When it comes to treatment for addiction, not all treatment is the same. Many people who received treatment for substance abuse have gone through the traditional 12-step program. For those who are not familiar with the 12-step program, it was created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. The 12-step program includes the idea that there is a “higher power” that addicts should deliver themselves to, and that they are powerless when it comes to their addiction. This type of treatment has been beneficial for those who are, or were open to developing some type of religious ideology; however, it does not work for all those who are suffering from addiction.
One area where the 12-step program was helpful was when it focused on making amends to the people that also suffered as a result of someone’s substance abuse. Those battling with addiction might not be aware of the people that they harmed while they were using. When it comes to addiction it is important to acknowledge the harm that was done to family members, friends, and peers.
Even with all the good intentions with the 12-step program, it is not meant for everyone.
Holistic drug rehab centers offer a different path to achieve recovery that does not focus on following the traditional 12-steps. Holistic drug rehab centers provide patients with natural ways to treat their substance abuse in ways that might be considered “nontraditional”. When It comes to treating addiction, treatments such as equine therapy, acupuncture, and meditation might not come to mind. Holistic drug rehabs such as Ranch Creek Recovery, offer these forms of treatment with the goal of not only treating a patient’s substance abuse, but also helping them become healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- Equine therapy helps those battling with addiction by encouraging emotional support as well as building confidence. Holistic drug rehabs incorporate equine therapy into their treatment model because it helps patients learn more about themselves while also helping the define healthy relationships.
- Acupuncture was first used to treat addiction in the 1970’s in Hong Kong by a neurosurgeon named Dr. Wen. He noticed that it was beneficial in helping those currently undergoing withdrawal from substances such as heroin. Since its implantation to treating addiction, acupuncture has been shown to decrease cravings from those patients who are undergoing detox but also has been shown to be beneficial in terms of preventing relapse.
- Guided meditation focuses on a patients mental and emotional stability while they undergo treatment for their addiction. Mediation is not only beneficial to a patients mental and emotional well-being during a session, but it also helps keep them in a more tranquil state through the course of the day. This is helpful especially if it is still practiced by a patient once they return home, as it will help them while they might face triggers that come from their environment. Meditation helps patients better cope with stressful situations, increase self-awareness, and also helps reduce negative emotions, which is why it is practiced in holistic treatment centers.
For those who are suffering from alcoholism, there are also holistic alcohol treatment centers, that offer the same, as well as other holistic forms of treatment. Medical professionals are available and able to provide additional information about holistic treatment options for treating addiction. Treating addiction has evolved, and the treatments stated above, along with others such as yoga, gong sound, and garden therapy along with traditional methods are advanced forms of treatment that help patients improve their overall health while also beginning a life free of substance abuse.