Addiction treatment certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. While several tried-and-true approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis addiction treatment, or a 12 step recovery program, have been proven effective, sometimes they’re still not enough to break someone from the cycle of drug abuse. Enter: holistic medicine. Although this approach is considered to be alternative medicine, it shouldn’t be dismissed. The benefits of holistic medicine for addiction treatment can be both powerful and practical, creating a wholesome path towards addiction recovery and long-term sobriety success.
What Is Holistic Medicine? A Brief Explanation
A holistic approach to medicine, and consequently addiction treatment, means caring for all parts of a person’s well-being. While traditional medicine primarily focuses on the physical and psychological (and there’s still much to be desired in mental health awareness), holistic medicine also includes a focus on the emotional, social, and spiritual circumstances of the individual as well.
The philosophy behind the holistic approach is the belief that all aspects of our lives can affect our well-being. Everything is interconnected and when one aspect of our lives has an imbalance, it can manifest itself as harmful behaviors (i.e. drug abuse) or bodily ailments (i.e. chronic headache). As such, holistic medicine involves looking beyond the initial symptoms of an ailment such as addiction and finding the ‘story behind the story’, the underlying cause of the health problem. To do so, holistic doctors have a vast array of treatment options at their disposal.
Benefits of Holistic Medicine for Addiction Treatment
1. Promotes an overall healthy lifestyle
Holistic medicine prioritizes disease prevention above all else. As such, many of their approaches encourage an overall healthy lifestyle from the things you eat to the people you associate with. This can help reverse the bodily harm caused by addiction such as malnutrition, organ damage, or neurochemical imbalances. In the long term, these holistic approaches can help support relapse prevention and sober living.
2. Can actually make treatment enjoyable
Who says rehab can’t be a good time? Examples of holistic treatments include meditation, yoga, nutrition counseling, acupuncture, and homeopathy. These may sound more like part of a relaxing spa getaway, but they actually support addiction treatment. Many holistic treatments can provide immediate relief for the physical symptoms of addiction and withdrawal but also help individuals become more in tune with their physical, emotional, and mental state, all of which can lead to greater self-awareness and self-control in the future.
3. A highly personalized treatment plan
There are dozens of different holistic therapies available. And because no one’s struggle with addiction is the same, it’s an important aspect of providing a customized addiction treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each patient. The variety of holistic treatments allows rehab patients to find a type of treatment that not only will they enjoy, but give them the greatest odds of success.
4. More attention from doctors
Holistic doctor visits tend to be much more in-depth. Since the holistic approach cares about your emotion and spiritual state of being as well, holistic doctor visits tend to be much more in-depth. Instead of simply rattling off a list of symptoms and then being given a prescription for medication, they take the time to learn more about you as a person.
Holistic Addiction Treatment: Best of Both Worlds
In drug rehab centers, holistic addiction treatment is a practical solution for healing the multi-faceted damage caused by alcohol or drug abuse. From mental health issues such as anxiety and depression to a person’s relationship with others and themselves. It’s no cure-all, but when used alongside traditional rehab programs, can provide the maximum chance of success while still addressing the basic necessities of addiction treatment.
These alternative therapies promote physical, mental, and emotional health. When used in conjunction with medication, counseling, and group therapy, patients have all the tools they need to adjust their mindset and behavior in the long term. Learn more about holistic addiction treatment in Florida and why it might be right for you.
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