The Rewarding Work of Massage for Addiction Recovery
Addiction is a powerful problem; more than 20 million Americans age 12 and older had a substance use disorder in 2015, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
As Scearce spoke with MASSAGE Magazine about her experience working in a specialty facility with this clientele, one word came up over and over again: rewarding.
“The greatest feeling is watching them on the journey that they take,” Scearce said. “It’s just extremely rewarding.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 3.5 million U.S. adults—1.4 percent of people 18 or older—received treatment for substance abuse; 2.3 million of those were treated at specialty facilities.
For massage therapists interested in providing massage for recovery from addiction, the substance abuse treatment environment offers unique benefits and challenges.
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Consumers Drive Complementary and Alternative Medicine Movement
A growing number of hospitals are adding complementary or integrative therapies to their menu of services. One reason for the growth is the rise of consumerism in health care. “As patients want this, providers are being forced to help deliver some of these services,” says Andrew Ziskind, M.D., a senior vice president at Premier Academic Alliance.
Another factor is growing acceptance among clinicians of various nonconventional therapies as an adjunct to traditional medicine, he says.
In addition to Reiki, complementary therapies include acupuncture, massage therapy, deep breathing exercises, meditation, guided imagery and yoga.
Service models vary measurably. Some hospitals create comprehensive outpatient integrative medicine centers, others weave specific complementary services into inpatient care, and some offer a combination of outpatient and inpatient services.
How to Avoid Running on Empty This Holiday Season
“There are lots of physiological benefits to massage therapy, but honestly, clients tell me they just feel a lot better after massage and that’s the most important reason they do it,” indicates O’Connor, a professional massage therapist herself. “Massage is the one thing that’s all about you. It’s one hour, out of 720 hours a month that you can truly call your own.”
And during the holiday hustle and bustle, those physiological benefits kick in as well. Massage helps to boost circulation and improve your immune system, both of which can help when our bodies are worn down.
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Student Story: BrigeJet Powell
From Matteson, IL
Currently employed operating semi trucks/combination vehicles hauling freight on interstate deliveries of hospital supplies and rail cross towns
Also a self defense instructor
What brought you to massage, and to Soma specifically?
I like doing sports massage and that we get to do sports massage at various events. I also like that Soma teaches you how to work clinically on people, not just to help them relax.
Do you like having classes in downtown Chicago?
Yes.
Who are your biggest influences?
Daisaku Ikeda (peace builder, Buddhist philosopher, educator and author), Christopher Moore (founded the multiracial, multicultural Chicago Children’s Choir at Hyde Park’s First Unitarian Church of Chicago), and parents (founded BrigeJet).
Student Story: Crystal Harmon
From Chicago, IL
Currently works as a grocery clerk and as a vocalist in a band.
What brought you to massage in general, and to Soma specifically?
I love helping others.
Health is very important.
Soma got back to my inquiry fast!
Soma has an accepting environment.
Do you like having classes in downtown Chicago?
It’s fine.
Who are your biggest influences?
All roads lead to peace, love, and light.
Anything else you want to add?
I heart* Soma.
*She drew a heart, she didn’t write the word heart.