Recovery from addiction is a comprehensive process. Many clients find benefit in drawing from diverse approaches including both traditional and holistic treatment options. By creating a customized treatment program, they focus on those techniques that work best for their individual situation. Trying new things also allows them to explore their options and enhance their overall wellbeing.
One form of holistic therapy that many find beneficial is aromatherapy. Breathing in specific scents can promote better physical, mental, and spiritual health. Some aromas promote relaxation or energy while others have the ability to help alleviate nausea and headaches.
How does Aromatherapy work?
Aromatherapy is based on the power of smell. Certain scents have the ability stimulate positive emotions because of the chemicals released by the brain. Essential oil is heated by a diffuser which releases the vapor. As clients are enveloped in the scent, they begin to feel the effects. There is a wide variety of essential oils available depending on the intended purpose. Some clients may alternate depending on how they are feeling.
What are the benefits?
Stress can be a major trigger for substance misuse. One of the goals of treatment is to help clients reduce stress and learn to cope more effectively. Aromatherapy can release relaxing scents into the air which makes clients feel calmer and more in control. When they are feeling overwhelmed, taking a break to relax and enjoy the scent of lavender, chamomile, or ylang ylang can help. There are also oils that are beneficial for alleviating anxiety.
Other scents such as sandalwood, lemon, rosemary, and pine may help to combat depression and boost mood. As clients are going through recovery it is important to focus on mental health and keeping a positive outlook. Aromatherapy can be a complementary therapy to support this process.
In addition, some clients find that certain essential oils are helpful in alleviating nausea or headaches that may come from withdrawal. In medically assisted detox, clients are safely guided through the process and given support to remain as comfortable as possible, but this holistic treatment can be one option for further enhancing recovery.
A Comprehensive Approach
While aromatherapy is not a standalone approach to treatment, it can support other techniques. There are many ways in which clients can reduce stress and supporting this with calming aromas can add to the relief they feel. Some people incorporate aromatherapy into meditation sessions to help clear their mind, or use it as a way to evoke more restful sleep. Everyone responds slightly differently, so while aromatherapy may be very helpful to one client, another may not find it as beneficial. It is simply another option to add to their available resources for recovery.
Many drug and alcohol treatment centers such as Chapters Capistrano in San Clemente, Orange County, offer clients holistic approaches to complement their care. Other alternatives include acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga, and more. Clients can more effectively address the challenges that they face and increase strategies for recovery. To learn more about how Chapters Capistrano can help you to overcome your addiction and boost your physical, mental, emotional, and social health in recovery, call 949-276-2886.
