Holistic opioid treatment treats the ‘whole person.’
The goal is not just to safely withdraw from the opioid drug and maintain abstinence.
The goal of holistic treatment is to develop healthy practices which can heal the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and start the patient on a healing journey that can improve their ongoing quality of life.
There are many factors which can contribute to somebody becoming addicted to an opioid drug.
Because each individual’s case is unique, the most successful treatment strategy is one that is tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
For instance, someone who is dual-diagnosis may need medication-assisted therapy (MAT) which also treats for another diagnosed mental health disorder.
If someone became addicted after developing a medical condition that includes physical pain issues, that person would benefit from a treatment plan that addresses their physical pain.
If a patient also suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, they need help to find healthy ways to deal with stress.
What Does Holistic Treatment Involve?
Depending on the individual patient, holistic treatment could involve any of the following treatments, tailored to that individual’s needs, along with being under the care of a physician for medical issues which may have led to opioid use disorder (OUD):
- Nutritional therapy
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Outdoor activities
- Individual and/or family therapy
- Anger management
- Art therapy
- Massage therapy
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Medication to Assist with Cravings
The above are just a few of the strategies to help patients achieve a healthy, happy and productive lifestyle, free of the need and desire to use an opioid drug.
Holistic Treatment Treats the Comprehensive Causes of Opioid Addiction
Each person is unique and has a unique life story.
At the onset of treatment, you will meet with physicians, therapists, and other addiction recovery professionals to come up with a plan that takes into account your unique history as well as your current physical and psychosocial needs.
Together we will plan a recovery strategy that will address your individual physical, emotional and spiritual needs and goals.
This plan can be reassessed and adjusted as you continue to heal and grow stronger.
Once you are healthy enough to return home to your community we will continue to support you for as long as necessary with outpatient medical support, groups, therapy, activities and other services.
Give Yourself the Best Chance to Recover and Enjoy Life Fully!
Numerous studies have shown that opioid-addicted patients who engage in a holistic long-term recovery plan which includes MAT and addresses the whole person have a far higher rate of maintaining lasting recovery from opioid addiction.
By choosing holistic recovery, you will be choosing to heal your whole being, and go forward into a healthier life than you have ever experienced.
You may even wind up being thankful that your addiction led you into holistic recovery, as you achieve a happier, more balanced, and healthier life going forward after treatment than ever before.
About the Author: Mike Williams is a San Diego native who participates in recovery at Present Moments drug rehab in San Diego and has written about the field of behavioral health for over 15 years.