Holistic drug rehabilitation is considered an alternative approach to substance use treatment. Holistic addiction treatment is a non-medical recovery method and is often used to complement traditional practices. However, holistic rehabilitation aims to heal the mind, body, and spirit—the overall well-being of the person is treated, which does appeal to many recovering addicts. Holistic rehabilitation is offered through inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. Rehabilitation programs use a combination of exercise, meditation, and nutrition to help people overcome addiction. Some of the common holistic therapies include yoga, guided meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, exercise, nutrition, art therapy, adventure therapy, and even animal therapy.
Holistic rehabilitation is not anything new for treating addiction and is used by many cultures across the globe. However, within the United States, much of the debate with the evidence showing that these techniques are effective with treating addiction. According to the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment in an article titled Revisiting Holistic Interventions in Substance Abuse Treatment, holistic approaches focus on all aspects of the person. The rehabilitation includes emotional, physical, and social well-being, encouraging growth through self-exploration and expression. The article states, "There is an urgent need in the substance abuse field for integrated treatment models that deal more effectively with individuals etiological, biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural considerations."
Also, holistic and integrated approaches often explore the areas of a person's addiction that go untreated during a standard treatment program. The treatment programs offer personalized, non-medical methods of addiction recovery. The benefit of holistic treatment is it treats the physical and mental addiction symptoms and the emotional and nutritional imbalances. Holistic programs will help addicts identify underlying causes of addiction and help them strengthen resistance to cravings. Also, these facilities are promoting physical fitness, increasing self-confidence, and like any other program, reducing the appeal of drug and alcohol use.
The Benefits of Holistic Substance Abuse Treatment
There are many benefits with holistic rehabilitation, and therapies such as art, music, and wilderness programs offer a number of benefits. When holistic treatment is used alongside traditional approaches, it can be successful. Substance abuse and addiction affect people in different ways, and millions of Americans struggle with addiction. Traditional treatment methods include behavioral interventions such as counseling, group therapy, family therapy, or cognitive therapies. However, no one form of treatment is right for every person, and a well-rounded and comprehensive approach is typically more effective.
Holistic treatment refers to a whole-person approach to treatment and targets the emotional and spiritual aspects of addiction along with the physical and medical sides of addiction. Holistic treatment programs believe that addiction is treatable, and the person does not have to live in recovery. Common holistic treatment includes art and music therapy, mindfulness and stress management, meditation, yoga, nutritional counseling, wilderness or adventure therapy, equine therapy, and art therapy. Many holistic therapies are implemented alongside traditional approaches, such as behavioral therapies, which provides a well-rounded approach.
Holistic programs offer a whole-person approach and follow the belief of treating the mind, body, and spirit. The approaches to treatment allow patients to explore the various ways they have been affected by their addiction. Also, the process heals the physical harm done by addiction and spiritual harm. Holistic programs tend to challenge the individual to look within themselves and find the motivation to succeed. These programs are typically always helpful for stress relief offering natural and effective strategies for relieving stress.
Additionally, there is a reduced risk for relapse and long-term benefits as former patients continue to practice meditation, nutrition, and exercise,