Most people struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol will share one if not all of the influencers that modern research has determined can cause addiction. In addition, we now know if someone has a genetic (family) history of addiction/alcoholism, have experienced trauma, has been exposed to drugs/alcohol at a young age, or is diagnosed or undiagnosed with an emotional or mental health disorder, they are at risk to develop an addiction. Therefore, anyone who has one or more of the influencers in their history will need to protect themselves and NEVER use drugs or alcohol.
Those in recovery from addiction require a list of healthy alternatives to drugs to keep their recovery strong.
The Healthy Alternative to Drug Use
The number one reason many people use drugs is to reduce anxiety. Feeling nervous or afraid is very hard to handle emotionally and mentally. Stress is often what instigates drug use and causes a relapse. Therefore, a person who is dedicated to their recovery or does not ever want to use drugs knows that they must be aware of their anxiety levels and what works to reduce anxiety. Similarly, the cousin of anxiety is depression, and it can also make someone want to use drugs and or relapse.
Not Exactly Healthy But Safe
Drugs are used because they work fast. Therefore, if you need something to help you feel better quickly instead of drugs, the best and least offending thing to use, even though it is not exactly healthy, it is safe, and that is sugar. Eating something sweet will flood your system with dopamine which will give you a boost. Similarly, indulging in some sort of forbidden food also helps many to get through stress or worry. The number one healthy alternative to feeling better is exercise! Everyone knows how great they feel after working out or running or doing something to make them sweat.
Music and Exercise As a Two Most Meaningful Activities That Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Ideally, when someone exercises, they must also listen to music. Music all by itself is, for many people, an instant cure for stress and negative emotions. Music lifts and changes a person’s mood quickly. According to Harvard Health Publishing from Harvard Medical School, music offers numerous health benefits.
Music engages not only your auditory system but many other parts of your brain as well, including areas responsible for movement, language, attention, memory, and emotion. “There is no other stimulus on earth that simultaneously engages our brains as widely as music does,” says Brian Harris, certified neurologic music therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Like other pleasurable sensations, listening to or creating music triggers the release of dopamine. This brain chemical makes people feel engaged and motivated. Music also lower heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure — and also seems to ease pain, stress, and anxiety and depression. (Harvard Health)
Where to Get Professional Help for Drug Use Today?
One of the greatest gifts that anyone in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction has received was the offer to go to treatment. Today’s drug and alcohol rehab programs are very advanced and work. They rely on evidence-based forms of therapy that correct many mental and emotional health symptoms that coincide with addictions. Entering recovery from addiction and or alcoholism opens the door to achieving a rewarding life without drug use. Eating good food, exercise, and music all engage the person’s mind and emotions, so they do not need to use drugs.
The Holistic Therapy Methods Offered by Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
The treatment programs we offer provide holistic therapy groups and methods that support drug-free habits to allow someone to feel as good if not better than they do from drugs. The holistic therapy methods we offer:
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Meditation
- Guided Imagery
- Massage
- Yoga
To support someone who needs help to get away from drugs, reach out to one of our experts. Don’t let drugs ruin you or your family members life. The rehab programs are more effective than ever. They are diverse, based on science and data, and provide long-term support that continues to help the individual far after they finish treatment. So call, chat, or email to get admitted today.
