Whole-Self Care: The Role of Holistic Approaches in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
Holistic therapy recognizes that substance abuse, addiction, and co-occurring disorders affect a person's physical, psychological, and social well-being. This approach addresses the symptoms and any underlying mental health problems. Rather than solely focusing on drug use or addiction, this multidisciplinary strategy considers the individual as a whole. It involves medical interventions, therapy, counseling, social support, and lifestyle adjustments to improve the person's overall happiness, health, and resilience.
When someone experiences both a mental health issue and addiction, it is known as a dual diagnosis. Providing whole-person care is particularly important in these cases, as treatment for one disorder can be complicated by the presence of the other. That’s why individuals with a dual diagnosis require extra care and attention. The best way to treat a dual diagnosis is by considering the individual’s needs and combining mental health and addiction therapies.
The Shift Towards Comprehensive Models
Addiction treatment has progressed from traditional approaches to more holistic models. These new models acknowledge the influence of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors in addiction development. However, comprehensive strategies are more effective because they address all aspects of addiction: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. The person is prioritized over the substance use disorder, which helps them achieve long-term recovery and overall well-being.
Comprehensive approaches also recognize the high incidence of co-occurring mental health conditions among those with substance use disorders. As a result, mental health and addiction treatment services are integrated into the program. This approach provides a more comprehensive view of the patient's condition.
Evidence-based interventions and therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, family therapy, and support groups, are commonly used in comprehensive models. These models can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of individual addicts. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of relapse prevention techniques and support networks after the initial treatment phase, essential for long-term sobriety and overcoming addiction's chronic nature.
The Importance of Mind-Body Connection
Successful addiction and dual diagnosis treatment requires attention to the mind-body connection, highlighting the relationship between physical and mental well-being. Substance use can worsen mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress. Addressing the underlying psychological and emotional causes of addiction and mental health disorders is crucial for effective treatment. This may involve therapy, counseling, a healthy lifestyle, and stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and relaxation exercises. Holistic interventions considering the entire individual tend to result in better long-term outcomes. By understanding the mind-body link, those with addiction or dual diagnosis can increase their chances of sustained recovery.
Components of a Holistic Treatment Program
Treating addiction and dual diagnosis has always been challenging due to the complex nature of these disorders and the various factors that contribute to their development and perpetuation. Therefore, it’s become increasingly clear that a multifaceted approach is necessary to address different aspects of an individual’s life, crucial to promoting successful recovery.
Therapeutic Approaches
Therapeutic measures are crucial to have a comprehensive approach to tackling addiction and dual disorders. Various therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and trauma-focused therapy (TFT) can assist individuals in managing their problems, identifying triggers, and modifying negative thought and behavior patterns. The primary goals of these behavioral treatments are to reduce substance abuse, ensure adherence to treatment plans, and promote healthy behaviors.
Positive Mindset
Having a positive mindset is essential for recovery. Being motivated, resilient, and confident can significantly improve with an optimistic outlook. Recognizing and overcoming negative assumptions can help overcome obstacles in the healing process. Support-focused programs encourage participation in groups like AA or NA to promote a sense of community and mutual understanding. It’s crucial to value social support in the journey towards recovery.
Biopsychosocial Approaches
Regarding addiction and co-occurring disorders, biopsychosocial approaches consider the biological, psychological, and social factors that play a role. Since there is no universal approach to recovery, each individual’s treatment plan is created carefully and thoughtfully to suit their unique situation.
Alternative Therapies
The holistic treatment goes beyond conventional approaches by addressing the person as a whole through various interventions. Alternative therapies, such as herbal therapy and aromatherapy, can complement traditional treatments and provide additional paths to healing. Herbal medicine utilizes medicinal plants and herbs to target specific symptoms or improve overall health, while aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood.
Physical Activity and Diet
Maintaining both mental and physical health is crucial for overall well-being. Regular exercise has numerous benefits, such as reducing cravings, improving mood and self-esteem, and managing stress. Along with physical activity and enough rest, a nutritious diet is vital for preventing illness and keeping the body and mind in optimal condition. Those on a healing journey may find it helpful to receive nutritional guidance and education to make better dietary choices and develop a positive relationship with food.
Spirituality
Discovering comfort, fortitude, and guidance in personal beliefs, principles, and meaning through spirituality is invaluable on the path to recuperation. Creative therapies, such as art, music, dance, and writing, can be practical tools to express emotions, unwind, and develop as individuals.
Cultural Sensitivity and Gender-Specific Treatment
When providing care, it is essential to consider cultural context and gender. This can have a significant impact on the recovery process. Treatment that is culturally appropriate and inclusive addressing factors such as language, customs, beliefs, and values, can significantly benefit patients. Additionally, gender-specific treatment recognizes the unique needs of individuals based on their gender, providing a safe space for self-discovery, developing relationships, and healing.
Complex Barriers Preventing Help-Seeking in Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment
Dual diagnosis therapy, substance misuse, and addiction present complex and varied challenges. The lack of integrated services for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders and the limited availability of specialized therapies for different forms of addiction and social anxiety contribute to the problem. Unlike FDA-approved treatments for opiate, alcohol, and nicotine addiction, there is currently no approved treatment for psychostimulant addiction. Furthermore, social anxiety can make it difficult for individuals to participate in group settings, often part of addiction treatment programs.
The separation between addiction treatment and mental health programs highlights the need for better coordination and integration of care for individuals with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders. Providers of medical therapy play a crucial role in addressing substance abuse and addiction; however, they may face barriers in their day-to-day work. Failure to recognize co-morbidity between substance abuse and mental health issues can negatively affect treatment outcomes and increase the likelihood of dropping out.
The stigma surrounding these problems can make it difficult for individuals to seek help and enter therapy. Internalized stigma, including negative self-perceptions, can lead people to devalue themselves, isolate themselves from social support, and reject treatment. Individuals with substance use disorders also face additional barriers to work and therapy due to the widespread stigma associated with addiction. Education, awareness initiatives, and a welcoming and accepting therapeutic environment are essential to combat stigma.
Addressing Relapse Prevention and Individual Needs for Successful Recovery
To fully recover from substance misuse, individuals must participate in a comprehensive treatment program that teaches them how to live drug-free lives without relapsing into old habits. These programs offer transitional services and continued treatment while addressing each person's needs and preferences. An integrative approach to treating addiction includes mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of recovery. Treatment programs consider a client’s personal and professional life, programming preferences, and cultural and gender norms.
Integrative programs recognize the interconnected nature of the mind, body, and spirit and design their services to meet those needs. They stress the importance of follow-up care and adhering to treatment plans.
Wish Recovery, a top dual diagnosis treatment center, offers intensive outpatient and inpatient programs that consider each client as a whole person who needs specific needs for long-term, successful recovery. We maintain that recovery is possible when individuals are met at whatever stage they are healing. Contact us to learn more!
December 18, 2023
