Benefits of Massage Therapy During Addiction

It’s well known that massages will relax you, but the benefits of massage go far beyond pure relaxation. Many rehabilitation facilities are now offering massage therapy along with traditional detox and counseling. This change has been accompanied by additional therapy options like acupuncture, nutritional counseling, meditation, chiropractic care, and yoga. If you are interested in more information on the benefits of massage therapy for addiction treatment, contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532. 

The Benefits of Massage

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massages help patients to actually feel what’s going on in their bodies and minds. Often, addicted individuals have difficulty facing negative emotions or feelings. One of the obvious and immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. A massage prompts the release of endorphins–the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing–through natural, holistic means rather than more harmful methods. It also reduces the levels of stress hormones, and high levels of stress hormones can hamper the immune system.

There are numerous proven benefits to massage in addition to those mentioned, including:

• reduced muscle tension
• improved circulation
• stimulation of the lymphatic system
• increased joint mobility and flexibility
• reduced anxiety and depression
• increased mental alertness

Going Beyond the Mind

Most treatment centers focus on the mental aspect of an addiction. They cover why addiction happens, emotional techniques for reducing stress, and ways to manage cravings. Today’s practitioners are starting to focus more closely on the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. All aspects of individuals are intricately connected, so their treatment must be designed to incorporate each facet of their being. Many addiction treatment programs will promote a holistic approach to addiction therapy, such as mindfulness or a 12-step facilitation program. Massage therapy for addiction integrates seamlessly into other modes of therapy. It can be included in almost any treatment plan and level of care, whether inpatient, outpatient, or aftercare. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has found that addictions impact nearly every American family. In total, addictions to drugs, alcohol, and nicotine cost more than half a trillion dollars annually. While the exact cause of addictions may remain unknown, any addiction specialist knows that recovery is about more than just willpower. Ultimately, this mental disease rewires the way the mind works and changes the way individuals experience pleasure.

Massages Can Change How the Mind Processes Pleasure

Among the many benefits of massage, patients experience a boost in serotonin and dopamine levels. At the same time, their cortisol levels drop. Basically, this means that happiness and pleasure go up while stress falls. During the early stages of withdrawal, dopamine levels drop drastically as patients stop using drugs. Massage allows these individuals to get a temporary boost of dopamine in a healthy, non-destructive manner. Addiction throws many cognitive and physiological processes out of balance. Regular massage can restore these mental and physical systems to a more normal state and support any treatment and recovery program. 

During recovery, many patients experience anxiety, pain, sleep disorders, and agitation. The benefits of massage include the ability to combat these problems. Since the body is releasing fewer stress hormones, patients get a boost to their immune system, which can help fight off the common cold or flu virus, for example. Massage therapy can also diminish or alleviate pain, increase mobility, and promote better sleep. It also works to reduce agitation and anxiety. All of this leads to a better frame of mind and supports the addiction recovery effort.

Finding a rehab center is the first step toward sober living. Individualized treatment options like massage therapy or chiropractic care can help patients end their substance abuse problems. For help with a drug or alcohol addiction, contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 today.