Aroma Therapy and Rehabilitation

If you happen to go for a natural drug detox in California, most likely they will put you through aromatherapy as part of the treatment program. It is quite common these days to use alternative therapies as adjuncts to conventional treatment in drug detox centers. And aromatherapy is just one of them.

When we smell something it stimulates the olfactory bulb, an area in the brain closely related to memory. And when we encounter a familiar odor from the past our brain reproduces a link between the smell and a memory. Now you know why a certain odor can instantly evoke past memories associated with it.

So, how does aromatherapy help in detox?

According to recent studies, aromatherapy is found to be very effective in treating withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug of abuse, withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, sleep disturbances, restlessness and irritability. Aromatherapy can reduce the gravity of these withdrawal symptoms providing a sense of calm to the addicts under detoxification. It restores emotional balance, reduces stress and enhances the sense of well-being.

There are specific aromas and essential oils for different types of addictions. Let us take a quick look at some of them:

• Alcohol: Essential oils for conducting aromatherapy on alcoholics include Rosemary, Basil, Chamomile and Frankincense.

• Drugs: If you are to be treated for drug detox, then essential oils would be of Grapefruit, Basil, Chamomile, etc.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Treating somebody for withdrawal symptoms would require essential oils from Marjoram, Orange, Sandalwood, Grapefruit, Lavender, and other citrus fruits.

• Thyme is another essential oil which is often used in rehabs. It strengthens the nervous system of drug addicts during recovery and is also helpful in aftercare.

• Caffeine: For caffeine addiction, essential oils from Grapefruit and Basil are quite helpful. It relieves you from a heavy caffeine addiction.

It is not only detoxification from addictions that aromatherapy is useful for, it can also be used to treat mental conditions in rehabs:

Ylang Ylang, for instance, is an essential oil used in the treatment of depression and easing panic attacks by acting as a mild sedative.

Those suffering from depression and experience emotional fatigue can get great relief from the essential oil of Clary sage. In treating stress and grief essential oil from Bergamot is very useful. It is most widely used while treating stress.

Whether you are going for a natural drug detox in California or undergoing treatment at a luxury rehab elsewhere, aromatherapy is increasingly becoming an integral part of treatment in most rehabilitation facilities.