Human beings are made up of a complex inter-webbing of thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. When addiction is involved, all of these factors affect your experience. Addiction arises out of a combination of circumstances, including stress, mental health, genetics, trauma, and family environment. Focusing solely on healing the addiction can result in missed opportunities to heal the many pieces of your addiction puzzle. Combining traditional treatment with holistic healing methods offers a way to support recovery in all the aspects of your unique story.
Traditional Approach: What You Need to Know
Traditionally, medicine has been used to manage specific addictions. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone help manage opioid addictions. Disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone are prescribed to treat alcohol dependence. Medications like these can help you feel less pain when coming off a substance, as well as support sobriety maintenance.
While its effects can be helpful, medication alone doesn’t treat the underlying issues that create and perpetuate addiction. Successful recovery depends greatly on several additional components of treatment, including:
- Intake processing and assessment
- Behavioral therapy and counseling
- Treatment planning
- Substance use monitoring
- Clinical and case managemen5
- Pharmacotherapy
- Self-help/Peer support groups
- Continuing care
At Avalon Malibu, we are committed to providing these services to our clients for maximum support in their recovery programs. Traditional approaches to addiction recovery like these allow us to determine where a client is at with their addiction, as well as what resources should be offered to further aid them in their recovery process.
Holistic Approach: The Bigger Picture
Holistic treatment approaches consider the entire person’s wellbeing, specifically addressing the needs of the mind, body, and spirit. In the United States, holistic techniques are often considered “alternative” or “supplemental” methods of treatment. However, research has shown time and time again, that the holistic approach offers countless benefits towards healing and general wellbeing. Several different holistic modalities are commonly used in addiction recovery, including:
- Yoga
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic services
- Acupuncture
- Equine therapy
- Experiential activities
- And more
Sources say that millions of people across the U.S. practice yoga and meditation. The growing popularity of these practices, alongside things like massage therapy and chiropractic services, truly lend themselves well to the bigger picture of a balanced recovery.
Using Both Traditional and Holistic Approaches
Combining both traditional and holistic approaches is much more feasible than one may think and proves to be quite complimentary. While the traditional focus seeks to understand and treat the physical issues a person has, such as withdrawal and nutritional deficiencies, the holistic approach focuses on a person’s life as a whole. Typically, abstinence from drugs and/or alcohol is but the first step towards recovery. Unfortunately, years of coping through substances can leave you mentally, physically and spiritually depleted. Bringing awareness to areas that require additional support is crucial to sustaining long-term recovery. Holistic modalities help cultivate this awareness, as well as the coping skills necessary to create lasting change.
Maybe you enjoy participating in the yoga classes available at your treatment program because they help you feel calm and peaceful while also giving you the opportunity for physical movement. Perhaps practicing meditation has supported you in working through PTSD responses and anxiety. It’s common to seek emotional and spiritual support through attending 12-step groups and connecting with your recovery network. Whatever your specific needs are, the holistic approach allows you the autonomy to observe your experience and choose your healing modalities accordingly. Additionally, increased involvement and enjoyment in your recovery program increases commitment to the work and growth necessary to stay sober.
Need Support?
Taking that first step towards recovery isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it. Remember, you don’t have to do any of it alone. At Avalon Malibu, we are committed to supporting you on your journey of recovery from addiction and/or mental health issues. If you’re ready to make a change, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today, at 844-857-5992.
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