Holistic Rehab Facilities Offer an Alternative Approach
For many years, the twelve-step protocol was the primary method for treating drug and alcohol addictions. First popularized in the 1930s, the twelve-step method derived from a religious movement called The Oxford Group. Belief in a Higher Power is a primary tenet of the Twelve Steps. Although the term can be very loosely defined, this requirement has been a stumbling block for many who need help fighting their addictions.
In recent years, a new paradigm for treating addiction has been gaining adherents. Holistic rehab facilities have sprung up across the nation and around the world. The holistic approach is based on the concept that the entire person must be treated as an entity, including mind, body and spirit. Holistic medicine in all its aspects stresses that the individual must take responsibility for his or her well being.
The holistic approach to rehabilitation, springing as it does from alternative medicine, uses a combination of traditional and non-traditional methods. In addition to individual, group and family counseling sessions, and treatment with medication where appropriate (such as during detox), holistic rehab facilities may include in their regimen such elements as nutritional counseling, yoga, biofeedback, self-hypnotism, Pilates, reiki massage, meditation, tai chi and acupuncture. Vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and other nutritional supplements may also be provided, as well as physical exercise through gym facilities, swimming, hiking or sports.