It’s easy to look at a person with a substance abuse problem and judge. Yet, if you ever walked a day in their shoes, you’d learn that it’s more than just the external appearance. Internally, there’s a battle raging and drug or alcohol is only there to abate it. Even if it’s just for some time.

In other words, addiction isn’t only a mental issue. It’s emotional, social and psychological. Medicine today and research have proven this much. Hence, the reason substance abuse disorder and/or addiction should be treated as such.

For a person struggling with substance abuse, something happened to make them chase after a numbing substance. Something they’d like to forget, even if it’s just for a few minutes, pushed them into the claws of addiction.

It could be childhood trauma from abusive or neglectful parents that led to the development of addiction. It could be the childhood bullies that said and did mean things. It could be any bad experience, regardless of its severity, that changed you.

Now, you have another problem: addiction. It won’t stop pursuing you or bullying you into submission. With that submission, went your finances, friends, family and career.

You want them back, but you can’t. Not with addiction still in the way. Not if it’s the only thing that you keep thinking about, no matter how hard you try not to. If you’ve tried other approaches and are tired of hearing the word treatment, at least here me out. This type of therapy is known as Holistic Therapy. It’s the type of therapy known for its effectiveness and all-round benefits. Here’s a more detailed look into the therapy under discussion.

What is Holistic Therapy?

The first step to understanding anything is to understand what it is. In this case, what this type of therapy is. Holistic Therapy is geared towards focusing on a person’s entire being. From the person’s mind and body to the person’s spirit.

This type of treatment bases its approach on the belief that all three aspects are connected. In other words, it takes a holistic approach, hence its name.

How Does it Work?

As mentioned above, this therapy focuses on three aspects of a person: mind, body and spirit. The patient undergoing it is guided by a counsellor to recognize that all three aspects are connected. In a way, it takes on a similar approach to the 12- steps.

By addressing all aspects of an individual, an entire person is also addressed. This leaves little to no room to neglect anything that might hinder the patient’s recovery process.

The goal of the entire therapy process is for the patient to become more aware of self. Other than leading an addict to recovery, of course, they are guided towards acceptance. They develop the capability and use certain teachings to accept their current situation and who they are.

Acceptance is a huge factor that helps catapult the healing and recovery process. Notably, any facility worth its salt knows to incorporate traditional techniques with the holistic one. For instance, you should expect them to do a detox and even carry out counselling sessions.

Now, how does a therapy session look like? At its initial stages, the therapist and you will get to know each other. Of course, you as the patient will be doing most of the talking. By talking, I mean that you let the therapist in on your worldview, values, beliefs. The therapist also needs to learn what your expectations and goals are.

With this in mind, the counsellor will be able to craft a suitable treatment plan for you. This is what increases the effectiveness of the treatment. The patient will then undergo certain types of holistic therapies to help deal with the issue.

For example, the patient may engage in exercise therapy to treat depression and/or insomnia. The therapist might also recommend acupuncture to help treat any energy blockages in the body. Reiki also helps improve and/or correct the flow of energy in the body.

What Is Its Origin?

The holistic approach to medicine and treatment can be traced back to Hippocrates. According to him, focusing on the entire being of a person helped him/her establish equilibrium.

What Are The Types of Holistic Therapy?

There are different types of therapies that are used to administer holistic therapy.

• Gestalt Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Guided Imagery
• Hypnotherapy
• Psychotherapy
• Breath Therapy
• Aroma Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Mindfulness

What Techniques are Used for This Treatment?

There have been studies that show the effectiveness of the therapy is aided by its techniques. These techniques, in conjunction with the above therapies, help manage pain and negative emotions. Below are some of the techniques that are used:

• Reiki
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Meditation
• Exercise Therapy
• Massage

Who is This Therapy For?

Other than Substance Abuse Disorder or addiction, this therapy can benefit those that suffer from:

• Depression
• Existential Crisis
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

How Long Is the Therapeutic Process?

The length of the treatment depends on you as the patient. You can prolong or shorten it as you seem fit. Additionally, your goals also determine the length of the treatment. Once you and your therapist feel that you’ve achieved all the set goals, then you are free to halt the treatment.

You are encouraged to continue practicing certain holistic practices even after the treatment is over. For instance, exercise, mediation and even art can help take care of your entire well-being.