Rehab Centers That Offer Sauna and Cold Plunge Therapy

It’s not uncommon for drug rehab centers to offer new and innovative treatments to address addiction and overall well-being. Sauna, cold plunge and contrast therapy are growing in popularity.

These therapies can support comfort, stress management and routine-building as part of a well-rounded treatment plan. Understanding the benefits and associated risks of sauna and cold plunge therapy can help you determine whether they’re right for you.

When a rehab center offers sauna, cold plunge and contrast therapy, they’re typically part of wellness programming, not core clinical treatment. Sauna therapy entails being exposed to high temperatures in a small, confined space. Cold plunge therapy involves submersion in cold water for a short period. Contrast therapy alternates between hot and cold exposure.

Rehab services may offer one or both therapies. Even when available, medical clearance, facility rules and treatment stage can impact eligibility for these services.

Saunas are typically heated to around 150 degrees Fahrenheit, although this can vary depending on the type of sauna.

The three main types of sauna therapy used in rehabs include: 

• Finnish/dry sauna therapy: A wood-burning stove or electric heater is used to create dry heat
• Steam therapy: Uses steam to produce heat within a confined space
• Infrared sauna therapy: Applies heat directly to the body, via electromagnetic radiation, rather than heating the surrounding air of the room itself

The water used in cold plunge therapy is usually between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, although beginners may want to start a little warmer. 

The two main types of cold plunge therapy include:

• Cold water immersion: Involves submersion in cold water up to the neck, usually in a small bathtub or a natural body of water, such as a lake, when available
• Cold showers: A method to help people ease into cold water immersion therapy

Contrast water therapy usually begins with hot water immersion and then switches to cold. It may help support improved circulation, mental clarity, relaxation and muscle recovery, although research is limited regarding its benefits.

The purpose of sauna and cold plunge therapy is to increase a person’s overall wellness. This can be incredibly beneficial during addiction treatment, as many people who start in recovery experience periods of poor physical and mental health. People may feel calmer, more focused or connected to their bodies when these therapies are used safely.

Some people may find that sauna and cold plunge therapy support their physical well-being. For example, these services can support muscle relaxation, relieve muscle soreness and improve circulation.

Cold plunge and sauna therapy may also offer mental and emotional health benefits for some people. Guided hot and cold exposure may help with mindfulness, breathing techniques and developing tolerance to discomfort, all of which can support stress management during recovery.

Wellness amenities, such as sauna and cold plunge therapy, can help people build daily structure in rehab. Replacing harmful habits with healthy routines may aid in self-awareness, learning to cope with stress or difficult emotions and sticking with a consistent schedule.

Medical detox helps people safely stop using substances while clinicians manage withdrawal symptoms. Sauna and cold plunge therapy may be offered in later stages of care after medical clearance, but it should never be described as a complete detox treatment.

The detoxification process usually occurs at the beginning of treatment. Withdrawal symptoms during detox depend on the specific drug, but can include anxiety, depression, fatigue and a general feeling of being ill. Some symptoms can be serious and require clinical monitoring and medication. Withdrawal management should connect patients to ongoing care, such as inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment or counseling.

In some cases, sauna or cold plunge therapy may not be appropriate during acute withdrawal due to safety concerns. Before allowing heat or cold exposure, your provider should consider your overall stability, hydration, heart health and symptoms. 

Common safety concerns include: 

• Dehydration
• Severe nausea
• Dizziness
• Unstable blood pressure 
• Heart-related symptoms
• Hyperthermia or hypothermia

Sauna and cold plunge therapy are typically incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan. These complementary services aren’t meant to treat addiction by themselves and should be offered alongside traditional evidence-based treatment methods.

Evidence-based treatment services address the clinical, behavioral and emotional sides of addiction. They’re scientifically backed by strong proof and are the focus of addiction recovery. 

Common evidence-based services include: 

• Medical detox: Medical detox helps people safely and comfortably manage withdrawal symptoms when stopping substance use.
• Inpatient treatment: Patients receive round-the-clock care while temporarily living in a treatment facility.
• Outpatient treatment: This type of treatment allows patients to live at home and travel to regularly scheduled sessions.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT uses U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medications to help treat addiction.
• Individual counseling: One-on-one counseling allows people to discuss their progress, concerns and goals in recovery. 
• Group counseling: Group counseling can help people feel less alone and learn from others’ experiences with addiction.
• Family therapy: Family therapy can help rebuild bonds weakened by addiction.
• Relapse prevention planning: This involves learning strategies to help identify triggers and reduce the risk of relapse. 

Holistic and complementary services work best when used as part of a supervised care plan. A whole-person approach often involves both evidence-based care and wellness support.

Holistic services include:

• Cold plunge and sauna therapy
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Fitness
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Nutrition support
• Mindfulness

Incorporating sauna and cold plunge therapy into a treatment plan should always be based on the person, as they may not be appropriate for everyone. Some people may prefer other approaches, and participation should be optional.

Treatment providers should consider a person’s medical history, substance use history, mental health needs, medications, comfort level and recovery goals when incorporating these therapies. People who participate in these services should pay close attention to their health, experience level and any side effects they may experience.

Many people want to know whether sauna and cold plunge therapy actually work. The truth is, there isn’t enough evidence to confidently say these services treat addiction directly. However, some people find that they provide comfort or wellness benefits.

Sauna and cold plunge therapy provide health and addiction recovery benefits, which are even stronger when both services are used together. While the physical benefits often attract athletes and fitness professionals, they can also help people recovering from substance abuse.

Physical health benefits may include:

• A stronger and healthier immune system
• Improved blood circulation
• Increased blood flow
• Better muscle recovery
• Body awareness
• Comfort

Mental health benefits may include:

• Improved nervous system function
• Reduced stress and anxiety 
• Lower cortisol levels
• Relaxation
• Better sleep quality
• Increased mental clarity and focus

The research on sauna and cold plunge therapy for substance use disorder treatment is limited, which means there’s no guarantee you’ll benefit from these services. Proven treatment modalities should come first, and holistic approaches can be incorporated if appropriate.

While sauna therapy and cold plunge therapy provide numerous benefits, they’re not without risks. The use of these therapies in addiction recovery should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals. Some risks can be very serious and even life-threatening, so proper medical clearance is essential.

Exposure to high temperatures in saunas can cause: 

• Dehydration
• Dizziness
• Overheating
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting 
• Breathing difficulty

Rehab centers can help mitigate risks by offering close observation throughout therapy. Staff should be aware of potential complications and receive special training, and those at high risk may want to avoid saunas altogether. 

You may not be a good candidate if you have a heart condition, uncontrolled blood pressure or epilepsy. It’s also best to avoid heat exposure if you’re pregnant.

Cold plunge therapy should be brief and supervised due to potential risks. If you feel unsafe, stop immediately.

Risks include:

• Cold shock
• Rapid breathing
• Increased blood pressure
• Hypothermia
• Numbness
• Loss of motor control 
• Drowning 

If you’re new to cold plunge therapy, you should start cautiously with qualified guidance from a medical professional. Exposure may not be safe for people with heart or circulation problems.

Before attending a rehab that offers cold plunge or sauna therapy, ask questions to ensure your safety. 

Consider asking the following questions: 

• Is medical clearance required before sauna or cold plunge therapy?
• Who supervises sessions?
• How are water temperature and time limits monitored?
• What happens if someone feels dizzy, panicked or short of breath?
• Are these services available during detox or only after stabilization?
• What happens if I have a bad reaction to these therapies?
• Can I stop services if I’m uncomfortable or don’t enjoy them?

Because sauna and cold plunge therapy come with possible health risks, it’s important to ensure you choose a high-quality treatment center. These services are more commonly available in holistic, luxury, wellness-focused or residential rehab settings.

A high-quality rehab center should hold accreditations from reputable national organizations, such as the Joint Commission, and staff should hold appropriate licenses and certifications.

Any staff members performing sauna and cold plunge therapies should have special training and expertise in these methods. Facilities should have a positive reputation in the community and be clean, safe and accommodating.

It’s always a good idea to visit rehab facilities in person and ask questions. 

Consider asking these questions:

• Are sauna and cold plunge therapy available on-site?
• Are these services optional?
• How often can residents use them?
• What emergency procedures are in place?
• Do these services cost extra?
• How are wellness services integrated into treatment?

Rehab amenities are nice to have and can make treatment more comfortable for many patients. However, quality clinical care should be the top priority in recovery, not luxury amenities. 

Treatment plans involving sauna and cold plunge therapy should also be customized, as people have different levels of experience, and some may have medical conditions that can affect the duration and frequency of their services.

Cost considerations are one of the biggest concerns people have about rehab, especially when specialized services are involved. Insurance is often an option when paying for drug and alcohol treatment, although alternative therapies, such as sauna and cold plunge therapy, aren’t always covered.

Many details can impact the overall cost of your addiction care. For example, the level of care you receive, such as inpatient or outpatient, can impact your bill. 

Other factors include

• Length of treatment
• Whether you need medical detox
• Facility location
• Clinical staffing
• Facility network status
• Amenities
• Private rooms

The best way to determine what’s covered by your plan is to contact your insurer and the treatment center. Medical necessity, plan rules and prior authorization can impact coverage decisions.

Evidence-based services are often covered, while sauna and cold plunge therapies may be treated as amenities. It’s also a good idea to check whether a facility offers financial assistance to help make treatment more affordable, such as payment plans, discounts and sliding fee scales based on income level.

Here are questions that are frequently asked about sauna and cold plunge therapy for substance abuse treatment.

If you or a loved one is looking for a treatment center that offers sauna sessions and ice baths, contact RehabNet.com for assistance. We’ve helped thousands of people with addiction find the help they need, as well as the specialized services they’re interested in. To learn more, call us today or fill out our contact form.