Getting Treatment Right The First Time
Substance abuse is a pervasive problem that affects all demographics. It does not discriminate by age, gender, or race. Addiction is capable of destroying anyone’s life, which is why effective intervention is so important. Unfortunately, ineffective therapies can be just as dangerous as leaving a substance abuse problem untreated.
When a person struggling with addition agrees to get help and their subsequent treatment program does not effectively address the underlying causes of their addiction, disaster can result. Often, he or she feels defeated and may be prone to relapse. If a relapse does occur, the victim of addiction may have trouble trusting the rehabilitation system again and may even be less likely to accept help. This underscores the importance of finding the right therapy approach the first time.
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
“Dual diagnosis” refers to the idea that a substance abuse problem often occurs with another mental health disorder. In fact, people who struggle with substance abuse may have developed a problem because of a mental health condition like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Mental health conditions and substance abuse issues often go hand in hand, so it’s essential to provide treatment to both issues simultaneously.
Unfortunately, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) reports that only 8% of individuals receive effective treatment for both their substance abuse disorder and their co-occurring mental health conditions. Lack of effective treatment can cause people to spiral down into the destruction of addiction.
A person struggling with addiction must understand how one condition feeds the other. Without this intervention, the vicious cycle of addiction will only continue.
Holistic Therapy and Treatment
Holistic or integrated therapy is an often misunderstood concept. Some believe the common misconception that alternative therapies fly in the face of medical science or promote ideas that aren’t backed by evidence. Here’s the truth: holistic treatments aim to treat the whole person, which includes mind, body, and spirit. True holistic therapies combine evidence-based, convention rehabilitative practices with alternative therapies to achieve optimal health in recovery.
Holistic therapy is quickly becoming a popular method for addiction treatment. Its main advantage is that it addresses a person’s addiction at every possible level. Rather than viewing a person as a set of symptoms, holistic therapy recognizes that addiction is complex, and that true rehabilitation comes from treating all the underlying factors that contribute to a person’s substance abuse problem.
Types of Alternative Treatment For A Holistic Recovery Plan
Holistic therapy requires traditional medically-based approaches like psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medically supervised detox, medication for controlling co-occurring conditions, and more. However, it also combines one or several types of integrated therapy, which may include the following:
Acupuncture
This is an ancient Eastern practice that involves inserting small needles into pressure points. Strategically, they can help reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as reducing the cravings that are common in the early stages of recovery. If withdrawal brings muscle pain and aches, acupuncture can reduce these, as well.
Meditation
Meditation or prayer can also be very helpful in fighting addiction. This requires intense mental concentration, but has the end goal of reaching a higher level of comprehension. It can be useful in providing people with the focus they need to reach the next stage in recovery, but it can also be helpful for certain co-occurring disorders like anxiety.
Biofeedback
It sounds technical, but biofeedback is simply the process by which your brain processes information. By assessing your brain waves, practitioners can help you understand what happens when you experience a craving, and how you can fight the problem.
Hypnosis
Medical hypnosis works by reaching your subconscious mind and helping to address your need for substances. This practice can improve self-efficacy and aid in recovery.
Herbal Supplements
Certain herbal supplements are effective in creating feelings of relaxation and reducing feelings of anxiety. Others, such as valerian root, can be an effective sleep aid for insomnia related to substance abuse.
Yoga
Yoga for addiction recovery can be incredibly effective. This art of meditation, relaxation, breathing, and stretching increases mindfulness, reduces stress, and can help address the symptoms that trigger the cycle of addiction. It can also be effective in managing the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The techniques you learn in yoga can be effective throughout all stages of recovery.
Why Choose Holistic Therapy?
Substance abuse treatment can often be difficult for the patient and represents a significant investment. Why choose a holistic recovery program? Recovery programs that incorporate alternative elements into their dual diagnosis treatment have unique benefits. Firstly, they may encourage people who reject traditional medical treatment to get help. Secondly, they allow all participants the opportunity to develop valuable coping skills that will help them throughout a lifetime of recovery.
Holistic treatment programs do more than just treat the symptoms of a substance abuse or mental health condition; they prepare patients to change their lives, even after rehab is over. Each patient gains tools they can use to prevent relapse and recognize triggers in the real world. For these reasons, more people are turning to holistic therapy programs.
Like all treatment programs, alternative therapies require a doctor’s approval. Some patients might need a medical clearance before performing certain physical activities like yoga. If you have any questions about an alternative therapy, talk to your rehabilitation specialist to see if it’s right for you.
Holistic treatment therapies are both safe and effective, especially in treating co-occurring substance abuse and mental health conditions. By using a combination of traditional and alternative medicine techniques, clients will be better prepared to face the outside world.
About Maryland Recovery
Maryland Recovery offers a unique and innovative approach to substance abuse treatment. By focusing on the individual during the course of treatment, we offer personalized and affordable drug and alcohol abuse services. Our Holistic Remedies program works to treat both substance abuse and mental health disorders that allow clients to enjoy increased quality of life.
