How can aromatherapy help addiction treatment

There has been a boom of the holistic movement in addiction rehabilitation. Holistic modalities of wellbeing are becoming part of our society. With all of the busyness that can overtake our lives, people have taken stock in carving out some time to get grounded and connect with themselves: a yoga class, reiki alignment with aromatherapy. For those in rehab, natural remedies may be an essential adjunct to care. There’s evidence to support all of these services’ clinical advantages, and recovery programs have been welcoming these additions to the healing process. If you’re interested in checking out or progressing with holistic treatment, aromatherapy is a simple add-in to your recovery plan. “Aromatherapy uses herbal materials and aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, and other fragrance compounds for enhancing psychological and physical wellbeing,” Wikipedia pages. These essential oils go through a distillation phase and can be used in several ways to adjunct any recovery regime. There’s a variety of applications of Essential Oils for avoiding consuming alcohol and using narcotics. Herein, we give some insights into a few practical applications that aromatherapy and essential oils have for addiction recovery. A brief note on use – not all Essential Oils are produced equally, and they can use it in several ways (some approaches are more efficient for certain oils, for specific results – you’ll see as you read along). A word of caution: when ingesting Essential Oils for opioid cravings (or for any reason really), be aware that you want to be sure you are only using therapeutic grade oils as non-therapeutic grade oils may have additives that can be dangerous if swallowed. Always check with your doctor to see if any of these oils could conflict with any existing medical conditions. Take a break from essential oils before your baby is born, particularly if you’re a mother-to-be. The fight to tamp down those cravings to drink or use is one of the continuing battles many people face during the early stages of recovery. Desires, which are also related to addiction, may have psychological as well as physical triggers. Regardless of where they come from, they are troublesome and can be a significant source of distraction in your everyday routine. Thankfully, aromatherapy will help you avoid these impulses in the first place. Grapefruit, Black Pepper, Basil, and Cinnamon Essential Oils are the most commonly mentioned among the various oils studied to relieve cravings. Grapefruit: During the day, disperse Grapefruit Essential Oil. You may use 5-6 drops in a vapor diffuser or buy reeds to absorb and distribute the oil into the air by putting the oil in a small jar (an empty and washed-out nail polish jar works well). Dip a wooden toothpick into the oil and chew it many times a day. If you chew gum regularly, consider adding one drop to your next slice. Basil: Apply 1-2 drops topically under your nose or use a vapor diffuser to disperse 2-3 bubbles aromatically. Add 1-2 drops of cinnamon oil to hot water or herbal tea. You may also add a few drops topically to your neck and throat.

Improve your mental clarity

According to the experts at alcoholrehab.com, the first year of treatment can be marked by a hazy mind. If it helps, this is not only a standard but also an anticipated symptom of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). It can be such a relief to take the time to add vitamins to help with mental clarity. To clear your mind, integrate Rosemary, Sage, and Ginger into your daily routine. Rosemary: Place 1-2 drops of rosemary on your hands and cup over your mouth and nose, inhaling many times during the day. Apply 1-2 drops topically under your nose, or use a vapor diffuser to disperse 2-3 bubbles aromatically. Apply 1-2 drops of ginger to your heart center, or add 1-2 drops to hot water or herbal tea.

Staying in the Moment

Creating room to be in the moment is one of the central tenets of holistic care and mindfulness. Consider this: how much of the day is spent doing nothing but thinking? We get so caught up in our thoughts about the past or what’s to come in the future that we forget to appreciate what we have right now. Being in the moment, practicing meditation, and remaining present will all help with healing. Are you having trouble holding your feet on the ground? Sandalwood, Cedarwood, or Eucalyptus Essential Oils may be used to create a meditative environment. Sandalwood or Cedarwood: Rub 1-2 drops between your hands and inhale directly, or add 1-2 drops to your heart core and disperse aromatically. When beginning a meditative practice, diffuse 5-6 drops of Eucalyptus aromatically.

Physical Illnesses Are Made Easier

Physical problems are another symptom of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which many people experience during the early stages of recovery. If you’re suffering from joint pain, muscle stiffness, restless legs, or another ailment, not feeling well can seriously derail your recovery efforts. Essential Oils for massage and reflexology can help alleviate some joint aches and pains, but you should still consult a doctor to make sure you don’t need medical help.
Peppermint, Clove, and Rosemary are only a few of the Essential Oils that can help with physical aches and pains.
Peppermint: Add 1-2 drops to fingertips and rub in circles on temples and over sinuses for headaches and sinus pressure. Rub 1-2 drops onto the stomach or put 1-2 drops on the tongue for nausea. For muscle pain, mix five drops with a carrier oil and massage the sore muscle region.
Clove: Apply four drops to a carrier oil and rub into neck and shoulder muscles to relieve tension. Work 3-4 drops of oil into your hands and rub into the affected joints to relieve joint pain.
Rub two drops of rosemary oil onto the bottoms of feet for stomach or digestive problems. Rub one drop into hands and breathe directly into sinuses for respiratory problems, shortness of breath, and other breathing issues.