When it comes to getting addiction treatment, people have several options. Most people think of the traditional approach, which includes one-on-one, group and family therapies. However, more and more rehab centers use a holistic approach to treatment. The reason is that it goes beyond treating just addiction.
The Holistic Approach Philosophy
The theory behind holistic treatment is that drug use does more than physically affect the body. It has an impact on every part of life, taking a toll on mind, body and spirit. The holistic approach addresses all of these aspects to help the whole person heal.
The techniques that holistic rehab centers use veer from traditional addiction treatment methods. They provide a unique means of treatment that can benefit people from all walks of life. Specialists can also adjust holistic practices according to the needs of each person.
The Difference Between Traditional and Holistic Rehab
Outpatient or inpatient drug treatment may include traditional or holistic methods. Many of them even combine the two approaches. However, there are a few differences between them.
Traditional treatment emphasizes using evidence-based methods to treat drug abuse and addiction. Extensive treatments usually start with detox and transition into one-on-one and group therapies. Traditional rehab also teaches people new skills and strategies for living sober. Furthermore, it may include the use of medicines during and after detox to assist with recovery.
Holistic approaches usually encourage self-discovery and natural healing. Specialists use few medicines and focus on cleansing the body with healthy diet and herbal supplements. They often use rest and massage therapy to ease discomfort during detox. Their approach to addressing the cause of addiction and finding balance in recovery is more wholesome in nature.
Holistic Treatment Techniques
The purpose of a holistic approach is to deal with several factors in natural ways. It addresses the physical symptoms, emotional imbalance and lack of spiritual guidance. Holistic treatment deals with the toxins that create the need for drugs as well. Patients also learn how to break unhealthy eating habits that disrupt chemical balances in the body.
Holistic rehab centers use many techniques to achieve these goals. Massage and acupuncture are the most common. They provide relaxation and relieve aches, pains and stress.
Meditation, tai chi, prayer and yoga are also common. Many centers emphasize physical activity such as swimming, biking and hiking. Some use ayurvedic medicine, an Indian technique that combines a healthy diet, yoga and meditation. Others use reiki, a Japanese technique that promotes healing through stress reduction and relaxation.
Healthy nutrition is a popular technique as well. It involves eating organic, all-natural meals to improve health and address deficient health. Herbal therapy supplements and healthy nutrition may be used to detoxify the body and reduce unhealthy cravings. As another supplement, homeopathic remedies help manage withdrawal discomfort.
Providing a relaxing atmosphere is a technique itself. Many holistic rehabs choose facility locations by lakes, oceans or mountains to achieve this atmosphere. Other holistic approach techniques include:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Animal therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Guided imagery
Many holistic treatment techniques unlock the natural healing potential of the body. In most cases, those who choose a holistic approach can expect their rehab programs to include several techniques.
Prevalence of Holistic Treatment
Most of the time, these treatments are integral to traditional methods and the 12-step model. A 2009 study of addiction treatment centers found that 33 percent of rehabs use some holistic methods. About 58 percent offered meditation during treatment. Also, 26 percent used prayer techniques, and 91 percent endorsed the 12-step model.
Holistic Rehab Benefits
Whether it’s part of outpatient or inpatient drug treatment, holistic rehab provides benefits for almost anyone. The only requirement is an eagerness to be sober.
One benefit is that patients learn more self-regulation and stress-reducing skills than in traditional treatments. The reason is that holistic programs take a whole-person approach to addiction rehab.
Most people also have less anxiety, depression, tension, and insomnia. Their overall well-being improves. These benefits increase their likelihood of staying sober. They’re more likely to continue using techniques such as meditation or yoga for long-term stress relief.
Another benefit is the promotion of the mind, body, and spirit to heal one’s self. This approach urges people to take control of their lives, recovery, and healing. It empowers them and gives their confidence a boost.
The effectiveness of Holistic Treatment
Experts disagree about the effectiveness of the holistic approach to addiction treatment. The reason is that there’s no research that verifies its success. But if you ask recovering individuals who have used a holistic approach to get and remain sober, the effectiveness is total.
There’s simply a lack of research into the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Among the research that does exist, the results are inconclusive. The lack of conclusive research makes some experts believe that there’s no evidence that holistic methods are effective.
However, other research shows that treatment satisfaction motivates people to stay in treatment and complete rehab. Both of these factors are the key to achieving and maintaining long-term recovery. Some experts argue that holistic methods are effective because they make people more receptive to treatment.
In general, the holistic approach is most attractive to people with no interest in traditional methods. It makes them more comfortable to enter treatment and more willing to try evidence-based therapies. Holistic treatment also makes people feel more relaxed, making it a complement to traditional treatment.
Factors to Consider for Holistic Rehab
When people look for any type of rehab program, there are several factors that they have to consider. They need to ensure that the program is right for their needs.
Before they choose a rehab center that takes a holistic approach, they need to know the techniques it uses. The chosen rehab center needs to have a range of options because no single treatment works for everyone. The staff should be able to help people select the therapies that will work for them. There should also be the option to change a treatment plan if it’s not working.
Follow-up care is necessary to keep people on track after they complete rehab. Quality centers have aftercare programs to provide continued information and support. Some program examples include sober living and transitional living.
Another factor to consider is staff credentials. Everyone who provides care at the chosen drug rehab in Texas needs to have proper experience and training. They also need to understand how to treat drug abuse and addiction to provide the best care.
The location and length of treatment are just as important. Research suggests that inpatient drug rehab is the most beneficial. The reason is that it takes people away from drug influences. It typically lasts longer too, which gives clients more time to change and learn skills to stay sober.
Get Holistic Addiction Treatment
Some people want rehab centers that take both a traditional and holistic approach to treatment. Healing Springs Ranch uses a whole-person approach that integrates the 12-step program model and traditional therapies. Some of our holistic techniques include:
- Drama therapy
- Equine therapy
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Outdoor swimming
- Yoga
Put an end to the control that addiction has over your life. We can help you heal your mind, body, and spirit. Contact us today at 866-656-8384 to learn more about our holistic approach to addiction treatment model.