Holistic Approach to Addiction Recovery

Holistic Treatments Improve Recovery

Recent scientific studies have demonstrated dramatically improved success rates of recovery from substance abuse with the addition of holistic treatment approaches.   A Holistic approach looks at the whole picture. By definition, the totality of a person is much greater than the sum of its individual actions and they cannot be understood by the isolated examination of their of their lives w/out examining the other surrounding aspects.

 
Addiction affects every aspect of a person's life: the physical body, which includes our brain that directs our thoughts and emotions which then effect decisions and communication. Addiction directly affects our relationships with friends and family, work, and one’s core values. Therefore, it makes sense that the whole body (both physical, emotional and mental) should be cared for when treating someone with a substance abuse problem. In addition, the family and close friends need to be treated as they have become angry, fearful and hurt as a result of the behavioral and emotional changes created by the progressive dependence on substances.  

Family education in rehab provides an understanding of what has happened to the person with the addiction and how this progression has impacted the family and friends. Meeting together helps restore the positive emotions of the family and relationships, and what the family can expect during the first 6-12 months of recovery, brings can help bring the peace of acceptance.  

Medical professionals now agree that addiction is a chronic disease of the brain, leading to emotional problems, and a physical dependence.  Because addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, or any other destructive behavior are a result of brain and relational changes,  holistic addiction treatment takes a comprehensive look at the entire human being rather than treating only the symptom or behavior. From yoga to qigong, nutritional therapies to acupuncture, holistic techniques have proven highly beneficial to people in recovery from all types of addictive and compulsive behaviors.

Holistic treatment forms of care can help reduce tension, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and can increase personal awareness, improving overall mental, physical, and spiritual health. By offering a broad selection of traditional and alternative therapies, those suffering from addiction receive the most progressive form of therapy designed to suit their particular needs. This gives recovering addicts every opportunity for a successful and insightful long-term recovery.

After years of abusing the body, waging war against the mind, and disregarding the spirit, patients respond well to gentle holistic therapies. These techniques use natural avenues to help ease the discomfort of withdrawal, avoid relapse, and reconnect addicts with themselves, with others, and with a higher power. As patients begin to become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, they take responsibility for themselves and their ongoing recovery.

If we can be of help to you in choosing a program that meets your needs, contact us at (858) 453-4315.  The goal is for the entire family system to continue to develop a life of wellness.

In Gratitude,

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS
Co-Founder and Executive Director