What Defines A Holistic Drug Detox Rehab Program?

By Corey Avery

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There are as many different approaches to treating drug addiction, as there are drugs. The holistic drug detox philosophy involves the transformation of the total person, as opposed to only dealing with the symptom, which is the addiction. Underlying the addiction is an assumption that the individual has lost or is missing a component of life. It may be a void left from loss of a loved one, loss of self-esteem, loss of identity that are at the center of any drug dependency. The point is that the addicted feel an inner emptiness, loneliness or depression that is temporarily alleviated when using their substance of choice.

In taking the holistic drug detox approach to substance abuse rehab, the focus is on treating the whole individual. The rehab program features a use of traditional and innovative alternative drug treatment techniques. Typically, drug counseling, group and individual drug therapy sessions, and components of the 12 step model may be combined for optimum results. However, holistic drug rehab programs do not classify the patient’s drug addiction as a disease, in the treatment philosophy adopted for drug abuse help.

The holistic drug detox program consists of replacing previous activities and habits, with wellness options, across the board. The aim is to help the drug addict recover by assisting in developing new healthy habits, through a behavior modification protocol. This will frequently address diet and the consumption of healthy food, exercise, physical activities, meditation, spiritual renewal, vitamin and nutritional adjustments, psychological counseling, massage, music therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and a variety of other specialized techniques, aimed at rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit of the whole person.

Holistic drug abuse rehab programs may include a “new age” component, where successful alternative drug detox treatments from other cultures may be integrated into the regimen. Native American holistic treatments including the sweat lodge as a purification instrument or the consumption of herbal teas with effective detox properties are frequently employed. Drug treatment may also employ the use of steam rooms and the dry sauna, which can help to rid the body of its storehouse of toxins through release by the skin.

Drug treatment facilities employing holistic detox therapies are available at all price points, ranging from local non-profit
Clinics to luxury addiction treatment spas, with lots of pampering and premium care, at a very high price point. Whether they are any more effective than a free non-profit holistic program remains to be seen. Ultimately, it is only the drug addict who can make the decision to choose sobriety, which will determine the successful outcome of the treatment.