We know that traditional forms of therapy, such as counseling and support groups, are critical for staying on track while in recovery. However, throughout the years there have been many additional forms of therapy that have also been found to also be effective for some people.
When many people think of holistic care, they think of eastern medicine or unproven medical techniques. In reality, the definition of holistic care is quite different. The goal of holistic care when it comes to addiction treatment is to treat not just the addiction but the person as a whole. This means caring for their physical, psychological, and spiritual needs, allowing the individual to leave treatment as a better version of themselves. Many treatment facilities are seeing the value of the holistic approach and looking to incorporate it into their care.
Understanding What Holistic Care Is
When using holistic care, a treatment provider looks at the individual’s whole being. They’ll look at how the body, mind, and spirit work together. This can help to get a better understanding of what events in an individual’s life caused them to begin engaging in substance misuse in the first place, whether it be trauma, a stressful situation, or even an undiagnosed mental health condition. Once this is determined, the patient can then respond to this unprocessed pain and begin to heal. By determining the root cause of the addiction, instead of just treating the symptoms, the patient will likely have a better chance at experiencing long-term recovery and avoiding relapse.
The goal of holistic care is not only to prevent cravings but also to relieve stress, strengthen one’s self-confidence and relationships with loved ones, create more effective coping mechanisms, encourage better overall health, and create a better balance in one’s life. Holistic care can be implemented in many ways, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. It may take time to find the approach that works the best for them.
Examples of Holistic Modalities That Compliment Traditional Addiction Treatment
There are many ways to integrate holistic care into addiction treatment. The following are some popular options.
#1.) Acupuncture: The practice of acupuncture had been around for many years. It originated in China way back in 2500 BC. It involves putting thin needles into the specific parts of the body to create a better sense of balance and allow the body’s organs to work at their fullest capacity. The initial reaction to acupuncture can often be one of fear. The idea of getting stuck with needles all over the body can certainly sound intimidating. However, most patients feel very little pain if they experience any at all. Instead, it is more common to feel energized and more at peace. Acupuncture may be able to help those receiving treatment for a substance use disorder by increasing the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that plays a role in pleasure. It may also stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.
#2.) Hypnosis: Hypnosis used for addiction treatment is nothing like what you see in the movies. Medical hypnosis involves a trained psychologist who works with a patient to alter their state of consciousness and help them enter a tranced state. When the patient is in this state, they are focused not on the things around them but on the inner experience. During this time, the patient will focus deeply on mental aspects such as memories, perception, and imagination. While in a tranced state, the individual may be better able to delve into their subconscious and pinpoint what triggered their addiction. Once the root cause of the substance use disorder is identified, the patient can then begin the healing process. It’s important to note that hypnosis isn’t a magic fix, but it can be a useful tool along the path of recovery.
#3.) Nutritional Therapy: Drugs and alcohol can deplete vital vitamins and nutrients within the body. When working with a registered dietician, a person going through treatment can identify what nutrients their body is deficient in and learn how to restore their body through supplements and diet changes.
#4.) Biofeedback Therapy: During a biofeedback session, sensors will be placed on a patient’s body. A therapist can then track involuntary functions such as heart rate, breathing, skin temperature, muscle contraction, sweating, and brain waves. This can help the therapist get a better idea of how a patient responds to stressful situations, symptoms of withdrawal, and cravings. The more they know about these functions, the better equipped they will be to treat the patient.
Traditional forms of treatment such as counseling and support group meetings are critical for the success of one’s recovery. However, they are not the only forms of treatment available. In recent years, many treatment facilities have seen the value of more holistic practices and work to implement them into their treatment plans. Holistic care when it comes to substance use treatment looks at not only the addiction but at an individual as a whole. It works to improve one’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being while working to find the root cause of their substance misuse. Some popular forms of holistic health treatment include acupuncture, hypnosis, nutritional therapy, and biofeedback therapy. These are meant not to be a replacement for traditional therapy but to supplement it. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with a substance use disorder, our team at Dream Recovery is here to help. Call (949) 732-1960 today to learn more.