Why you should consider the holistic approach in addiction therapy

Traditional approaches to addiction therapy have been a little linear in that healthcare givers would focus on one specific school of thought for treating addiction. 

Image Source: Recovery.org 

Such perspectives include biological (in which medication was prioritized) to complete cognitive-based therapy (wherein patients were fully exposed to psychological assessment). There have been success stories for each, but new research is now providing evidence to the sustainability and effectiveness of a holistic approach, not only in terms of addiction treatment but in preventing relapse. A holistic approach tackles the addiction both as a biological and psychological problem.

Patients are often compelled to "get better" or to "snap out of it" by well-meaning, but misinformed, people. While there are triggers to addictive behavior, often the substance abuse and mental changes that occur transform the addiction into a compulsion. It is a never-ending cycle in which a person cannot change because of the addiction and the addiction itself feeds compulsive behavior. Those with very severe cases of addiction or mental health problems often do not recover with therapy because their brains cannot or do not have the neural connections necessary to process new information. This is where medication helps. 

That being said, medications can only take a person so far. It heals the symptoms but does not address the root of the addiction. This is why health professionals seek a root-preventive form of therapy, involving many different types of treatment plans to ensure that patients do not relapse.

Holistic forms of therapy often take longer than traditional methods and require much patience and diligence on the patient’s part. However, it is hoped that they would consider this option on their respective paths to recovery. 

Image Source: recovery.org 

Morningside Recovery approaches addiction treatment in a holistic manner, encouraging patients to wean themselves from their difficulties through constructive and safe methods. To learn more about the group, visit this blog.