Massage in Addiction Rehabilitation
People in the early stages of addiction recovery often experience an uncomfortable gap between their body and mind. Therapeutic massage can bridge that gap, and is a powerful adjunct treatment in the addiction and recovery process.
Incorporating massage into a substance abuse program is advantageous in all of the stages of quitting an addiction: withdrawal, detoxification and abstinence. The physical, emotional and spiritual components of recovery all can be directly benefited by the therapeutic touch. The nurturing contact of massage utilizes skin as the translator of the therapist's intent. Skin, the largest sensory organ in our body, is our primary sense for connecting information from our external surroundings to our internal environment.
The Touch Research Institute in Miami, Florida has performed scientific research documenting the physiological effects of massage on the body. Some of their findings include: decreased pain, diminished autoimmune response, enhanced immune response, and increased alertness and performance. These effects appear to be related to massage's ability to reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, as reported by the Touch Research Institute in 2003. Several of the Touch Research Institute's studies positively document the ability of massage to decrease anxiety, depression, agitation, and cravings.
The key to understanding the effectiveness of massage therapy in addiction treatment lies in the neurological biochemistry of addiction. Much of this has to do with the mesolimbic reward system, the so-called 'pleasure pathway' of the brain. The area is activated in part by the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, the chemical messenger responsible for making us feel good when we engage in any pleasurable activity. It is well known that dopamine is significantly involved in addiction and that dopamine levels are lower than average during the withdrawal process and into early recovery until brain chemistry normalizes.
Already in 1998, the Touch Research Institute published the findings that a regular massage regimen produced long-term results of increasing dopamine levels. The fact that massage naturally increases dopamine levels, and decreases cortisol levels makes it a perfect addition to a standard detoxification program.
The neurochemistry of an addict takes time to get back into balance, hence massage treatments after the initial detoxification phase is very beneficial. When a person uses a substance to feel good, his/her body stops manufacturing its own "feel good" chemicals, (endorphins), and the substance takes over that task. Therefore, when a person quits using an abused substance, they lose their source of feeling good. Since it takes time for the body to start manufacturing its own endorphins again, this is a challenging interim to endure. This interim is the recovering addict's most vulnerable time to relapse.
In the 1989 edition of General Pharmacology, Kaada and Torsteinbo of Norway reported on study results that massage therapy increased the amount of beta-endorphins in the blood by 16 percent. The release of endorphins during a massage allows the recipient to feel normal, even fantastic, without the aid of a drug. This can be a powerful, even life-changing experience for the client.
On a physical level, the circulation that occurs with massage is also a desired occurrence during the detoxification process. Therapeutic massage's invigoration of blood and lymphatic fluid allows for a more efficient exchange of oxygen rich nutrition into the body's tissues, and the delivery of toxic waste products out of the body's tissues. All systems of the body function more efficiently with improved circulation and a reduction in tension of the soft tissues and musculature.
On an emotional level, part of an addict's recovery process is learning to identify and manage the triggers that cause them to desire escape. Regular massage sessions can aid the client's awareness of his or her own body, including where and when tension exists. Being conscious of these patterns is a step toward recognizing one's own resistance, which can lead to healthfully addressing emotions associated with cravings and stress. Emotional release can commonly occur with massage, which provides a safe, non-threatening opportunity to begin the process of recovering long-buried emotions and memories.
The use of therapeutic use essential oils (plant essences) can be incorporated to boost the effects of massage alone. Miniscule amounts of the essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin as well as via inhalation through the nose. The tiny molecules also stimulate our odour receptors which are directly connected to the brain`s limbic system, the centre of emotions and memory. This is how the essential oils affect our moods and behaviour and are often found to be helpful with anxiety, depression, insomnia and a range of emotional problems.
On a spiritual level, the deep relaxation of a massage can provide a still inner place for the recipient to connect with themselves. They experience a feeling of being grounded, centred and fully present. A recovering addict has a whole new world opened to them where they can acknowledge that they are simultaneously anchored, present, feeling good and substance-free.
"To allow oneself to surrender to the practitioner's hands - to breathe fully and easily, to acknowledge and receive the gifts of nurturing, surrender and relaxation (…) is an invaluable addition to the newly recovering person's repertoire of relapse prevention skills." (J. Kosakoski)
Bibliography:
Institute of Integrative Healthcare Studies/ Nicole, May 31, 2005 on www.integrative-healthcare.org
Counsellor, The Magazine for Addiction Professionals/ Joni Kosakoski BSN, RN, CARN: "Massage: Hands Down, a Treatment for Addiction", October 2003
Touch Research Institute, University of Miami /http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/about.htm
General Pharmacology, Kaada and Torsteinbo, 1989
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