Holistic Techniques for Treatment of Substance Abuse
A rising trend in healthcare has been incorporating complementary, alternative, or holistic treatment approaches into standard treatments for various ailments and conditions. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, approximately 4/10 adults in the United States are using a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and the trend seems to be growing. Substance abuse and addiction treatment is no exception to this trend, as various holistic techniques are already employed in rehab centres across the US and Canada.
Rehabilitation programs that integrate holistic techniques review an integrated physical, mental, and spiritual model to create an all-encompassing treatment plan for substance use disorders. Usually, holistic techniques and conventional treatment are used to augment aspects of standard recovery efforts. For example, massage and acupuncture can help with specific withdrawal symptoms like muscle aches and pains. Other traditional holistic techniques used in rehabilitation programs are nutritional therapy to help with unhealthy eating habits and malnutrition, reiki and different types of energy work to address a lack of spiritual grounding, yoga, meditation to ease stress and other emotional issues, and much more.
Holistic treatments in rehabilitation can also be helpful because, in some cases, they can attract people who might not typically be interested in standard treatments. Complementary and alternative therapies could make some people more comfortable starting treatment, potentially leading them to be willing to try other research-based treatments. A vital feature of all holistic techniques is that they are intended to treat the whole person and improve their overall well-being, not just one symptom. That being said, a holistic approach to substance use disorder treatment should aim to cut back on addictive behaviors and adequately address all the factors that contribute to the development of the addiction.
The Efficacy of Holistic Techniques in Rehab
For more information about holistic techniques in rehab and who they might work best for, go to AmericanAddictionCenters.org:
“Most experts agree that conventional, research-based detox and treatment for addiction, provided through a residential program, is more likely to support an individual in maintaining recovery. The holistic label may indicate a wide range of complementary or alternative treatment offerings. When considering various rehabilitation centers, people may need to research what each specific location advertises as holistic offerings. They may need to ask about the therapies offered, the training of the people providing the therapies, and the cost of care, for example.
Though many CAM treatments lack an evidence-base when it comes to their efficacy in addiction treatment, there is evidence that satisfaction with treatment is related to treatment retention and treatment completion measures, both of which may equate with more favorable treatment outcomes.3 It is reasonable to assume that certain holistic therapies, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage, as used to augment more traditional addiction treatment therapies, like individual counseling, behavioral therapies, and medical detox, can add to such treatment satisfaction, in some instances.”
From Holistic Addiction Treatment Programs & Rehab Centers Near Me - American Addiction Centers
Additional Reference
From How to Heal Your Liver: 8 Signs Your Liver Is Healing - AddictionGroup
Photo Source: WIX
If you or anyone you know is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, are there any holistic techniques that you think could help?
Written by Yellow Brick Road Token
April 18th, 2022