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Sub Acute Detox

Holistic Detox:
Exploring Natural and Alternative Therapies
for Recovery

Holistic detox can help individuals recover from substance use symptoms and start the path to comprehensive healing. Read on to learn more.

Table of Contents

What Is Holistic Detox?

Holistic detox recognizes that addiction affects your entire being, not just your physical health. Holistic care showcases that true recovery requires healing on many levels, including emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
The holistic detox approach is different from standard detox in several ways, including:
  • It uses medical help only when needed, focusing on natural methods when possible
  • It supports your body’s natural detox abilities
  • It works on your physical, emotional, and spiritual health at the same time
  • It helps you heal beyond just the withdrawal phase
The connection between body, mind, and spirit is important for overall health and healing, especially from substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring struggles.1

Holistic Detox and Care at Wellness and Recovery

When recovering from addiction, holistic detox treats the whole person—not just physical symptoms. This approach helps with long-term healing by working on your body, mind, and spirit together.

At Wellness and Recovery, we believe detox should do more than just manage withdrawal symptoms. It should build a foundation for lasting recovery by healing all aspects of your well-being.

Key Principles of Holistic Detox

Compared to “regular” detox, holistic detox uses natural ways to support your body’s own detox systems through prioritizing the following methods:
  • Eating healthy, organic foods
  • Utilizing herbs that help your liver and kidneys
  • Drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins
  • Exercising to improve circulation and mood
Your body already knows how to handle toxins through your liver, kidneys, skin, and other systems. However, holistic detox helps these systems work better instead of bypassing them altogether, promoting a healthier and more comprehensive way to detox.

Safety First, With Medical Support When Needed

While holistic detox prefers natural methods, it doesn’t reject medical help when necessary. Safety is always the top priority, especially for severe withdrawal symptoms.
At Wellness and Recovery, we assess each person’s needs carefully. Some people may need medication during detox alongside natural approaches to ensure both safety and complete healing.
Everyone’s journey is different. The goal is finding the right balance and using medications only when needed while strengthening the body’s natural healing abilities.

Balancing Body, Mind, and Spirit

Research on holistic approaches shows that the balance between body, mind, and spirit is key to health and wellness.2
This balance comes from combining:
  • Physical practices: Exercise, nutrition, and breathing techniques
  • Emotional healing: Mindfulness, yoga, and stress reduction techniques
  • Spiritual exploration: Meditation, finding meaning, strengthening connection
At Wellness and Recovery, our holistic detox options address all three areas because true healing needs attention to each part of your wellness.

How Holistic Detox Helps Your Body During Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms can be challenging and sometimes dangerous for individuals, depending on what substance the individual has struggled with, how long the SUD has occurred for, and if there are any co-occurring symptoms.
Holistic detox provides support for your body during this important phase by considering:

Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition and staying hydrated are crucial during withdrawal. Many people with addiction develop nutrient deficiencies that can make withdrawal worse.
A holistic approach includes:
  • Nutrient-rich meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Drinking enough water and herbal teas
  • Foods that support liver function
  • Anti-inflammatory foods to reduce stress on your body
At Wellness and Recovery, our Battle Creek, Michigan detox programs are designed specifically for your needs during recovery. You’ll receive personalized guidance based on your specific symptoms and potential deficiencies.

Herbs and Supplements

Various herbs and supplements can help ease withdrawal symptoms and support your body’s functions:
  • Dandelion root for kidney and gallbladder support
  • Probiotics for gut health
  • Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
These natural supports don’t replace medical treatment, but they can work alongside it to help your body heal.

Movement and Breathing

Exercise and breathing exercises improve circulation, help your lymphatic system, and support toxin release. Even small movements helps during detox, such as:
  • Yoga for gentle movement and focus
  • Walking in nature for grounding and relaxation
  • Breathing exercises to reduce stress
Research shows these mindfulness practices can improve overall wellness in many ways. Our facility offers daily movement options that match your energy level during detox.3

Mental and Emotional Healing in Holistic Detox

Addiction affects not just your physical body but also your mental and emotional health. Holistic detox addresses these aspects by providing tools to manage emotions, reduce stress, and begin healing from trauma.
Some of the mental and emotional healing that occurs in holistic detox includes:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Stress often triggers substance use and can make withdrawal worse. Mindfulness and meditation help calm your nervous system and build resilience through the following methods:
  • Meditation reduces anxiety and cravings
  • Breathing techniques activate your body’s relaxation response
  • Body scan practices help you become aware of sensations without judgment
  • Present-moment awareness helps break automatic patterns
Wellness and Recovery includes daily mindfulness practices in our detox program, teaching you skills you can use throughout your recovery—long after you successfully complete treatment.

Therapeutic Activities

Various therapeutic approaches address the emotional aspects of addiction, such as:
  • Yoga therapy combines movement, breath, and mindfulness
  • Art therapy helps express complex emotions without words
  • Music therapy helps regulate emotions
These approaches help you process emotions that may have been masked by substance use and develop healthier coping skills.
Our program includes several of these therapeutic practices, allowing you to explore different options and find what works best for you.

Addressing Trauma and Other Mental Health Issues

Many people with substance use disorders have also experienced trauma or have other mental health conditions. Many even struggle with co-occurring chronic pain.
Holistic detox recognizes these connections and includes the following appropriate therapies:
  • Trauma-informed care approaches
  • Therapeutic writing and journaling
  • Group support for shared experiences
  • Techniques for managing thoughts and emotions
Addressing these underlying factors is essential for complete healing, and at Wellness & Recovery, our clinical team is trained in trauma-informed care and dual diagnosis treatment to provide the right support during detox.

Comparing Holistic Detox to Traditional Medical Detox

Understanding the differences between holistic and medical detox approaches can help you make informed decisions about what kind of care you deserve.

Main Differences in Approach

Traditional medical detox focuses on safely managing withdrawal symptoms, often using medications to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. While this is effective for physical dependency, it may not address all your needs for lasting recovery.
On the other hand, holistic detox views detoxification as part of a broader healing journey that includes:
  • Treating you as a whole person, not just your symptoms
  • Empowering you through education and skill-building
  • Using various healing methods
  • Building a foundation for long-term wellness
Both approaches have value, and many treatment programs now combine elements of both.
At Wellness and Recovery, our multidisciplinary team uses the strengths of both traditional and holistic methods to ensure safety while promoting complete healing.

When Holistic Detox Is Most Helpful

Medical detox is typically necessary when:4
  • You have severe physical dependency, especially to alcohol or benzodiazepines
  • You have a history of complicated withdrawal or seizures
  • You’ve tried detox multiple times before
  • You have significant medical conditions

When to Not Utilize Holistic Detox

Holistic detox may be appropriate when:
  • You have medical clearance for less intensive treatment
  • You want to address underlying causes of addiction
  • You’re looking for sustainable lifestyle changes
Our assessment process carefully evaluates your specific needs to determine the most appropriate approach to detoxification.

Who Benefits the Most from Holistic Detox?

Holistic detox can help many people with substance use disorders, though the specific approach may vary depending on individual needs and circumstances.
Most commonly, the following individuals will benefit most from this approach:

People with Mild to Moderate Withdrawal Symptoms

Holistic detox can be particularly beneficial for those who don’t need intensive medical intervention but still need structured support, such as:
  • People in early stages of substance use disorder
  • Those using substances that cause less severe physical dependency
  • People with good overall health and support systems
  • Individuals who have previously completed medical detox
At Wellness and Recovery, we carefully assess each person’s withdrawal risk to determine whether our holistic detox program is appropriate or if a more intensive medical approach is needed.

Those Seeking Natural Approaches

Many people prefer approaches that align with their values around natural healing and personal empowerment.
Holistic detox often appeals to those who:
  • Value natural and traditional healing methods
  • Want to minimize use of medications
  • Want to actively participate in their healing process
Our program emphasizes empowerment and education, providing tools that support not just detox but lasting recovery and wellness.

People Interested in Complementary Approaches

Holistic detox also attracts people who want to explore complementary approaches while still receiving evidence-based care, including the following:
  • Those open to spiritual or philosophical aspects of healing
  • People looking for various tools to manage cravings and stress
  • Those seeking community and connection in recovery
  • People who have tried traditional approaches with limited success
Wellness & Recovery’s holistic approach integrates evidence-based practices with complementary therapies, offering a range of tools for healing and growth.

Holistic Detox at Wellness and Recovery

At Wellness and Recovery, we’ve developed a comprehensive holistic detox program that combines the best of traditional and alternative approaches.
Our holistic detox program includes:
  • Medical assessment and monitoring for safety
  • Evidence-based therapeutic interventions
  • Mind-body practices for stress reduction and healing
  • Community and connection for sustained recovery
This integrated approach recognizes that lasting recovery requires addressing all dimensions of wellness.
Our team includes medical professionals, licensed therapists, holistic practitioners, and recovery support specialists who work together to provide comprehensive care.

Our Holistic Therapy Offerings

Wellness & Recovery offers a range of holistic therapies to support detoxification and early recovery, such as:
  • Movement-based therapies, including yoga, recreational options, and outdoor therapy
  • Meditation and mindfulness training
  • Art and music therapy
  • Nature-based activities and outdoor experiences
These diverse approaches provide multiple pathways for healing and help you discover what works best for your unique recovery journey.
Our facility offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for these therapeutic activities, creating an environment that supports healing and growth.

Personalized Detox Plans

We recognize that each person’s experience with addiction and recovery is unique. That’s why we work hard to develop individualized detox plans based on:
  • Comprehensive medical and psychological assessment
  • Your personal goals and preferences
  • Your cultural background and values
  • Previous treatment experiences
  • Co-occurring conditions and specific needs
This personalized approach ensures that you receive the specific support you need to navigate detox successfully and build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Our admirable client-to-staff ratio allows for truly individualized care throughout the detox process, with regular adjustments based on your progress and needs.

Taking the First Step Toward Holistic Recovery

Beginning the journey to recovery is a courageous decision, and finding the right approach is an important part of that process. Holistic detox offers a comprehensive starting point that addresses all aspects of your well-being.

Finding the Right Approach for You

The journey to recovery begins with choosing an approach that fits your personal values and addresses your specific needs. Consider:
  • What aspects of your health and well-being are most important to you?
  • Do you prefer natural approaches, medical support, or a combination?
  • What kinds of therapies and activities do you find most healing?
  • What level of structure and support do you need at this stage?
Reflecting on these questions can help you find a detox program that provides the right balance of support, challenge, and growth opportunities.
At Wellness and Recovery, we understand that this is a deeply personal decision, and we’re committed to helping you find the most appropriate path forward.

How to Reach Out to Wellness & Recovery

If you’re considering a holistic approach to detox and recovery, we offer comprehensive assessments to help determine the best path forward.
Our compassionate and experienced, Michigan team will:
  • Evaluate your medical needs and safety considerations
  • Discuss your goals and preferences for treatment
  • Explain the various holistic therapies available
  • Answer questions about the detox process
  • Help navigate insurance and financial considerations
Taking that first step can feel overwhelming, but reaching out doesn’t commit you to a particular path—it simply opens the door to exploring your options with knowledgeable support.
Contact our admissions team today to schedule a confidential assessment and learn more about our holistic detox program.

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