How HOLiSTIC REHAB Benefits You
Table of Content Holistic Rehab Centers are More Popular than Ever The Need for Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs Alcohol Abuse and Addiction These Issues Need Treatment Holistic Treatment Explained Peaceful Settings Comparisons Between 12-step Programs and Alternative Programs The Whole-body Approach Therapies That May be Recommended What to Expect from a Holistic Rehab Center Examples of Programs Available at Holistic Rehab Centers Finding New Inner Peace Who Can Benefit from a Holistic Rehab Center? Whole Body Health and Wellness Holistic Treatment Following Relapse Taking the First Step: Finding Holistic Treatment Centers Learn More about Holistic Treatment 2
F or individuals who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, making the decision to enter treatment is an important first step toward long-term sobriety. However, with the wide variety of different treatment programs available, selecting the right treatment program can be a daunting experience. Depending on an individual s needs, the right treatment program will provide both medical detox as well as inpatient and outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation. In a holistic rehab facility, the services provided are intended to encompass a diverse group of people in order to best meet their individual needs. 3
Holistic Rehab Centers are More Popular than Ever Holistic rehabilitation programs are an increasingly popular treatment option. These programs are founded on the belief that drug or alcohol abuse cannot simply be removed overnight from an individual s life. Instead, holistic rehab is based on the belief that the most effective substance abuse treatment will address both the physical addiction as well as the core emotional or psychological concerns that underlie addiction. Many holistic treatment centers combine traditional drug detox with spiritual or mind-body activities that help individuals rejuvenate, realign and recover. Understanding the available treatment methods is essential to selecting the right program that will help an individual achieve long-lasting sobriety. The information in this piece will help individuals better understand why rehabilitation is important, what to expect from holistic rehab, and how holistic rehab can help reduce the risk for relapse and support long-term sobriety. 4
The Need for Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs With illicit drug use on the rise, fueled in part by the increase in prescription drug abuse, an increasing number of Americans are experiencing substance abuse and addiction. In 2012, an estimated 23.9 million Americans ages 12 and older (9.2 percent of the population) admitted to using either an illicit drug or abusing a psychotherapeutic medication, such as a painkiller, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This figure represents an 8.3 percent increase since 2002. Since 1999, the number of drug overdose deaths has doubled in 29 states, tripled in 10 states and quadrupled in four states, according to the 2013 report, Prescription Drug Abuse: Strategies to Stop the Epidemic. Prescription drug abuse is a top public health concern. Prescription drug deaths now exceed the number of vehiclerelated deaths in 29 states and Washington, D.C. This figure is more than all the overdose deaths from heroin and cocaine combined. 23.9 million Americans ages 12 and older admitted to using either an illicit drug or abusing a psychotherapeutic medication = 1 million 5
Alcohol Abuse and Addiction Many Americans are also dealing with alcohol abuse and addiction. In 2008, 19.3 million Americans needed treatment for alcohol dependency. The need for alcohol treatment is highest among 18- to 25-year-olds, with 17.2 percent of this age group needing treatment. This is due in part to the fact that binge drinking is a growing problem among young adults and underage drinkers. These Issues Need Treatment Drug and alcohol addiction is a very serious condition that will not simply go away with willpower. Unfortunately, only 2.6 million Americans barely 11 percent will receive treatment in a dedicated addiction treatment center. Addiction is a complex problem that goes beyond the physical and psychological craving for a specific substance; addiction affects every aspect of an individual s life. Recovering from addiction requires making major changes in the way that an individual lives, deals with problems and even relates to others. Dealing with addiction is even harder when an individual also has a co-occurring mental health condition, also known as a dual diagnosis. The good news is that there are treatment programs, many of which are holistic, that can help. 6
Holistic Treatment Explained Holistic addiction treatment is a personalized approach to substance abuse rehabilitation that provides a secure, safe and supportive environment for recovery. In holistic treatment, there is no single type of therapy. Instead, holistic treatment is a broad approach encompassing a variety of treatment techniques that are designed to address an individual s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Peaceful Settings Many holistic treatment centers are located in peaceful natural habitats, such as near the mountains or the ocean, and are closely integrated with the natural world. Holistic programs believe that physical quieting and grounding in nature is essential to helping individuals embark upon their journey toward tranquility, realignment and inner peace. The goal of holistic rehab is not only to help individuals successfully detox from alcohol and/or drugs, but also to heal an individual s body, mind and spirit. Ultimately, holistic addiction treatment is designed to help program participants regain a sense of wholeness and reconnect with their inner purpose. To achieve this treatment goal, holistic treatment programs emphasize the union between the mind and body through activities that increase mindfulness. These programs typically offer a wide variety of activities ranging from yoga and Tai Chi to creative arts and exercise. This spectrum of activities allows program participants to better select the right activities that will support their personal growth. 7
Comparisons Between 12-step Programs & Alternative Programs While 12-step programs are successful for some people, other individuals may benefit from a different treatment approach. A 2006 study found that 12-step programs, while helpful for some, are not superior to other treatment approaches. When Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs were examined in the controlled study, scientists found no proof that these programs were any more or any less successful at increasing the number of people who stayed in treatment or in reducing the number of relapses. Consequently, study experts recommended that individuals who are entering treatment choose the program that is right for their needs, rather than feeling pressured to select one approach over another. The study, which focused primarily on the treatment of alcohol addiction, was published in The Cochrane Library, a journal devoted to systematic reviews of health care interventions. Some individuals benefit greatly from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational enhancement therapy as alternatives to 12-step programs. The goal of CBT and motivational enhancement therapy is to help individuals recognize destructive patterns of behavior and change these behavioral patterns in order to prevent future substance abuse. For other individuals, especially those with co-occurring dependency or mental illness, holistic treatment programs that emphasize whole body health, mindfulness and spirituality are the right choice. 8
The Whole-body Approach In addition to helping program participants successfully detox and manage withdrawal symptoms, holistic treatment follows a whole-body approach to drug and alcohol addiction recovery. For example, some individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol also need help with depression, anxiety, fear, stress or other mental health concerns. These individuals may be abusing drugs because of peer pressure or emotional pain, to cope with stress in their lives, to take away feelings of loneliness, to rebel against someone or something, or to self-medicate. In fact, approximately 50 percent of all individuals diagnosed with mental illness are also affected by substance abuse. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 53 percent of individuals who are addicted to drugs and 37 percent of individuals who abuse alcohol have at least one serious mental illness. Holistic treatment programs are designed to address these mental health concerns as well as an individual s psychological and physical addiction. 9 50 percent of all individuals diagnosed with mental illness are also affected by substance abuse.
What to Expect from a Holistic Rehab Center Holistic rehabilitation is a completely personalized approach to substance abuse treatment. Holistic treatment centers seek to empower each individual with the confidence, knowledge and motivation required to take charge of his or her own recovery and to make a personal commitment to sobriety. Consequently, individuals who participate in a holistic rehab program will follow their own unique path or track that best fits their interests and needs. No matter what path is selected, holistic treatment centers will always respect individuals personal religious and/or spiritual beliefs and never force them to adhere to any conflicting principles. 10 body irit Depending on the individual, a holistic treatment specialist may recommend multiple therapies to help the individual reconnect with spirituality and a greater sense of purpose in life. These treatments are mind/body-based and designed to bring greater awareness and mindfulness to an individual s life. sp Therapies That May be Recommended mind
Examples of Programs Available at Holistic Rehab Centers Include: Meditation Yoga Massage Acupuncture Reiki Spiritual exploration Physical exercise Nutritional counseling Organic diets Saunas Painting Art Therapy Most holistic treatment centers recommend a daily combination of mindfulness activities, such as yoga and meditation, with physical exercise, nutritional counseling, creative arts therapies (e.g., writing, photography) and group or one-on-one counseling. 11 This integrated approach to holistic rehabilitation reinforces an individual s sense of well-being and selfdiscipline while providing an outlet for the exploration of personal demons that may be driving an individual s substance abuse.
Finding New Inner Peace While there are many paths toward wellness, the end goal is always the same: achieving and maintaining sobriety. To help individuals achieve this goal, holistic therapies are designed to assist individuals to explore their inner spirits and nurture a new sense of peace and well-being. These programs help to increase an individual s sense of self-worth, which is vital to providing a more positive outlook on life and better managing difficult issues, such as the emotional issues that may be underlying substance abuse. All holistic programs emphasize respect, compassion and care. 12
Who Can Benef it from a Holistic Rehab Center? Holistic addiction treatment is designed for individuals who may not be comfortable with traditional faith-based 12-step programs, or who may need additional care in order to achieve the mental and emotional well-being necessary for long-term sobriety. Holistic addiction treatment is also ideal for individuals who wish to incorporate spirituality or alternative healing arts, such as Reiki, into their treatment, rather than religious or other faith-based care. Holistic alcohol and drug treatment programs offer many important benefits. These programs address an individual s substance abuse as well as the underlying mental health concerns or psychological issues that may be triggering this abuse. For example, some individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol to escape depression or anxiety. A past history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse can also drive individuals to abuse drugs and alcohol. Addressing these feelings and experiences is important to long-term sobriety. Otherwise, individuals are at increased risk for a drug or alcohol relapse. 13
Whole Body Health and Wellness During holistic treatment, individuals will embark on a personal journey toward whole body health and wellness. Holistic treatment programs are especially beneficial for individuals who deal with serious everyday stress. By providing a break from daily life, holistic treatment programs afford individuals the space they need to focus on personal wellbeing. By finding internal harmony and balance, individuals will be better prepared to live a life filled with peace and joy, rather than turning to external substances to cope with painful feelings or to find happiness. Holistic treatment programs, just like 12-step programs and cognitive behavioral therapy, are designed to help individuals recover from addiction and lead a sober life. There is no single right program; there are many paths toward sobriety, and holistic treatment is one of them. 14
Holistic Treatment Following Relapse Holistic treatment programs are also beneficial for individuals who have relapsed and need extended or continuing treatment. These individuals may have tried a shorter treatment program, such as a 30-day outpatient program, but have not received the depth of assistance necessary to truly address the issues underlying their addiction. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, as long as an individual continues to struggle with depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other co-occurring mental health problems, the individual continues to be at risk for relapse. Holistic treatment programs empower individuals to take control of their lives through self-exploration and discovery. Individuals who have recently suffered a relapse should not give up hope. While relapse can be frustrating and disappointing, they should keep in mind that addiction did not occur overnight. Consequently, they cannot instantly become sober, either. Individuals who have recently relapsed may simply need a more comprehensive treatment program to address underlying issues that could have triggered the relapse. If this is the case, then a holistic treatment program may be just the type of treatment program that the individual needs to get back on the track to sobriety. 15
Taking the First Step: Finding Holistic Treatment Centers From 12-step programs to holistic rehab, the wide variety of substance abuse treatment options available to individuals can initially seem overwhelming, especially since not every rehab center offers the same treatment options. Understanding the different options available is essential to finding the right treatment center for an individual s needs. Fundamentally, holistic programs are founded on the belief that while there is one journey, there are many paths. By integrating a variety of services and treatments, holistic treatment centers not only help an individual constructively address his or her substance abuse, but also rebuild the ability to tolerate, negotiate and move through situations in life. From the initial assessment and detoxification to one-on-one counseling and mind-body therapies, this personalized approach is fully customized to suit each individual s unique needs. 16
Learn More about Holistic Treatment Individuals who are interested in learning more about holistic treatment programs should speak with a substance abuse counselor or addiction specialist. Substance abuse counselors and addiction specialists are best equipped to recommend specific programs that match an individual s long-term recovery needs and to answer questions about available treatment options. Most important, a substance abuse counselor or addiction specialist will be able to assist in locating a nearby rehab center and in facilitating the enrollment process. 17