When it comes to addiction recovery and treatment, what works for one individual may be less effective for others. For many, faith-based rehabilitation, like 12-step programs, may be what gets them sober, though these may not work for everyone. Some struggling with addiction may be uncomfortable with the spiritual elements of these methods or may subscribe to different beliefs. In terms of non faith-based treatment, a number of alternative approaches to addiction recovery may be incorporated, providing a holistic look at treatment that improves and impacts all aspects of health and wellbeing.
One such tool in recovery that has shown promise is tea. Drinking tea, both black and green varieties, has many health benefits, according to researchers. There is also a ritualistic aspect to drinking tea that can provide a sense of comfort and satisfaction during recovery. Tea is low calorie and can be decaffeinated, depending on your preference.
Consider the following benefits of tea drinking, especially during recovery from addiction:
Antioxidants
Tea is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols, that inhibit free radical generation and protect the cells.
Prevents Disease
Black tea is high in flavanols, which can aid in coronary artery repair after a heart attack. Furthermore, black tea can help in the functioning of your blood vessels, critical to preventing a coronary or stroke. Experts say that drinking a cup of tea, especially green tea, each day can lower your risk of experiencing an ischemic stroke.
Reduces Inflammation
If you suffer from medical conditions like diabetes, you know the problems and complications that inflammation and edema can cause. Regular tea drinking can help and is an anti-inflammatory for individuals with type 2 diabetes, sources report. Just like a cool tea bag on the eyes will reduce swelling, drinking tea can provide inflammation relief -- from the inside, out.
Improves Digestion
The tannins in tea aid in digestion and help create healthy gut bacteria. Experience less gas, constipation, and digestive distress when you drink a cup of black tea daily.
Alleviates Stress
The health repercussions of stress are enormous and what could be more stressful than addiction recovery? Use tea to alleviate anxiety and lift spirits during times of angst or struggle. Researchers now report that tea contains an ingredient, likely L-theanine, which can help you recover from emotional stress more quickly. This makes drinking tea a powerful positive coping strategy that you might use in your own battle against addiction during your road to recovery.
Increases Focus
Tea with caffeine, like black tea, contains a psychostimulant that helps you be more focused and alert. It also has been shown that performance is markedly improved overall after drinking a cup.
Helps Skin and Hair
Tea is a common ingredient in facials, hair masks, and other beauty products. It is lauded for relieving puffy or red eyes. Its antioxidants can help protect against the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Boosts Immunity
When you feel good and are free from illness, you will have an easier time avoiding substances and staying sober. Black tea can improve immunity by providing polyphenols that help to prevent sickness and disease.
Weight Loss
Many sources report that black tea can be an effective part of weight control, as it helps with bacteria in your digestive system, improving metabolism. Caffeinated or not, black tea has shown promise at increasing energy among daily tea drinkers.
Add the daily ritual of preparing and enjoying at least one cup of tea daily. It may also be prudent to add tea to your toolbox of coping strategies the next time you feel stressed or triggered; the comforting ritual of tea can be a powerful ally in sobriety.
Tea Tips
- Try a cup of vitamin-C rich spruce tea; it’s a tea made from spruce needles that originated among Native American tribes. It has medicinal properties, particularly on breathing and the respiratory system. Do not boil your water, though: The heat can kill the vitamin C.
- Consider some other herbs for tea, like lavender or mint, which possess therapeutic properties.
- Experiment with quantity, though typically a tablespoon of fresh leaves and around half that of dried herbs will suffice per eight ounces of water.
- Skip the sugar and add a splash of your favorite fruit juice to a cup of black or green tea for a punch of flavor and vitamins.
Consider these tips and how tea may enhance your own health regimen and addiction recovery.
Sources
https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/treatment/non-faith-based-rehab/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/health-benefits-linked-to-drinking-tea
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/health-benefits-of-black-tea.html
