Holistic treatment is an essential part of every comprehensive program of addiction recovery. When some hear the word “holistic,” they think of spiritual guru-types in linen robes chanting and crushing up herbs with a mortar and pestle. The truth is, holistic methods of treatment are actually proven to be effective. There is nothing “woo woo” about holistic treatment. At Chapel Hill Detox, we combine proven holistic methods with time-tested therapeutic methods of recovery (and medication assisted treatment when deemed necessary). Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals is composed of licensed therapists, prescribing physicians, case managers and holistic practitioners, who work together to provide each individual client with personalized and quality clinical care.
Because we are a medical detox facility, we focus more on medical care and physical stabilization than we do on holistic methods of recovery. However, we do provide our clients with some holistic options. Take a look at the following holistic methods of recovery, and please let us know if you have any additional questions!
Holistic Recovery Methods
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a common methodology when it comes to holistic treatment. Many inpatient treatment centers will bring an acupuncturist in for group sessions one or two times per week. The acupuncturist will very often perform aural acupuncture, which concerns the ear. It is a simple procedure and it is extremely non-invasive, but many recovering addicts and alcoholics report that acupuncture helps alleviate symptoms of withdrawal and psychological cravings, while promoting stress reduction and feelings of calmness and relaxation.
- Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation is geared towards helping individuals stay present in the moment, while bolstering self-awareness and learning how to effectively interact with the world around them. This method of meditation truly could not be more simple. All participants must do is find a comfortable place to sit or lay down and focus on their breathing. It has been repeatedly proven that this method of meditation helps those new to recovery with commonly experienced feelings of anxiety and depression. Most treatment centers will offer daily opportunities to meditate, and will offer a combination of mindfulness meditation and guided meditation. At Chapel Hill Detox, we teach these practices to clients who are feeling physically up for it.
- Yoga
Yoga is a holistic method that is used in conjunction with therapeutic methods of recovery, and it has been proven to have a great number of benefits. Some of these benefits include improved ability to sleep, stress relief, increased self-awareness, the development of healthy habits (including exercise and diet), improved levels of energy, more self-confidence and self-esteem, emotional healing and pain relief. Most inpatient treatment centers will either bring a yoga instructor to the residence several times per week, or transport residents to and from yoga classes at a professional studio.
- Herbal medicines (gentle and non-habit forming)
Some herbal medicines can help alleviate mild symptoms of withdrawal and help facilitate comprehensive healing. For example, chamomile tea might be given to residents at night to help them sleep. Chamomile is a completely harmless herb that facilitates restfulness. It is certainly not a cure for insomnia, but it can help calm the nerves (in fact, sipping any kind of tea before bedtime is beneficial in facilitating calmness). Some vitamins might also be helpful in regulating the internal system. Drug addiction and alcoholism throw the physical body completely out of whack, and a lot of nutrients will be rapidly depleted. It is important that you speak with your personal physician before taking any kind of herb, vitamin or supplement, however. Ask your healthcare professional for recommendations before making any moves.
- Nutritional therapy
As we just mentioned, active addiction throws the body out of whack. Physical health will rapidly decline for a number of reasons. First of all, you are literally pumping your body full of chemicals and toxins. Lack of motivation often leads to a compromised diet – you might reach for junk food whereas you used to reach for balanced, nutrient-dense meals. The substances themselves can affect diet significantly. For example, if you have been abusing cocaine or methamphetamine, your appetite will have been compromised, and you have probably undergone noticeable weight loss. If you abused alcohol, you may have gained weight. No matter what the case, learning to feel your body the proper foods at the proper times of day will be essential. At Chapel Hill Detox, our facility comes fully equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen and daily, chef prepared meals. We believe in the importance of a healthy diet, and we start instilling the fundamentals of nutritional therapy from the day you arrive.
- Art therapy
At first glance, it might seem like “arts and crafts” are reserved for finger painting kindergarteners or scrap-booking elderly women. The truth is, art therapy is extremely beneficial in helping men and women of all ages work through emotional trauma. In many cases, those who suffer from addictive disorders will simultaneously suffer from unresolved trauma. It can be difficult to openly discuss traumatic experiences, and art therapy has the potential to help individuals work through trauma in a safe and supportive setting without the use of words (initially). Eventually, of course, the goal is that they feel comfortable to speak one-on-one with a licensed therapist.
- Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy might sound like the most “woo-woo”of all the aforementioned holistic treatment methods, but it has been proven to be effective in the maintenance of long-term sobriety. Hypnotherapy is not the same as hypnosis – this is an important distinction to make. Hypnotherapists do not sit in front of you with a watch on a chain saying, “You’re getting sleepy, you’re getting very sleepy…” Instead, hypnotherapy combines the psychology of hypnosis with traditional psychotherapy. It has been scientifically proven that when an individual is in a hypnotic state, he or she is more liable to share important pieces of his or her past, while simultaneously becoming more open to suggestion.
Chapel Hill Detox and Holistic Recovery
At Chapel Hill Detox, we are firm believers in comprehensive care. We know that seeking treatment is a difficult decision, and that being faced with a wide range of detox options can be overwhelming. We are available to help make your decision easier. If you have been struggling with an addictive disorder of any severity, please feel free to give us a call. Our admissions counselors provide you with a brief pre-assessment which will help us determine whether or not our program is right for you. If we determine that the level of care we provide is appropriate for your specific needs, we will walk you through the admissions process. We will offer a free, no-obligation insurance check to see if your detoxification treatment will be covered. If it is determined that it is covered, we will set you up with transportation plans so that you can receive the help you need as soon as possible. When it comes to medical detox, there is truly no time to wait. For more information or to get started on your own personal journey of addiction recovery, reach out today.