Opiate drugs like Vicodin, OxyContin and morphine are some of the most addictive substances known to humankind, with the U.S. National Library of Medicine reporting that about 9 percent of people are likely to abuse opiates during the course of their lifetimes. Opiates can cause significant changes in specific chemical levels within the brain, and this can lead some people to experience extreme symptoms of withdrawal, even if they’ve only taken opiates for a short period of time. For some people, these symptoms can be eased with the use of medications, and the Harvard Medical School reports that more than 100,000 people in America are using one specific type of medication, methadone, in order to control their opiate addictions. Not everyone needs medications in order to recover, however. Some people recover by using holistic techniques.

Undoing Physical Damage

As the opiate addiction moves forward, and the brain adjusts its chemical responses due to the constant presence of the drug, the body doesn’t seem to run efficiently without access to that opiate. In the early days of recovery, as the body learns to function normally once more, people can experience physical discomfort, including:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Tense, jerking muscles
• Hot flashes followed by chills
• Relentless sweating

In a holistic program, these symptoms are eased through commonsense approaches. People are provided with multiple changes of clothes, new bedding and access to cool baths. Sauna treatments, plenty of water and mild exercises can help some symptoms to melt away as well. Bland foods, as well as over-the-counter nausea medications, might help to soothe inflamed digestive tracts. Those in recovery are also provided with emotional support, which may help them to understand that the symptoms are likely to disappear in time.

Delving into Root Causes

Holistic programs also provide clients with access to therapies that can help them to heal on an emotional level. These programs might encourage clients to meditate, helping them to access a feeling of peace and harmony without resorting to drugs of abuse. Programs might also encourage clients to tap into their inner feelings by writing in journals, using art therapy or participating in equine therapy sessions. These treatments might fall within the realm of alternative, and as a result, they might seem strange to some people, but they can be quite helpful in the battle against addiction.

Holistic programs, as well as traditional programs, also provide those in recovery with a significant amount of therapy. These educational sessions are designed to help people learn more about why they began using drugs in the first place, and what they might need to do in order to stop using drugs in the future. Some of these lessons are provided in private sessions with a therapist, but other lessons are provided in group sessions with other addicted people. By focusing on solutions for the addiction issue, and helping clients to develop real skills, addiction programs can bring about amazing results.

At Axis, we specialize in providing holistic care to people who are struggling with addiction. We provide detox services, residential care, outpatient care and extensive aftercare options. People who come to us know that we’ll offer support throughout the healing process, providing holistic help at every step along the journey. Please contact us to find out more about our programs.