Floatation Therapy: A Natural Therapeutic Tool for Addiction Recovery
Did you know that Floating can help with recovery from addiction?
Studies have shown that it helps with quitting smoking¹ and shifting patterns with overeating, alcohol use, and drug misuse².
The deep relaxation and focused environment of Floatation Therapy (AKA Float Therapy), help individuals process their habits and develop the mental clarity needed to make lasting changes.
While traditional therapies like counseling, group support, and medical interventions play a crucial role, complementary practices like Float Therapy are gaining attention for their ability to support recovery in profound ways.
Float Therapy, also known as sensory deprivation, involves lying in a warm, weightless environment filled with water and Epsom salt. This unique experience offers a safe space to relax, reflect, and heal, making it a powerful tool for individuals on the path to overcoming addiction.
The Science Behind Floatation Therapy
Floatation Therapy works by reducing external sensory input, allowing the mind and body to enter a deeply relaxed state. This has been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), improve mood, and enhance feelings of well-being. For those in addiction recovery, these effects can provide significant relief from the physical and emotional toll of withdrawal and the challenges of rebuilding a new lifestyle.
Here’s how Float Therapy supports addiction recovery:
1. Stress Reduction and Emotional Regulation
Recovery often involves managing high levels of stress and emotional instability. The calming environment of the Float Room (or to some known as a Float Tank) helps to reset the nervous system by reducing cortisol levels and activating the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) response. This promotes a sense of calm, reduces anxiety, and provides a healthy outlet for managing stress without turning to substances.
2. Improved Sleep and Restorative Healing
Sleep disruption is a common struggle in recovery, particularly during the early stages. Float Therapy encourages deep relaxation, which can improve sleep quality and support the body’s natural healing processes. Restful sleep is critical for repairing the damage caused by addiction and helping individuals feel more energized and focused on their recovery goals.
3. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
Recovery is not just about stopping the use of substances; it’s about reconnecting with oneself. Float Therapy creates a distraction-free environment where individuals can practice mindfulness and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness. This can lead to greater clarity, emotional insight, and a stronger connection to personal goals and values.
4. Relief from Chronic Pain and Tension
Many individuals in recovery deal with chronic pain, either from substance use or underlying health issues. The Epsom salt in the Float Room has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can ease muscle tension and joint pain. This can be particularly beneficial for those transitioning away from using substances to cope with physical discomfort.
5. A Safe Space for Reflection
For many, addiction recovery involves confronting difficult emotions, past trauma, or unresolved feelings. The Float Room offers a serene, private space to process these experiences without judgment or external pressure. This can be a valuable complement to traditional therapy and counseling sessions. Our post-float journals have many stories in them from guests who have shared that this practice has made all of the difference for them in their recovery.
6. Boosted Mood and Motivation
The magnesium in Epsom salt, absorbed through the skin during a Float session, has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Additionally, the endorphin release that occurs during Floating can enhance feelings of happiness and motivation, which are key drivers for staying committed to long-term recovery.
7. Increased Self Control
By helping individuals calm their nervous system and focus inward, Floating enhances their ability to feel in control of their emotions and behaviors³. This empowerment is key for breaking free from addiction and maintaining long-term recovery.
For people who are highly reactive to stress, addiction can feel like the only way to cope. Floating offers a safe, non-chemical way to manage those feelings, helping individuals break the cycle of dependence. It’s a valuable tool for reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and giving people a chance to reset emotionally and physically.
If you’re someone who feels emotionally overwhelmed or struggles to manage stress, you’re not alone. This is a common challenge for people dealing with addictive behaviors. The good news is that therapies like Floating can help. By calming the nervous system and reducing the need for substances to manage arousal, reduced environmental stimulation therapy provides a powerful way to support recovery and overall well-being.
How to Incorporate Floatation Therapy into Recovery
Floatation Therapy is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive recovery plan that includes professional treatment, counseling, and support groups. Regular sessions, even once a week, can provide a consistent source of stress relief, emotional support, and physical recovery.
For those new to Floating, starting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing the duration and frequency can help ease into the experience. We and our guests have generally found that the more you do it, the better it gets. Pairing Float Therapy with mindfulness or journaling exercises after each session can also deepen its impact.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Addiction recovery is deeply personal, and finding the right combination of therapies is key to long-term success. Floatation Therapy offers a gentle yet transformative way to support the healing process by addressing stress, sleep, emotional health, and physical recovery.
At East Coast Float Spa, we’re committed to helping individuals on their recovery journey find peace and strength through Float Therapy. If you or a loved one are looking for natural, effective ways to enhance your recovery, we’d be honored to support you.
Whether you’re in the early stages of recovery or looking for ways to maintain your progress, Floatation Therapy offers a unique way to support your mind and body. From detoxifying the body to fostering emotional healing, it’s a powerful tool that can help you on the path to lasting wellness.
Ready to explore how Floatation Therapy can support your recovery? Find a highly rated Float Spa near you with options like hypnosis and guided meditation that can also help you discover the profound benefits of this transformative practice. It’s time to take a step toward healing and give yourself the gift of relaxation, introspection, and self-care.
Other Blog Posts We Think You’ll Love
Powerful, Natural Pain Relief: Just a Float Away
The Power of Consistency: Why Floating and Infrared Sauna Can Transform Your Wellness
Unlocking Your Ideal Self Through Floatation Therap
References
Restricted environmental stimulation therapy of smoking: A parametric study. Peter Suedfeld, Gloria Baker-Brown. Addictive Behaviors, 1987.
Borrie, R A. “The Use of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy in Treating Addictive Behaviors.” The International Journal of the Addictions., U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2131327.
Studies in REST. III. REST, arousability, and the nature of alcohol and substance abuse. Adams HB, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3392756