for addiction play an important role in the challenges of healing from the symptoms of substance use disorder.
Holistic Therapies and Their Goals
Reducing stress is crucial in addiction recovery. Practices like yoga and meditation can help calm the mind and body, lowering stress levels.2
Managing cravings is another important aspect of healing. Techniques like meditation and mindfulness can reduce substance cravings. This makes it easier to resist the urge to use substances.
Holistic therapies for addiction also promote relaxation. For example, massage therapy and deep breathing exercises help relax the body and mind, and this can also create a sense of peace and well-being.
Beyond that, improving emotional regulation is another benefit. Practices like art therapy and journaling let individuals express their feelings in healthy, sustainable ways. This can lead to better emotional balance.
Holistic Therapies for Addiction: Finding New Coping Mechanisms
In addition to these benefits, holistic therapies for addiction support individuals in developing coping skills. Learning to handle stress and cravings in healthy ways builds resilience throughout the healing process. This resilience is key to maintaining long-term sobriety.
Holistic therapies for addiction also complement evidence-based therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
While CBT and DBT focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, holistic therapies for addiction provide additional tools for emotional and physical well-being. This approach supports long-term sobriety and helps individuals lead healthier, more satisfying lives.
Types of Holistic Therapies Offered at MHRC
At MHRC, we offer a variety of holistic therapies for addiction that are available to support individuals on their recovery journey. Each type offers unique principles, techniques, and benefits.
By offering these diverse holistic therapies for addiction, we provide individuals with various tools and techniques to support their recovery. Each therapy helps address different aspects of addiction, contributing to a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan.
Here are some of the holistic therapies for addiction treatment provided at MHRC:
Meditation and Breathwork
Meditation and breathwork are used in recovery to promote relaxation and focus and to improve self-regulation. Also, mindfulness-based practices help individuals focus on the present moment and reduce reactivity.
Some of the mindfulness techniques we may utilize at Mile High Recovery Center include:
Mindfulness Meditation
This practice involves sitting quietly and focusing on the breath or a specific thought. When the mind wanders, gently bringing it back to the point of focus helps train the brain to stay present. This reduces stress and improves emotional regulation.
Guided Imagery
This meditation technique involves visualizing calming and positive images. A therapist or audio guide leads individuals through scenes that promote relaxation and mental peace. This can help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths to calm the nervous system. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can:
- Reduce anxiety
- Lower heart rate
- Create a sense of calm
Practicing deep breathing can also help manage cravings by shifting focus away from them.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This technique involves tensing and then slowly relaxing different muscle groups in the body. It helps release physical tension and promotes overall relaxation. Progressive muscle relaxation can also improve sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Impacts of Meditation and Breathwork
Meditation and breathwork enhance self-regulation skills. This helps individuals gain better control over their thoughts and emotions. This reduces cravings and supports sobriety by providing healthy ways to cope with stress and triggers.3
By incorporating these techniques, individuals in recovery can achieve a more balanced and peaceful state of mind, contributing to long-term sobriety.
A Foundation for Sobriety in Mindfulness
Through mindfulness-based practices, individuals in addiction recovery can build a stronger foundation for long-term sobriety. These practices support emotional balance, reduce stress, and promote a healthier relationship with oneself and the world around them.4
Outdoor Therapy
Outdoor therapy is another holistic way to treat addiction and its various symptoms. It includes physical movement, nature, and adventure.
This type of therapy can take place in natural settings and involve activities such as:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Rock climbing
- Kayaking
By engaging in these activities, individuals can experience the healing power of nature while working on their recovery.
Mood Stabilization and Regulation in Outdoor Therapies
Outdoor adventure can promote relaxation. It can allow people to escape the stress of daily life and connect with nature. The peaceful environment can help to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of calm.
The physical movement involved in outdoor therapy improves fitness and boosts energy levels, and being in nature can also support emotional balance.
Outdoor activities can:5
- Improve one’s mood
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Provide a sense of accomplishment
Working through physical challenges in nature builds resilience and confidence, which are important for long-term sobriety.
By including outdoor therapy as part of holistic therapies for addiction, MHRC helps individuals develop a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Art Therapy and Expressive Arts for Holistic Recovery
Art therapy and expressive arts are creative outlets used in addiction recovery to promote self-expression, exploration, and healing. These holistic therapies for addiction provide individuals with unique ways to process their emotions and experiences.
An Overview of Art Therapy
This form of therapy uses activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting to help individuals express their feelings and thoughts. Art therapy fosters self-discovery by allowing individuals to explore their inner world in a non-verbal way.
Creating art can reveal hidden emotions and insights. This insight can make it easier to understand and address underlying issues related to addiction.
How Art Therapy Works and Its Benefits
Art therapy sessions are often guided by a trained therapist who helps individuals interpret their artwork and connect it to their personal experiences and emotions. This process can lead to significant breakthroughs in understanding one’s behavior, triggers, and healing process.
For example, a person might create a piece of art that represents their struggle with addiction, providing a visual representation that can be discussed and analyzed in therapy.
Art therapy also helps in emotional processing by providing a safe and constructive way to release and understand emotions.
It can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression by allowing individuals to express what they may not be able to put into words. The creative process itself can be therapeutic, offering a sense of accomplishment and progress.6
Expressive Arts For Holistic Recovery and Healing
This broader category includes various forms of creative expression such as dance, drama, and writing. Engaging in these activities helps individuals process their emotions, reduce stress, and find new ways to cope with challenges.
Some examples of expressive art therapy includes:
- Dance Therapy: This uses movement to help individuals express their emotions and release physical tension; it can improve body awareness, boost self-esteem, and foster a sense of freedom and joy.
- Drama Therapy: This involves acting out scenarios and roles, which can help individuals explore different aspects of their identity and experiences. This can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding. It can also improve communication skills and provide a safe space to explore difficult emotions and situations.
- Writing Therapy: This encourages individuals to express their thoughts and feelings through writing. This can include journaling, poetry, or storytelling. Writing allows for deep reflection and can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and experiences.
Music Therapy
Music therapy involves using music to explore and express emotions. Techniques can include listening to music, playing instruments, and songwriting. Music therapy can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional expression.7
During music therapy sessions, individuals might be encouraged to create their own music or lyrics. This can often be a powerful way to articulate their experiences and feelings.
Listening to certain types of music can also evoke emotions and memories, which can then be processed in a therapeutic setting. Additionally, playing instruments allows for the expression of feelings that might be difficult to verbalize, providing a cathartic outlet for emotions.
Understanding the Benefits of Creative and Expressive Arts
Creative and expressive arts support emotional processing by providing safe and constructive ways to release and understand emotions.
These therapies promote personal growth and empowerment by helping individuals gain new insights into themselves and their recovery journey.
By engaging in creative activities, individuals can:
- Build self-esteem
- Improve emotional regulation
- Develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose
Incorporating art therapy and expressive arts into addiction treatment helps individuals achieve a more holistic and fulfilling recovery. These therapies provide valuable tools for healing and personal development, supporting long-term sobriety and overall well-being.
Embracing Holistic Healing at Mile High Recovery Center
The road to recovery from addiction is a journey that encompasses the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.
Holistic therapies for addiction play a vital role in this process by:
- Addressing the underlying causes of addiction
- Promoting relaxation and stress reduction
- Fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation
These therapies equip individuals with the tools they need to manage cravings, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build resilience for long-term sobriety.
Holistic Therapies for Addiction at MHRC
At MHRC, we understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. We believe that by combining traditional methods with a diverse range of holistic therapies for addiction, we can empower individuals to heal on a deeper level and achieve lasting well-being.
Whether you find solace in the tranquility of meditation, the release of creative expression through art therapy, or the camaraderie of outdoor adventure therapy, MHRC has something to offer on your path to recovery.
Create a Future You’ll Love
We invite you to contact us to learn more about how our holistic treatments for addiction can help you write a new chapter in your life – free from addiction.
We will be with you every step of the way.
Resources
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2732004/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8936381/
- https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-mindfulness/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8150931/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8397377/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01203/full
