Addiction recovery can use various methods, including alternative therapies such as aromatherapy. Aromatherapy leverages essential oils to create various reactions to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or create healthy coping mechanisms. Essential oils are plant extracts from herbs, trees, and flowers. Many cultures have used them to increase physical, mental, and emotional well-being for centuries and scientific research has been demonstrating many benefits.
Common types of essential oils used for addiction recovery include:
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Citrus
- Eucalyptus
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Sandalwood
An individual can use aromatherapy during rehabilitation and aftercare phases after completing their initial treatment plan. Depending on the specific goal you are using aromatherapy for, your provider can recommend specific ones. This may change over time as you work through different stages of rehabilitation. Essential oils are versatile and convenient to use, which makes it easy to reevaluate if or when you need to change those you use.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Aromatherapy promotes well-being by activating receptors located in your nose that communicate with specific parts of your brain. A key thing to remember about essential oils is that no matter how you use them, you should avoid ingesting them and should make sure that you dilute them before use.
Your provider will select one or more essential oils to address various concerns during your recovery. They may recommend that you place essential oils on cotton balls or cloth to conveniently inhale or use a diffuser. Sometimes you may use a carrier oil to apply the essential oil directly to the skin.
Soothes Cravings
One of the biggest challenges during the first part of the rehabilitation process is to cope with cravings, no matter whether you were addicted to alcohol, illegal substances, or prescription drugs. While you work with your doctor to address the roots of your addiction, learning and implementing healthy coping mechanisms play a central role in your recovery. Essential oils can help you self-soothing when you are struggling with cravings and even before the cravings fully appear as you recognize your triggers more easily.
Increases Mindfulness
Thanks to the sense of calmness that it can create and sustain, aromatherapy can be an effective mindfulness method. Increasing mindfulness and helping you be present in the current moment can help reduce stress levels and anxiety. By being more grounded, you can also gain greater mental clarity and focus on your daily tasks and other parts of your treatment with more ease.
Your treatment provider can also recommend using aromatherapy in combination with meditation to increase your focus and peace of mind. You may start building your meditation practice with the additional support of essential oils before meditating without it later on or continue to use both practices together.
Regulates Mood
Many people associate aromatherapy with its calm-inducing quality. Stress and anxiety are common challenges during rehabilitation and essential oils can help regulate your mood. Being able to minimize your stress levels is important throughout your treatment and aftercare. It helps you engage more effectively with your recovery, your daily life, and your loved ones. This can help at any point during your rehabilitation and help you make and sustain progress in identifying the root of your issues and working through them.
Improves Sleep
Getting restful sleep is important for everyone but when you are in rehabilitation, getting enough shuteye helps you have more energy and lesser stress levels to go on about your day, including attending treatment sessions. Aromatherapy can promote relaxation and support a healthy and consistent bedtime routine. Certain essential oils can help you wind down and signal to your brain and body that it is time to rest. In certain cases, your provider may even recommend using an essential oil diffuser during the night to maintain your relaxed state.
Alleviates Nausea and Other Aches
Nausea is a common issue for people during rehabilitation and specific essential oils can address this symptom. This can help you feel more present and comfortable as you work throughout your day and your treatment. Essential oils can also reduce other physical symptoms of withdrawal such as muscle and joint pains. Aromatherapy is a quick and easy method to feel grounded and pain-free, especially in combination with other treatment components. If your aches persist or your rehabilitation provider believes they are due to non-withdrawal causes, they can recommend you see a physician for additional examination.
Helps with Aftercare
Aftercare can be daunting as you transition back to your everyday life without monitoring and support as regular and close as you benefited from during your rehabilitation phase. The new healthy coping mechanisms you have learned such as aromatherapy can make a positive difference in successfully navigating aftercare.
Your provider can recommend specific essential oils for anxiety and stress, as those are usually some of the most challenging aspects of aftercare. They can also let you know about adequate places where to purchase yours to ensure you use high-quality essential oils, which are safer and more effective.
Just as you could use essential oils applied to a cloth or a cotton ball, or in a diffuser, you can find which method works for you. Carrying one or two particular essential oils for easy access and quick relief as you go about your day can help address any impromptu spike in stress and helps your ground yourself to safely go on with your day.
Why Choose The Carter Treatment Center for Customized Addiction Recovery
At The Carter Treatment Center, we understand how everyone’s situation is unique and we are committed to tailoring treatment plans to each of our client’s needs. From counseling to Tai Chi, our team always considers all factors affecting your recovery.
Whether a partial hospitalization or full outpatient program can benefit you, we find a solution that fits your needs and your budget. To help you and your loved ones go through the recovery process, we also offer a family program that involves education and counseling so you can rebuild connections and move forward together. Our priority is to help you safely recover from addiction and create a solid foundation to live a sober and successful life.
Are you looking for alternative therapy and personalized addiction treatment in Cumming or Suwannee? Contact The Carter Treatment Center today at (678) 737-4430 to learn more about our services!