Holistic Elements of Drug Rehab

Monday, January 19 2009 @ 04:05 PM MST

More and more drug rehab facilities are including holistic treatment programs as part of their planned recovery process.  These programs are designed to help the individual enrich their mind, body and soul while learning how to overcome the psychological and physical addiction to drugs.

Holistic care can be anything from Ancient Eastern practices that have helped millions of people achieve wellness over the past several centuries, or modern exercise and dietary plans that build immunity and help strength the physical health of the individual.

What follows are some of the most common holistic practices (that fall under these definitions) currently being used in drug rehab programs around the United States and the rest of thee world.

Common Holistic Elements Found in Drug Rehab

• Yoga.  Yoga can help enhance the drug rehab process by providing individuals with a chance to achieve greater focus and balance during treatment.  This is especially important given that most people see their lives thrown into chaos as a result of drug addiction, or the attempt to quit using.
• Meditation.  Like Yoga, the elements of meditation lend themselves well to the recovery process.  By having a set time each day to relax and focus energy inward, the individual is able to remove much of the noise and distractions that can keep them from achieving success in the drug rehab program.
• Acupuncture.  Many drug rehab programs use acupuncture to help pinpoint the specific locations around the body that control impulse control and other brain functions associated with drug addiction.  By understanding these areas, the acupuncturist and the counselor are able to work together to provide more customized treatment.
• Nutritional Counseling.  Proper nutrition plays a vital role in the drug rehab process.  For one thing, individuals have likely sacrificed proper eating habits in the name of their drug addiction, leaving their body in an unbalanced state as a result.  Also, good eating habits are just that – good habits.  In the transition from addict to recovering addict the individual must replace bad habits with positive ones – and eating fits that bill.
• Exercise programs.  When an individual is physically fit, they will be in a better position to get through drug rehab.  The process can be taxing, both emotionally and physically, so a workout regimen is the best way to build strength and resolve during the process.  And like nutritional programs, exercise is a positive habit that can be used to replace a negative one.

How Holistic Treatment is Incorporated into Drug Rehab

Drug rehab facilities incorporate their holistic care in different ways.  For some addiction treatment facilities, the entire process revolves around the holistic programs listed above.  Much more common, however, is a hybrid of traditional rehab modalities and holistic care.  These types of programs may have the individual attending counseling in the morning, then moving on to yoga, walking or meditation in the afternoon.  Together, this provides a multi-tiered effort that impacts the mind, body and soul of the individual.  

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