What "Holistic" Means at BetterChoice
Holistic does not mean "instead of medicine." At BetterChoice, holistic therapies are layered on top of medical detox, MAT when indicated, evidence-based psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, EMDR), and structured group work. They address parts of recovery that talk therapy alone cannot reach — the chronically dysregulated nervous system, the disconnected relationship with the body, the sleep that will not come, the spiritual emptiness that long predates the addiction.
What's Included
Yoga
Trauma-informed yoga several times per week. No experience required. The practice is gentle, body-focused, and led by an instructor trained to work with people in early recovery. Yoga helps regulate the nervous system, improves sleep, reduces cravings, and rebuilds a relationship with the body that addiction has often damaged.
Meditation & mindfulness
Daily group meditation and individual mindfulness practice. We teach simple, secular techniques that you can use in cravings, in conflict, or in everyday life — not anything mystical or culturally specific. Mindfulness has strong evidence for reducing relapse risk and managing chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
Breathwork
Structured breathing practices that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is often chronically suppressed in people with long substance use histories. Breathwork is one of the most accessible tools for managing cravings, panic, and insomnia.
Sound therapy
Sound bath sessions using crystal and Tibetan singing bowls. Sound therapy is deeply relaxing for most patients and can be especially useful for patients who find traditional meditation difficult.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, including the NADA five-point ear protocol that has been used in addiction treatment since the 1970s, is offered to interested patients. Many patients report reduced cravings, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety after sessions.
Massage therapy
Therapeutic massage is available to support physical healing, reduce muscle tension, and rebuild positive sensory experience in the body.
Nutrition & culinary care
Three full meals per day plus snacks, prepared on site by our chef. Nutrition is treated as part of treatment — long-term substance use damages the digestive system, depletes nutrients, and disrupts blood sugar regulation. Our menu rebuilds nutritional foundation while accommodating dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, halal, diabetic).
Movement & recreation
Gym access, outdoor walking, pool, and structured recreational activities. Movement is medicine — it improves mood, sleep, and physical health, and rebuilds healthy reward circuits in the brain.
Outdoor & nature time
Time outside in our healing gardens and walking paths. Patients consistently rate outdoor time among the most valuable parts of their stay.
How Holistic Care Fits the Clinical Program
Holistic therapies are not optional add-ons in a separate building — they are scheduled into your day alongside group therapy, individual sessions, and medical care. A typical day might include morning meditation, breakfast, an individual therapy session, group therapy, lunch, an afternoon yoga class, free time, dinner, an evening recovery group, and a sound bath before bed.
The structure is designed to give your nervous system and your day a shape that can sustain recovery long after discharge.
Who Benefits Most
- Patients with chronic anxiety, insomnia, or hyperarousal
- Patients with co-occurring chronic pain
- Patients with significant trauma history (these practices pair especially well with EMDR and trauma-focused work)
- Patients who have tried clinical treatment in the past and felt something was missing
- Anyone who wants tools for daily life that do not require a therapist in the room
Ready to Start?
Call (725) 550-5655 to ask about our program. Holistic therapies are included in residential treatment at no separate charge.