What is holistic treatment?

In the dictionary, holism is defined as “the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts”.  In applying this to substance abuse treatment, the holistic approach can be looked at as treating the patient as a whole, rather than just treating the symptoms of addiction and other associated disorders.  Holistic substance abuse treatment model uses methods which are outside of the usual treatments.  Using nature-based practiced and evidence-based practice, the alternative approach involves methods of healing including acupuncture and massage therapy.

Why holistic healing for substance abuse treatment is effective

The guiding principles of recovery, developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), state that recovery “encompasses and individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit and community.”  It goes on to argue that services and support for addiction should be both integrated and coordinated.  

Holistic recovery involves the implementation of practical and comprehensive ways for people to develop a meaningful life after they leave treatment.  Holistic treatment for substance abuse is a vital part of recovery from substance abuse, and is designed to help the recovering person to reach his potential.

Holistic treatment methods for addiction

Wilderness therapy

Wilderness therapy uses nature to improve mental health, particularly for people who struggled with depression and substance abuse problems.  This adventure-based therapy can be used as a complementary therapy to treat drug and alcohol addiction.

Meditation

Meditation is a holistic technique which helps to address the emotional aspect of a person.  We all have desires for things in life, like meaningful relationships, a successful career, and recognition for our attainments.  When these natural desires turn into obsessions, they can begin to warp a person’s perspective, causing unnecessary suffering, which can lead to addiction.  Mindfulness helps to lower stress-related hormones, energizing the person through heightened self-awareness and contentment.

Sand tray therapy

Sand tray therapy allows patients to express their feelings, which helps to increase personal growth, social integration and development.  Sand tray therapists observe clients playing with toys to determine the causes of substance abuse challenges.  The objects and patterns which are used to play, combined with the willingness to interact with therapists, can be used to gain an understanding of the reasons for addictive behavior.

Art therapy

Art therapy is a fun way to reduce levels of cortisol, which is the main hormone which is found within the bloodstream, when someone is under large amounts of stress.  Substance abuse can impact the motivational systems of the brain and raise cortisol levels, which impacts a person’s perception of stressful situations.  A new study has shown that art therapy can significantly reduce stress hormones in the body, which can improve stress response in people who are struggling with drug addiction.

Nutrition counseling

Nutrition counseling has been shown to drastically improve addiction rates for recovery in substance abuse programs.  People who substance abuse addiction usually have dietary issues as they are either no eating enough, or they are eating foods that have little nutrition value.  Working with a nutrition counselor, individuals have a better chance of retaining long-term recovery while improving their mental health conditions.

Guided imagery

Guided imagery uses visualizations to improve the emotional state of an individual, while helping to bring about desired outcomes in thought, behavior and coping mechanisms.  Effective at both reducing pain and anxiety, this alternative healing method combines meditation and visualization, which can also help you to sleep better at night.  Under the guidance of a therapist, people struggling with addiction can tap into the subconscious, so they have can make emotional connections and thus improve levels of self-esteem and self-efficacy.

Surf therapy

Surf therapy is a recent psychotherapy treatment, and has been used successfully for veterans who are suffering with PTSD, depression, combat stress and traumatic brain injury.  Surf therapy has also been used to treat substance abuse disorders and disorders related to drug addiction.  Surf therapy uses the ocean for its mental health benefits, and has shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental ailments.

Conclusion

Substance abuse treatment has traditionally followed a narrow model, in which a limited number of treatments are available.  Substance abuse treatment in Arlington County, Virginia has now progressed, so that a number of different treatments are available for people in Arlington County who have had problems with substances, or who currently have substance abuse problems.  Holistic healing can be thought of as the most effective manner of treating substance abuse problems, when combined with traditional healing modalities.