Drug abuse is a widespread problem that continues to plague millions of individuals around the world. From teenagers and adults to professional athletes and those in the public eye, drug addiction has the power to consume just about anyone.
In addition to adversely affecting the user, dependence on drugs also affects those around them, such as friends and loved ones. However, many substance abusers make an effort to overcome their addiction by enrolling themselves in various treatment programs offered through rehabilitation centers.
What Is a Holistic Treatment Program?
In general, rehabilitation programs include mindfulness-based therapies in a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual models for the construction of a holistic therapeutic approach for substance use disorders. Some of these classification therapies are also classified as complementary or alternative treatments, some of which are culturally based. Examples include:
- Acupuncture and acupressure
- Reiki and other forms of energy work
- Massage
- Biofeedback and neurofeedback
- Yoga and meditation.
- Nutritional therapy
- Herbal medication
An important part of many of these techniques is designed to treat the whole person and prioritize improving overall well-being, rather than focusing on a single element of a person’s symptoms or behavior.
All-inclusive Rehab
Most substance abuse problems are treated through various types of rehabilitation programs. They typically incorporate treatment several options to help addicts conquer their dependence on drugs, such as:
- Detoxification
- Medical therapies
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
However, because drug addiction affects both the physical body and emotional being, many professionals feel that both aspects should be properly addressed for rehabilitation to be truly successful.
Purpose of Holistic Rehabs
The aim of holistic rehabs is to deal with the entire spectrum of issues that addicts base their needs on. Holistic rehab can be grouped under the types of treatment practices that combat mental and physical health issues through the use of alternative forms of healing.
A big part of holistic drug rehabilitation is addressing all the causes of substance abuse, which is why this type of treatment is gaining in popularity among the masses. A typical holistic drug rehab program utilizes treatment plans that help to heal the body, mind, and spirit of the addict.
Holistic Treatment Programs
Contrary to popular belief, holistic rehab does not exclude some of the necessary aspects of traditional rehabilitation, such as medications used for detoxification purposes or one-on-one counseling. However, holistic drug rehab centers also focus on other elements of rehabilitation which they feel are necessary for addicts to make a full recovery.
What Happens In Treatment Programs?
In holistic drug rehab, the addict’s mind and soul are treated equally with their body. Therefore, the following treatments are usually encompassed in a holistic drug rehab program:
- Proper nutrition – meals are typically prepared with natural ingredients
- Nutritional education – vitamin supplements, healthy eating tips
- Exercise classes – meditation, yoga
- Recreational therapies – gardening, sports
- Spiritual counseling
- Use of herbs & psychotherapy
The philosophy behind holistic rehab is addressing all the possible causes of addiction, which allows for success to be achieved more quickly and effectively with results that last longer. Holistic drug rehab programs should also include physician and nursing care in order to be successful, along with providing addicts with access to professional psychologists.
All Programs Are Not the Same
Not all holistic rehab programs are the same; therefore, cost also varies based on the types of treatment being sought, as well the duration of drug rehabilitation. Some holistic rehab programs may include
- Breathwork
- Guided imagery
- Group walks
While others may offer subsidiary treatment options, including massage therapy and treatment sessions by acupuncturists and herbalists. However, one of the commonalities that most holistic drug rehab centers share is their views on pain management. Many holistic programs attempt to do this without relying heavily on prescription drugs, which can often be addicting themselves.
Do Holistic Treatment Centers Really Work?
The question remains, do holistic rehab centers really work? Advocates of holistic drug recovery tend to feel that traditional methods of drug rehab only address the physical part of the person.
They believe that success is not possible unless all of the aspects, including the spiritual and mental, are addressed in rehabilitation. Those in favor of holistic rehab also encourage addicts to develop a new routine of nutrition to conquer drug addiction effectively.