For many, January is a time for New Year’s Resolutions. This may simply mean cleaning up one’s diet from too much festive food and drink. Another resolution may be to get off the couch to exercise. But for others, it involves quitting certain long-standing unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, overeating, overuse of prescription or recreational drugs, excessive shopping, and more.
Addiction is a complex condition that requires an individualized approach to treatment. People become addicted for all kinds of reasons. For some, addictions develop as a way of dealing with past traumas. For others, it starts with legitimate medical use of prescription drugs. Addiction can have its roots in peer pressure, social anxiety, corporate or work-related stress, among other things.
Addiction is simultaneously an illness and a symptom, and for treatment programs to be successful, they must take both elements into consideration. Not only does the addiction itself have to be treated, so does the underlying cause. Since this varies so much from person to person, each individual needs a treatment plan that is customized to their needs and circumstances. For this reason, addiction treatment can look vastly different for different people.
It is well-established that addiction is a chronic disease that alters how a person thinks and behaves, and successful treatment depends on a person’s specific needs and outlook.
People who deal with substance use disorders claim that addiction makes them:
• feel out of control
• drawn to unhealthy behavioural patterns
• re-live their trauma on a regular basis
• perpetually lie
• feel lonely
Reiki, when used with traditional modalities, aids in healing withdrawal and assists with the detoxification process. Reiki can also restore a sense of peace, safety and well-being.
Also, depending on the individual’s willingness to quit their addiction, Reiki is very effective when used in conjunction with counselling and 12-step programs.
After a Reiki session, many people report feeling more connected with themselves and others in the universe. For some people, it can decrease the pain that is synonymous with drug addiction.
Addiction recovery is a stressful process because in most cases, it requires you to explore elements of yourself that are uncomfortable or painful. One of the reasons for relapse is that the person cannot handle the overwhelming stress of delving into memories of trauma and the feelings that come with that. In addition, rehab is a protective environment. Even if you are in an outpatient program, your sessions with therapists and other treatment providers can help you survive from week to week.
When that is over, however, you are left with the task of managing your life in a more real setting, and that transition can be difficult.
People who are fresh out of rehab have a high risk of relapse because they are no longer protected from the challenges of life. This makes them vulnerable to turning to their addiction the first time something bad happens.
Reiki can reduce this risk by providing the following benefits:
• Feeling relief from your stress, making you more receptive to therapy and other forms of treatment
• It can ease pain and discomfort — helpful to those experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms
• You will sleep better, which gives you the physical and mental energy to approach your addiction recovery head-on
• It helps you develop a stronger connection not only with the people around you, but with yourself
• Many people with addictions feel that they have no control over their own lives, and Reiki can help strengthen that feeling of control
• Reduced stress can lead to better outcomes in the treatment of many physical and mental illnesses
If you’re seeking assistance, Reiki can be a big support in your program of recovery.
If you’re working on your addiction and are curious to learn more about Reiki, or would like to book a Reiki session, click below.
Blessings,
Liz xxx
