The Efficacy of Holistic Addiction Treatments

The recovery experience remains unique to each individual that enters a program. There are no medical or holistic programs in existence that work for all admitted patients 100% of the time. Instead, each person’s recovery journey should be considered special and exclusive to the person receiving treatment. Does holistic treatment work? In a word, yes. There are undoubtedly holistic treatments that work well for patients. These activities and programs can benefit recovering addicts in many of the same ways that traditional rehabilitation does. Holistic treatment can be quite effective at lowering side effects of dependency, teaching essential life skills, and even forming healthy habits.

Turning Over a New Leaf

Plants have been used in medicine for thousands of years. Whether to cure mild ailments like a headache or to ward off larger problems like infection, plants are proven to have medicinal properties. Many traditional medicines start from plants and evolve into many similar man-made compounds. In fact, the U.S. National Library of Medicine recognizes the power of such plants and grows about 100 healing herbs in their on-site garden for homeopathic study and research.

Rehab providers and medical experts around the world have recognized the potency of plants and the value of supplementing natural ingredients for chemicals or manufactured ingredients. Unfortunately, it is common for addicts to be deterred from one addictive medium and drawn to another in the recovery process. Organic products have been created to fill this gap between addiction and healthy recovery. With all natural ingredients, these supplements are made to decrease withdrawal symptoms, help individuals sleep, and increase feelings of overall happiness.

Some also have complaints about the side effects of medications that are used to assist rehabilitation. Frequently, recoverees are asked to take medications to help even out chemical imbalances in the body. While such medications absolutely help many patients, others say they experience a lack of interest in any of their usual activities or frightening side effects like feelings of depression or self-loathing. The University of Maryland Medical Center has detailed information about the effectiveness of such herbs like St. Johns Wort, which seems to be a sufficient alternative for depression medication without many side effects.

Addicted to Living

People may initially think of healing herbs when homeopathy or holistic treatments are discussed. However, holistic addiction treatment also includes the learning of healthy life skills such as proper nutrition and exercise. Learning these types of skills build a strong foundation to living a well balanced life.

Treating the body right improves quality of life on many planes. Dietitians who work in the rehab industry agree that a wonderful basis for recovery is dietary improvement. Unfortunately, they also concur that this type of treatment is often overlooked in lieu of a quick detox and recovery. Many individuals who seek addiction assistance have not properly been taking care of their bodies. In turn, when these people enter recovery they pick up habits that do not perpetuate a healthy body and mind. The overeating of unhealthy foods has been linked to not only physical issues, but also mental health problems like depression and anxiety. A diet with too much sugar, salt, and fat can deplete the brain of crucial vitamins and nutrients which happen to regulate our moods and control of emotions. In conjunction with proper eating habits, regular exercise will help reinforce chemicals in the brain that promote happiness and overall feelings of wellbeing.

Nevertheless, in any case medical and psychiatric assessment is always recommended. Holistic treatments may not be a sufficient replacement for medication or other necessary medical attention. Please check with a physician before making the choice on a rehabilitation center that works best for you or a loved one. With that being said, holistic treatments have improved the lives of many around the world. Simply the act of forming better habits, taking better care of the body, and learning crucial real world skills can radically change the quality of life someone is experiencing with drug or alcohol dependency.