Holistic detox centers are a relatively new concept in the realm of drug treatment. Unlike regular detox centers, which focus more exclusively on the physical dependencies at hand, holistic centers attend to both the physical and psychological aspects of each patient. The holistic approach to detoxification stems from the view that addictions are more effectively treated when a patient’s mental, physical and spiritual sides are all given equal attention. Depending on the views and goals of a given patient, a holistic center may provide the most ideal means of drug treatment.
The Unique Services of Holistic Detox
The holistic approach to rehab combines standard chemical detox strategies with exotic and progressive forms of addiction treatment. Services offered by holistic centers include:
- Acupuncture
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Tai chi
- Yoga
The combination of mental and physical activity provides an uplifting alternative for addicts whose addictions have stemmed from long-time feelings of depression and despair. Many patients come out of holistic detox centers with newfound interests in life. Some patients ultimately restructure their lives around health, nutrition and exercise as a result of the regimens used in holistic therapy.
Treating Alcoholism Through Holistic Therapy
Year after year, there have been staggering numbers of people suffering from alcoholism. Stats from 2007 compiled by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that of the 19.3 million people afflicted with alcoholism throughout the US, a mere 8.1 percent of those individuals sought treatment. While most of the untreated drinkers remained in denial about their problems, those who knowingly avoided treatment gave some rather disturbing reasons for their self-neglect:
- 18.8 percent were fearful of possible social stigmas associated with treatment
- 11.6 percent believed that they could handle their problems on their own
- 11.1 percent simply had no idea of where to go for treatment
- 3.1 percent assumed that treatment would not solve their problems
That last response is especially sad because it reveals a sizable portion of drinkers who feel hopeless in the fight against alcoholism. Truth be told, there are many recovery patients who have fallen off the wagon because the programs they underwent were too brief and impersonal, or didn’t appeal to them on an individual level. Some of these patients would be better served with holistic therapy, which treats the mental, physical and emotional sides of each individual.
Success Rates of Conventional Treatment
In its 2010 nationwide study on preventative programs geared towards teenagers, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that past-month illicit drug use was roughly equal among those who had attended programs (9.5 percent) and those who had not (10.1 percent). In addition, the report reveals more encouraging numbers on the effects of positive parental involvement in the lives of teens. Help with homework, for instance, drastically reduced the likelihood of teen drug use from 17.1 percent to 8.4 percent. Findings like these stress the importance of personal attention and mental stimulation in the overall regimen of drug therapy.
If you have had relapses of chemical dependency after trying your hands at conventional therapy, it might be time to try the holistic approach. Our staff here at Axis knows exactly which treatment models can best serve a particular patient’s needs. Give us a call to discuss the most effective ways for beating your addiction once and for all.
