Addiction treatment comes with a lot of different approaches these days. And what works for one person may not be the most effective for another. Though it has only gained widespread publicity in more recent years, holistic therapy has been helping people overcome addiction for decades.
Especially for those who prefer a more natural approach to treatment or who have already tried more traditional methods unsuccessfully, holistic therapy may be the right choice.
That said, there are a lot of misconceptions about this form of therapy and how it can help those struggling with drug abuse and addiction. Read on to learn more about holistic treatment methods and how they may be just the thing you need to finally regain control of your life.
What Is Holistic Therapy?
Contrary to popular belief, the term “holistic” does not automatically mean “natural” or “alternative” methods of treatment. Instead, “holistic” means “whole person” and refers to methods focused on treating the person as a whole and helping patients regain their general sense of wellbeing. Unlike other forms of addiction treatment that may focus solely on either behavior, mental health or the aspect of physical dependency, holistic treatment focuses on addressing all areas; in body, mind and spirit. After all, addiction often affects all of these.
Depending on your specific needs, holistic addiction therapy may include a combination of methods: detox and physical cleanses, counseling, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, relaxation treatment, physical exercise, etc. Many holistic treatment plans also incorporate yoga, meditation, massage therapy, acupuncture and other such methods for an even more well-rounded approach. Though some people see these treatments as extras, there are a variety of ways in which they help heal individuals suffering from addiction:
- Massage relaxes the body and can help ease the physical pain that has been caused by drug abuse. It can also help ease any lingering detox symptoms.
- Yoga teaches a healthy activity that can double as a hobby (hobbies are crucial for long-term recovery), while simultaneously relaxing the body and keeping the spirit grounded.
- Meditation offers another healthy activity that can easily be performed at home. It can also serve as an important coping method and an effective way to keep stress levels down.
- Acupuncture may provide pain relief and also may help keep patients physically and mentally soothed.
The belief is that addiction can be most successfully overcome when the patient focuses on their mental health as much as their physical health, as well as takes steps to improve their general contentment and joy in everyday life. The goal is to achieve complete healing in all aspects of the self.
Benefits of Holistic Therapy
Many people leave holistic addiction treatment feeling relaxed and with a better sense of self. Because of the multifaceted mind/body/spirit approach, they are able to become not just healthier, but also more content with their lives and more confident that they are able to make the right choices going forward.
Of course, one of the most beneficial aspects of a holistic therapy approach comes when looking at the probability of relapse. According to a study that followed 628 participants over a 16 year period, relatively few (less than 20%) managed to successfully maintain sobriety throughout. Furthermore, those who had only gone through initial addiction treatment counseling and/or detox alone were far more likely to relapse than those who received a more extensive “holistic” approach.
With these statistics in mind, it’s also worth pointing out that holistic therapy is often as focused on the future as it is on the present. Individuals who opt to tackle their drug abuse with a holistic approach are more likely to achieve sobriety and stay sober in the long run because no part of their addiction is overlooked. By addressing how drug abuse and addiction affect the body, the mind, and the spirit (or soul) and then treating each aspect accordingly, individuals are better able to move forward with no stone left unturned.
We’re Here to Help
If you have more questions about holistic therapy methods or would like to know more about your treatment options, we invite you to get in touch with our team at Rise in Malibu. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment approaches to help individuals from all walks of life overcome alcohol and drug abuse and reach the stable, healthy lives they deserve. And because we believe strongly in cleansing the mind, body, and spirit, we offer luxury accommodations and are situated in a beautiful location in addition to our extensive treatment offerings.
Your addiction treatment plan will be tailored to suit you and your unique needs. Don’t waste another day grappling with addiction and wondering if things will ever get better — your new life begins today, contact us now.
