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. 

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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. 

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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.

Overcoming The Isolation Trigger During Early Recovery

The reinforcing effects of group behaviors may encourage behavioral conformity, which can compromise the ability of an addiction patient to overcome persistent habitual patterns. Thus, addiction patients are often cut off from previous social groups that may have had to help them break the cycle. However, this itself poses its own challenge. Feelings of isolation are a common trigger in addiction relapses and is one of the potential risks patients and their care providers could face during the initial stages of recovery.

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Because the tumult of the early stage of recovery can vary in length, minimizing the trigger risks for relapses. Ensuring that loneliness doesn’t become a trigger is a key task in the early part of the recovery process. One of the ways to prevent this relapse is through community. Socialization with other members with similar life experiences has been a staple in addiction recovery and continues to play an important role in recovery.

Fostering a sense of community alongside other recovering individuals can not only provide the much-needed social interaction and rapport to prevent the onset of loneliness but also empower patients through mutual support. Pets can also be used to help reduce feelings of anxiety, particularly for those who face initial difficulties talking to other people.

The kind of contact matters. Friendships, a common source of solidarity and camaraderie, are the key relationships that should be fostered during the first stages of recovery. Many authorities encourage addiction patients to put off more romantic socialization well into a year in the recovery process.

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Constant interaction can lay the foundation for a new social network, allowing the patient to connect with peers more supportive of the new lifestyle choices they make post-addiction.

A pet-friendly facility, Morningside Recovery utilizes both conventional and complementary treatment and therapy in its recovery programs. For more on its programs, visit this website.

Preventing Substance Abuse Relapse Through The Buddy System

Recovering from an addiction is often a team effort. The medical community accepts substance addiction as a form of mental illness: addicts are not fully aware of their actions when they are under the influence of substances. Neurological studies also concluded that recovering patients have different brains and neural pathways compared to those who never did drugs. Given such unique patients conditions, medical treatments have adapted to include the biological and psychological aspects of addiction.

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The main goal of addiction recovery is not only to detoxify the body but also to teach patients resilience against relapses. It is hoped that rates of relapse would decline with proper education and support systems.

It is essential that newly discharged patients have a strong support system. Addiction centers have specialized environments, where patients acclimatize to habits and procedures. Outside of treatment centers, patients are once again exposed to various temptations.

Therapists suggest setting up a buddy system for at least three months for patients continuing their recovery outside addiction centers.

The buddy should be a person who understands the person’s conditions and triggers. The buddy is not a therapist but someone available during the harder periods after recovery. Most of the time, patients just need someone they can talk to. The buddy should never act as a medical professional. If he or she suspects the patient of being dangerously close to relapsing, he or she should immediately contact the patient’s therapist.

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Morningside Recovery is known for its well-rounded treatment strategies for recovering addicts. Learn more about the center by visiting this website.