Plant-Assisted Therapy: How It Can Be Used In Drug Rehab

Substance use disorders can affect the mind, body, and spirit. During the early recovery and rehabilitation process, many rehab centers have moved to take a holistic approach.

Holistic rehab programs take into account the whole person. Often, this means they utilize a variety of traditional and alternative therapies to improve mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

One such therapy, while practiced for centuries in other contexts, is still emerging in the addiction treatment research literature.

Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural therapy is a formally recognized therapeutic practice that uses plant-related activities, such as gardening and nature engagement, as tools for healing, often facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist.

Types of plant-based and nature therapies include:

• horticultural therapy
• flower therapy
• forest therapy
• garden therapy
• herb therapy

Historically, this type of therapy has been utilized in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehab centers, prisons, youth outreach programs, and senior living facilities

Benefits Of Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural therapy may offer many benefits for people with substance use issues, as well as individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health disorders.

What horticultural therapy may offer:

• stress relief
• increased self-worth
• increased attention span
• improved communication skills
• social interaction
• skill development opportunities
• increased creative engagement and sense of purpose
• improved hand-eye coordination
• improved physical fitness and coordination through outdoor activity

Not all benefits of this type of therapy may be measurable. Some of what this type of therapy can offer may be felt on an emotional and spiritual level.

Herbal Medicine

Another form of plant-assisted therapy involves the use of herbal medicines. These medicines have been used to treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Herbal therapy may be offered as a complementary therapy to supplement traditional treatments in a rehab program, such as behavioral therapy and substance use counseling.

Types of herbal medicines that may be used for herbal therapy include:

• ashwagandha
• ginkgo biloba
• ginseng
• echinacea
• St. John’s Wort
• garlic
• valerian

Each herb has its own set of benefits and uses. Valerian, for instance, may help promote sleep and relaxation. St. John’s Wort is a natural remedy that may help with depression.

How herbs may fit into a drug rehab program will be based on a person’s physical health needs and the perceived benefit of the specific herbal remedy.

Important: St. John’s Wort has significant interactions with many medications, including buprenorphine and methadone, used in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Anyone currently taking MAT medications should consult their prescriber before using St. John’s Wort.

Plant-Assisted Therapy During Drug Rehab

Plant therapy is not a full treatment program by itself. However, it may offer some benefit as a complementary therapy, alongside other traditional, evidence-based treatments.

Treatments commonly offered in drug rehab include:

• behavioral therapy
• individual and group counseling
• support groups
• skill development
• medication-assisted treatment
• dual diagnosis treatment (for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders)
• recurrence prevention
• aftercare support

Not all drug rehab centers that offer holistic treatments in addition to conventional treatment services may offer plant-assisted therapy.

Growing research supports the value of nature-based and holistic therapies as complements to evidence-based addiction treatment, including improvements in stress, mood, and treatment retention.

How To Evaluate A Holistic Rehab Program

Not all rehab centers that market themselves as “holistic” offer the same standard of care. While holistic therapies can be a meaningful complement to evidence-based treatment, the term itself is not regulated. Any facility can use it regardless of staff qualifications or programming quality.

When researching a holistic rehab program, there are several questions worth asking before enrolling:

• Is the facility accredited?
• Are the holistic therapy staff credentialed?
• Is holistic therapy offered in addition to, and not instead of, evidence-based treatment?
• Is the program transparent about its outcomes?
• Is it licensed by the state?

Call Today To Learn More About Holistic Drug Rehab Options

Considering the whole person—the mind, body, and spirit—during the recovery process can be important in a person’s journey toward healing from drug addiction.

For more information on holistic drug rehab programs, call our helpline to speak to a representative about your addiction treatment options today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff