Alcoholism Treatment Centers:
A Holistic Approach

Stereotypical images of dark hospital corridors and bleak drug and alcoholism treatment centers are things of the past. New rehabilitation philosophies are enhancing the effectiveness of drug and alcoholism addiction programs by taking a holistic treatment approach that focuses on the mind, body and spirit of each patient.

Drug Detox: The Biological Process

All treatment programs must begin with drug and/or alcohol detox. The residual presence of alcohol and other harmful drugs forces the body into a constant state of defense.

Enzymes and chemical reactions attempt to protect the brain as unwanted substances damage cells and DNA. Eventually, the body grows used to these damaging forces doing battle and dependency naturally takes over.

The detox process is the only way to rid the body of that resulting dependency. Since withdrawal symptoms may include jitteriness, shakes, insomnia, and convulsions, it is important that drug and alcoholism treatment centers provide one-on-one medical care twenty-four hours a day.

Psychiatrists, neuropharmacologists, and highly trained nurses are needed to care for already diagnosed problems and arising complications. Although often painful, drug only temporary and is a necessary step in the rehabilitation process.

The Psychological Process

After detox physically removes all poisons from the body, the mental recovery of substance abuse can begin. People must not only work through the underlying problems that initially led to dependency, but also ready themselves for addiction-free lives.

Highly trained drug and alcoholism counselors assist in the self-discovery needed to heal past wounds and ehlp people regain control of their lives.

As drug and alcoholism treatment centers bring people with a common thread together, camaraderie strengthens support. This is essential to the healing process. However, addiction is ultimately a personal experience.

While the facts of addiction may be the same for all, each individual situation originated from a unique life story and will affect each person’s life differently.

Dependency will never be destroyed until the source of all emotional and mental issues are healed. Not everyone is going to benefit from the same program. It is vital that rehabilitation centers recognize and closely address this reality.

Frequent and personalized counseling is crucial. While everyone has different needs, deeply personal, hurtful issues are often too embarrassing to share in a group.

Numerous individualized counseling sessions devised by the collaboration of many specialists provide the potential true, enduring healing.

Research studies reveal the complex connection between body and mind. Stress and pain in one area will inevitably manifest in a multitude of different forms. Within a holistic framework counseling can extend past issues of chemical dependency.

It is natural for people to deny or repress painful memories. Therefore, treatments such as psychotherapy and the psychically induced, mentally relaxed state of hypnotherapy provide significant results.

While family/marriage counseling focuses on the strained relationships that cause and/or are damaged by addiction, spiritual and life purpose counseling provide a non-religiously-specific way for inner exploration and growth.

To ensure complete holistic healing, some drug and alcoholism treatment centers complete their programs with further specializations, such as nutritional counseling, image therapy -- and treatments incorporating yoga, music and/or art.

Most importantly, drug and alcoholism treatment centers must offer customized therapy opportunities. With holistic therapy the unique individuality of every person can be met.

Mind, Body and Spirit

Likewise, physical treatment should never be reserved to the initial detox process. Services such as physical training, massage therapy, other forms of bodywork, and/or acupuncture should be a component of rehabilitation.

A drug and alcoholism treatment center’s surroundings also serve as an important aspect of rehabilitation. The powers of nature and the comforts of a fully furnished residential area complete the calming effects of the body/spirit connection.

Inpatient and Outpatient

Scheduling and patient-regulations is another important factor to consider before choosing which treatment program to enter. Drug and alcoholism treatment centers must offer the flexibility of both inpatient and outpatient services.

Ideally, rehab centers should offer opportunities that extend, shorten, and break up basic program lengths. It is also important that centers not forbid valued life objects, such as a computer, telephone, favorite music or visits from family and friends. By incorporating people’s real lives into treatment whenever possible, clients more readily embrace treatment and endure the stresses of return shock.

Information on the holistic approach to alcoholism treatment was sourced from an article written by Abhilash Patel for Passages Malibu Treatment Center, a residential substance abuse treatment center for alcohol and drug addiction.

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