Addiction is a complex condition that requires an individualized approach to treatment. People become addicted for all kinds of reasons. For some, substance abuse begins 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 stress, and any number of 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. And because 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.
That being said, there are some common threads that can appear in most treatment plans. One of these is group and individual therapy. Another is Reiki, which is a relatively new addition to the world of addiction treatment and rehab. Reiki can reduce stress and anxiety, which puts the individual in a better frame of mind for recovery, and this makes the treatment program as a whole more effective.
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese word that means “universal life energy”. It is a form of traditional healing based on the notion that our energy flows through several points in the body, called chakras. Each chakra controls a different element of our bodies and minds, and if the energy is flowing too slowly, or if there is a blockage, our physical and mental wellbeing starts to decline. This may manifest as physical discomfort, illness, stress, and anxiety.
During a Reiki session, the practitioner places their hands on or just above the part of your body that is causing the problem. Over a period of a few minutes, there is a transfer of energy between the practitioner and the patient. The practitioner may feel a warm or tingling sensation in their hands that passes when the energy transfer is over.
Although studies on the effectiveness of Reiki are too new to have yielded quotable statistics, there is a growing body of anecdotal evidence suggesting that it does help reduce stress and speed up recovery from some ailments.
The Seven Chakras
The energy points in our body, called chakras, correspond with our major organs and functions. If a chakra is blocked, the energy cannot get through, and you may start to experience symptoms of stress or illness as a result. Based on the symptoms you describe, your Reiki practitioner will identify the chakras that need attention.
Root chakra
Located at the base of the spine, this chakra controls your sense of stability and security. It is connected with your adrenaline responses and your skeletal system.
Sacral chakra
Located just below the navel, this chakra is responsible for your sexual and creative energy, and how you connect with your emotions. It can affect how well your body regulates water.
Solar plexus chakra
This chakra is located in the stomach area, and controls your sense of control, confidence, and self-esteem. It relates to your digestive system.
Heart chakra
Not surprisingly, this chakra is in the centre of the chest and controls our sense of love and compassion. It is connected with our blood pressure and immune system.
Throat chakra
This chakra is responsible for verbal communication, and it impacts metabolism and regulation of calcium.
Third eye chakra
Located between the eyes, this chakra is responsible for intuition and imagination. It affects our hormonal and physiological regulation.
Crown chakra
This chakra is on the top of the head and controls spirituality and sense of purpose. It also affects our circadian rhythm and how well we sleep.
How Does Reiki Relate To Addiction Treatment?
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 get by from one week to the next.
When that is over, 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 drugs or alcohol the first time something bad happens.
Reiki can reduce this risk by providing the following benefits:
- You can gain relief from your stress, making you more receptive to therapy and other forms of treatment
- It can ease pain and discomfort, which can help 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
Toronto Addiction Treatment That Includes Reiki
At Addiction Rehab Toronto, we place a lot of value on the fact that all of us are unique. We recognize that everyone’s journey is different, and we will work with you to create an addiction treatment program that is customized just for you. We will offer you the right combination of methods, including group and individual therapy, nutrition and exercise counseling, mindfulness, Reiki and more. Like many people before you, you can recover from your addiction and go on to lead a happy, healthy life that is free from the rigours of drug and alcohol abuse. Call us today for more information.
