Holistic therapy focuses on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
This treatment approach is offered at many drug and alcohol treatment centers and forms part of a client’s overall treatment plan.
Holistic medicine has a number of basic premises associated with it.
- The different parts of a person are interdependent on each other. If the physical body isn’t healthy, for example, then a person’s mind and spirit are going to experience some issues too.
- Proper treatment involves locating and dealing with the cause of the health concern, not just treating symptoms.
- Participants receive education about lifestyle changes so that they can take charge of their own health. These lifestyle changes may include information about healthy eating, the importance of regular exercise, spiritual exploration, and relationship counseling.
- Alternative therapies such as massage therapy, yoga, and meditation may be used to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Why Use Holistic Therapy to Treat Addiction?
There are good reasons for including holistic therapies when treating drug and alcohol addiction. These types of therapies allow clients to feel as though there are things they can do to take charge of their health and be proactive about managing their addiction.
• Part of a Customized Treatment Plan in Rehab
Every person who enters an inpatient treatment program is different. They have individual histories with unique reasons why they started using chemicals. Treatment plans are tailored to meet the needs and treatment goals of each client, and holistic therapies can help in this regard. Since there are many treatment methods that fall under the holistic umbrella and each person responds to them differently, it’s possible to create a custom treatment plan a client will respond to in a positive manner.
• Teaches Chemical-Free Coping Skills
Someone who is actively using drugs or alcohol is looking to cut themselves off from what they are feeling. The person may be looking to manage feelings of guilt, shame, or hurt by using chemicals as an emotional anesthetic.
When they come into treatment, they need to be reminded (or in some cases need to learn) how to cope with these types of strong emotions without using chemicals. Holistic therapies can improve overall health and give clients the skills they need to deal with cravings as well as the daily frustrations and stresses that are part of modern life without resorting to their previous behaviors.
• Adaptable to Follow-up Care
Some holistic therapies, such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises, are tools that clients can take with them anywhere. They can be used in a sober living house or wherever a client decides to live after he completes the residential treatment program.
Other types of holistic treatments, such as massage or acupuncture, can be scheduled as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. If they are not offered at a drug and alcohol treatment center, a person in recovery can explore them after leaving rehab.
Get a Full Continuum of Addiction Treatment at Great Oaks Recovery
Great Oaks Recovery’s Texas addiction treatment center is pleased to offer its valued clients a full continuum of recovery services. From detoxification to residential drug and alcohol treatment to continuing care, we provide everything you or your loved one needs to get sober.
After arrival, a psychosocial assessment is completed for each client. The primary therapist develops an individualized treatment plan for each client. Great Oaks’ therapeutic options include the following:
- Alcohol and other drug educational groups
- Health and wellness groups
- Family sessions
- Individual and group therapy
- Psycho-educational group sessions
- Relapse prevention planning
- Therapeutic recreation activities
- 12-Step studies
Contact us today with questions or to find out more about what we can offer you or someone you love. A new life and a fresh start are possible with Great Oaks Recovery.
