How Can Chiropractic Care Help People with Addictions?

Did you know that almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction? Despite these high numbers, only 10 percent of people with addictions receive treatment. Addiction refers to a mental disorder, in which a person repeatedly uses substances or participates in behaviors that are harmful to their health, well-being, and personal and professional lives. Common types of addiction treatment include rehabilitation and therapy. Chiropractic care is an effective treatment that works well with a drug rehab or therapy program. Keep reading to discover how chiropractic can help people suffering with addictions.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help People With Addictions?

Lower Stress Levels

When a person becomes sober, this is a stressful time in their life. Their body is getting used to functioning without substances, while they are likely feeling anxious and worried about the future. These emotions are normal and to be expected during recovery. Chiropractic care is an effective method to relax and better manage stress and anxiety without using drugs or alcohol. 

To help lower stress levels, it’s important that a patient has a properly aligned spine. When the spine is not aligned, this can interfere with the central nervous system being able to properly send messages to the body. A licensed chiropractor can perform specific, gentle adjustments to lower nerve irritation in the spine, release muscle tension, and improve blood circulation levels. In turn, these adjustments can help reduce stress hormones called cortisol. This will help a patient’s body get out of the constant fight-or-flight state. Instead, the patient will feel more relaxed and thus, find it easier to manage their stress. This will help them successfully complete their therapy or rehab program.

Decrease Pain

It’s no surprise that people develop drug addictions as a result of living with chronic injuries, pain, or illness. Opioids are a commonly prescribed drug to treat chronic pain. However, opioids can be addictive, which may explain why 21 to 29 percent of patients abuse using them and 8 to 12 percent of patients develop an addiction to this drug. During therapy, patients will receive expert care, support, and resources to learn how to cope with their pain without using addictive drugs. Holistic treatments like chiropractic care can help decrease a patient’s pain levels using safe, drug-free adjustments. Chiropractic promotes the release of feel-good endorphins, which are natural painkillers free of side effects. That’s something everyone can appreciate.

Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments are a great way to decrease back pain, an issue that impacts millions of Americans every year. This is a safer alternative to prescription pain-relief drugs. The American College of Physicians recommends spinal manipulations, acupuncture, and massage therapy to achieve pain relief without using drugs.

Improve Emotional Health

During the recovery process, it’s normal to experience various emotions. This isn’t surprising since substance abuse is a way to cope with emotional and/or physical pain. A therapy program will open up old wounds that may be difficult or painful to bring up. By receiving chiropractic adjustments, a patient will experience less stress levels and a better functioning central nervous system. In turn, this will improve a patient’s mood, ability to sleep, and how they perceive themselves. A licensed chiropractor will help improve a patient’s emotional health and well-being. Thus, this will give a patient the boost they need to complete their rehabilitation program and remain sober.

Improve Impulse Control and Reduce Cravings

Chiropractic care can help patients improve their impulse control and reduce their cravings. This is due to the patient becoming more self-aware, which is a major benefit of holistic treatments, such as chiropractic, massage therapy, and yoga. When patients become more aware of their mental and emotional health, this helps them learn how to better manage their addictions. As a result, patients can enjoy having more stable moods and be less likely to make impulsive choices. When those cravings strike, patients will find it easier to control those feelings and move forward with their recovery process.

Contact Your Local Noblesville Chiropractor Today

When you visit our office at Anchor Health Chiropractic, our expert Noblesville chiropractor will create a personalized treatment plan according to your health needs, budget, and goals. Chiropractic is an effective, all-natural supplement to a current therapy program. Indeed, this holistic care helps improve a patient’s physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being, which is vital for overcoming addiction. The last thing anyone wants is to fall back into their old addiction after working hard during their recovery process. Contact Anchor Health Chiropractic in Noblesville, IN today to learn more about our neurologically-based chiropractic care that helps treat a diverse range of health concerns, including addiction.