

Holistic Healing: Is It Effective For Drug Rehab?

Holistic treatments promote relaxation during the recovery process.

Sometimes, the usual courses of treatment for addiction don’t work. Every case is different, so it can sometimes be necessary or beneficial to go outside of the box to help a recovering addict be successful in their treatment.

One alternative that focuses on holistic methods has become a popular option. Before beginning holistic healing in drug rehabilitation, it is best to understand what it is and what it does.

What is Holistic Healing?

The term holistic healing applies to any non-traditional methods used in treatment. They are also referred to as complementary therapies, and tend to be used in tandem with regular treatments. Rarely will holistic treatments be the only methods used, and isn’t very effective in cases where it is the sole method of treatment.

Some holistic therapies may include things like acupuncture, massage, energy psychology, or meditation, although a facility may have other options.

How Is It Used In Treatment?

Holistic Healing

Acupuncture is one form of holistic therapy used in drug rehab.

The NIDA lists three things that addiction treatment needs to achieve in order to be successful. Treatment must be able to get the person to stop using drugs, remain drug-free, and give them the means to be productive in their lives and community.

Holistic treatments will provide a safe and natural environment for the healing process to begin. Along with traditional methods like therapy, detox, and counseling, holistic approaches can be used to prepare the patient for life in recovery.

Holistic therapy is usually designed to help calm and destress the patient. For the detox process, which puts a lot of added strain on the body, holistic treatment can help the patient make it through. They can also function as positive distractions when the rehabilitation process becomes too much and causes stress.

Many holistic healing treatments can be used as a means of keeping the person from relapsing, and can go on well into the recovery process.

Does It Work?

The effectiveness of holistic treatments is largely debated. Some question that the methods have any scientific soundness, usually chalking up any effectiveness that the methods have to be a placebo effect. The DEA states that addiction changes the chemical processes in a person’s mind, altering how their brain processes things.

As those changes are largely unpredictable, the way that any treatment, holistic or traditional, affects a person is going to vary from case to case.

For some, holistic treatments can allow a patient to create healthy habits that can help them remain sober during recovery. For others, it can simply have no effect whatsoever.

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Keep in mind that holistic treatments may not be accepted by medical professionals and/or insurance companies. Some facilities that do offer holistic options will charge more for adding them to the basic plan. Most insurance plans will not cover holistic therapies, so it is best to discuss the costs before deciding.

Like with regular treatment plans, not every holistic treatment will work and some options may not be recommended for certain patients.

If you or a loved one has an addiction, consider contacting one of our caring specialists through our website or via phone at 800-609-2774 for more information about treatment and recovery options.