Treating the "Whole" Person with Holistic Addiction Treatment

Many people are confused by the term “holistic” and it becomes even more bewildering when it is used in conjunction with drug and alcohol treatment.  Most often the word “holistic” brings about images of yoga, meditation and alternative medicine.  However, it is important to realize in terms of holistic treatment for addiction, that just because a program happens to term itself as “holistic” does not mean it is devoid of medical or psychotherapeutic modalities.

Holistic treatment is something which addresses a person as a “whole.”  This type of treatment takes the entire individual, including their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs into consideration when formulating a plan for treating an addiction issue.  Holistic treatment in a way is more comprehensive than either traditional or alternative treatments, because it takes the best of both programs and customizes the treatment to fit each client’s unique needs.

Holistic addiction treatment can and does include medical management with a team of medical professionals who specialize in chemical dependence and recovery and a licensed mental health specialist.  Frequently, holistic addiction treatment will also include individual psychotherapy and it uses a wealth of alternative options to supplement and support the traditional treatment methods being used.

Some of the more specific treatment approaches which can be used in combination with traditional therapies in a holistic treatment setting can include meditation, yoga and massage therapy.  Massage is beneficial in that it facilitates a deeper connection and appreciation for one’s body and it helps reduce anxiety and physical pain.  Yoga and meditation induces relaxation and can help improve a person’s rate of recovery and strengthen an individual’s sense of well-being.

In the course of recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, someone must make the conscious choice to change their life.  When you have made the decision to change your life and want to take back control over your choices, it is a great step towards improving your health and gaining a stronger sense of well-worth.  However, with all the many

options which exist for treating drug and alcohol addiction, many people overlook holistic treatment because of believing it is not effective.  However, nothing could be further from the truth.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drugs and alcohol and it has turned into an addiction, you need to do something to change.  You cannot simply sit back and ignore your problem and it is not something which will go away on its own.  When you are truly ready to change your life and willing to seek professional help, contact the California Addiction Network today and find out more information about our holistic treatment services.