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.

Treating Addiction By Eliminating The Social Stigma

Alcohol and drug dependence must be seen as a normal illness, which can be managed with medication and therapy. Unfortunately, treatment and awareness about the condition are to a large extent incumbent on how society treats its patients. Addiction is seen as a failure or weakness of mind. This perception severely undermines treatment because it reduces the number of patients who willingly go to centers, or even admit the problem to themselves.

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Medical studies have shown that social stigma directly impacts how long a person stays in therapy. Those who feel a great sense of shame typically spend two to six months longer in therapy than a recovering addict who feels understood. Moreover, the less accepting patients are of the condition, the more resistant they are to change. It is not unusual to have ashamed patients sink into a depressive state, further exacerbating their condition.

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There are initiatives both at the community and national level aiming to reduce the pervasive social stigma of addiction. These mainly involve educating the public about the reasons for addiction, how it develops, and how anyone – regardless of severity or circumstance – can manage it and eventually recover.

Complete recovery may not be possible for all cases. A lot of patients are made aware of their condition and work through managing it. Even this, however, is a formidable task that requires focused and extensive therapy. It is also a step in the right direction, one that allows the recovering addict to transition back into society.

Morningside Recovery is a trusted alcohol and drug dependence treatment center. Learn more about treating drug and alcohol dependence by visiting the center’s official website.