Holistic Drug and Alcohol Treatment

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Author: Justin Mckibben

What is Holistic Drug and Alcohol Treatment?

Holistic is a term that means “whole” and “complete.” Therefore, when considering getting help for substance abuse, the approach of holistic drug and alcohol treatment involves methods that are specific with addressing the mind, body, and spirit together and individually in the healing process of those seeking help.

Holistic drug and alcohol treatment differs from traditional methods of addiction treatment that tend to only treat certain aspects of the client and their disease of addiction.  The staff involved in holistic drug and alcohol treatment programs understands the complex nature of addiction, and the concept that it is a three-part disease:

• A physical allergy
• A mental obsession
• A spiritual malady

There is plenty of research that has found that substance abuse interventions that incorporate spiritual approaches, such as meditation, provide benefit to healing and recovery through reshaping both psychological and psychosocial factors.

Holistic Drug and Alcohol Treatment: What’s the difference?

The mind, body and spirit are so closely interlinked that holistic drug and alcohol treatment centers put an emphasis on using holistic therapy to aid in the road to recovery from drugs and alcohol, and to assist individuals in successfully developing the coping skills for the transition to everyday life.

Holistic drug and alcohol treatment programs implement therapies such as yoga, massage therapy and acupuncture to compliment the basics of clinical drug and alcohol treatments.

• Yoga- Yoga can improve the mind, body and soul through exercise, breathing and meditation techniques used during each session
• Massage therapy– Massage therapy can improve the mind, body and soul through relaxation, stress relief and the healing of muscles.
• Acupuncture- Acupuncture uses the manipulation of needles to improve the mind, body and soul and treatment experience by helping to reduce stress, pain, cause relaxation and calmness.

These are some of the most effective examples of out-of-the-box methods that you will find at a holistic drug and alcohol treatment facility. In addition to the typical treatment protocols such as individual and peer group counseling, 12 Step meetings, and relapse prevention classes that you may find in other rehab programs.

Other examples of holistic healing strategies include:

• Natural diet and herbal remedies
• Nutritional supplements
• Exercise
• Relaxation
• Psycho-spiritual counseling
• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Homeopathy

Holistic Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Detox Process

As always with addiction or alcoholism there is a period where the body experiences feelings of physical and mental discomfort commonly referred to as withdrawal. Withdrawals are not always the same for every substance, but in a holistic drug and alcohol treatment center an experienced and educated medical staff will be present to provide safe and personalized medical care to make this period as comfortable as possible.

During the detox stage of treatment modern medicines are absolutely essential to holistic drug and alcohol treatment centers to help people with their physical withdrawal, which in some extreme cases could be fatal if not handled and monitored properly. Holistic drug and alcohol treatment facilities offer non-narcotic medications which could also be a major help to those suffering from diseases such as depression, bi polar, or anxiety. This helps the body and mind to function smoother and more clearly during the earliest stages of recovery.

It is also during this initial intake and assessment period that the staff can help you to outline your recovery plan by introducing you to some of the different forms of treatment that will be available to you during inpatient holistic drug and alcohol treatment.

Why should I go to a holistic treatment program?

The most important part of a holistic drug rehab center is to see how they use these practices in conjunction with their medical treatment for drug and alcohol recovery. Most addicts and alcoholics wanting help from a drug treatment center can see exactly how these kind of holistic practices are beneficial for them before they participate.

Holistic drug and alcohol treatment centers will talk a lot about finding the meaning to life again, living life to the fullest, creating a positive change, and emphasize this. One of the biggest hurdles for many addicts and alcoholics trying to recover is the transition back into every-day life.

In the end a holistic drug and alcohol treatment program is so beneficial because of the simple fact that holistic healing is not just about the clinical side of rehab. Holistic drug and alcohol treatment believes in the idea that in order to put an individual in the best possible position for success, they should address the disease of addiction at all sides, and be exposed to a variety of spiritual, emotional, and physical exercises and strategies that can be used to overcome during the tough times that may come after treatment.

Overcoming addiction means more than just putting down the drink or the drug, and holistic drug and alcohol treatment is so powerful because it acknowledges the importance of every aspect of a healthy and happy life. Palm Partners prides itself in being one of the top holistic drug and alcohol treatment centers, and we strive to be part of what makes recovering addicts and alcoholics whole again. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-951-6135