Holistic drug treatment is essentially the same as any other kind of holistic practice as it’s primary focus is based on the theory of holism, concentrating on the idea that the whole is larger than the sum of its parts. In holistic drug rehab, the idea is not to just treat addiction, or co-occurring mental health issues, but rather the whole person, namely the mind, body, and spirit.
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Holistic drug rehab generally has a very different approach to recovery than traditional drug rehab centers. Holism describes focus on the whole person, and not just the part of that person causing problems at that time. In holistic drug rehab, the focus is primarily on the mind, body, and spirit for healing on the whole person struggling. The idea of holistic drug rehab is to center healing on all aspects of the human existence to build the entire person and make him or her stronger in every way. Although the means are generally the same as counseling, therapy, meetings, and support groups, there is an added element of therapy that focuses on physical well-being.
The Mind
Holistic drug treatment often involves cutting edge neurofeedback procedures such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). This process involves using eye movement to stimulate the information processed through the brain and has been used in treating individuals suffering from trauma brought on by crime, war, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Many studies have shown that this kind of exercise has produced a faster process than traditional therapy. Another neurofeedback tool often used is called Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) which is a process that can reprogram an individual’s belief and behavioral processes based on how communication can be affected by subjective experiences. Both of these practices are intended to challenge the brain, much like muscles are challenged in physical exercise. These exercises not only help with training the brain for better overall function and physical behavior but have also been proven to help with sleep patterns as well as providing relief from anxiety, depression, and stress for an overall healthier state of being.
The Body
Along with the neurofeedback exercises, holistic drug rehab often includes physical relief tools such as acupuncture. Acupuncture is a process that will allow energy to flow through the body and stimulate neurotransmitters to calm and ease some of the drug and alcohol cravings experienced during periods of abstinence. Along with acupuncture, warm baths, saunas, calming music, and steam all assist in producing a calming effect on the mind and a physical aid in ridding the body of toxins created by drug and alcohol abuse. This all ties in with the physical part of healing the body associated with holistic drug rehab focusing on healing the mind, body, and spirit.
The Spirit
Dealing with the spiritual aspect of healing is often the most complicated with an endless myriad of belief systems and variations of each belief system. Many people are very pious while many others take more of an agnostic or atheistic approach to religion. But the premise behind holistic drug rehab is not a religious one, rather a spiritual one. Spirituality is one of the most important factors not only in drug rehab but also in life. Traditional drug rehabs that follow the 12-step program teach that each individual must turn his or her life over to a Higher Power, oftentimes defines by the drug rehab itself as God, but in holistic drug rehab, God is referred to as the Higher Power, making it easier for people from all walks of life and all belief systems to identify their own HIgher Power and submit to that. The 12-step program is non-denominational and an invaluable tool in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Once each individual is able to identify their own personal higher power or G.O.D. (Good Orderly Direction), the rest of the 12-step program makes more sense and seems to speak more directly to each person under its direction. The 12-step program is an important part of drug rehab and is embraced by holistic drug rehab centers.
Often this process of finding a personal connection with a Higher Power can then be coupled with meditation and other spiritual exercises to enhance the experience of a newly found peace of mind, body, and spirit.
Holistic drug rehab takes a unique approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, leaving no stone unturned for the comprehensive and complete rehabilitation of the whole person in treatment. Of course, this methodology is not right for everyone and is a perfect fit for others. It is a matter of personal conviction and beliefs as to whether this kind of treatment is right for you.
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