Drug addiction is classified as a disease because the user has no control over the condition. However, unlike other diseases, fortunately, there are alternative therapies (referred to as holistic healing) available that have been proven to be successful for the sufferer’s recovery.
Holistic healing is not new. Before modern-day treatment centers and pharmaceuticals, holistic healing was the preferred method of treatment for a whole host of ailments. The mind-body-spirit connection, referenced in ancient texts, was familiar to ancient man. As civilizations developed and engaged in conquests, many libraries and ancient mystery schools were destroyed in the process, leading to the loss of this valuable method of healing. Fortunately, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in holistic healing, resulting in clinical studies proving that holistic healing is highly effective for those suffering from addiction.
The first step, using holistic healing to treat addiction, is to identify what is triggering the addiction. For some, it is simply the stress that everyday life’s trials can present. For others, having to face the day can be so difficult that users may start using, beginning in the early morning hours. It is different for each person.
Discovering what causes the sufferer to use is important because it then becomes possible to attack the reason. Disrupting the thought process by awareness, intention, and various mediation methods (to include relaxation and visualization techniques) have proven to be highly successful in treating addiction problems.
Many holistic plans include alternative activities to face drug abuse head-on. This may include (initially at least), group or one-on-one therapy sessions, twelve-step programs, mentoring, or long-term or short-term companionships. This non-pharmaceutical strategy, which emphasizes personal human contact, has been reported to be very successful as a support for the user. Often, the user experiences the feeling of alienation and loneliness. By identifying an individual available on a friendly basis, the user has a mentor available to him.
Those who suffer from addiction may use it for many different reasons; however, the one constant is that they are seeking an escape. They may be bored, afraid, overwhelmed, or simply feeling anxious. To divert their attention from such negative thoughts (the triggers), often a hobby or special interest may need to be developed. Holistic healing works to develop the individual character of the sufferer, helping him to elevate himself (above using). When the victim of addiction discovers something he enjoys and for which he may have a talent (such as artwork, studying a new subject, traveling, etc.), he learns to replace his substance abuse with the new activity – likened to discovering one’s purpose in life.
Addiction does not afflict just the user; the entire family is affected. Holistic healing engages the entire group, recruiting them to assist in the healing process. By providing this additional level of support, recovery is almost always assured. Long-term holistic healing recovery plans are developed, implemented, reviewed, and tweaked if necessary; everyone’s input is valued.
Holistic healing programs, for the victim suffering from addiction, may include any one of several (proven to be highly effective) ancient therapies. Two of the most popular include Meditation and Visualization. Used for centuries as a form of gravity, to bring to the individual that which he desires, visualization is a common practice for manifestation. Simple intent is the main ingredient for this therapy.
Meditation, long considered a most positive form of treatment for various diseases including cancer, hypertension, high blood pressure, as well as addiction, is a very popular form of treatment. Although not explainable, clinical studies have conclusively proven that meditation works for healing.
Similar to previously discussed holistic therapies, Yoga and Tai Chi work to connect and align the physical body with spiritual enlightenment. Not just a session for stretching and reaching, these often misunderstood, ancient Asian practices work with the physical body and natural flow of energy levels. Proven to contribute to healing, many recovering addicts have overwhelmingly attributed their success to the continued practice of Yoga and Tai Chi.
Not forgetting to maintain the physical body, exercise programs and nutritional therapies are also part of natural programs. Understanding that healing must work with every component of an addict’s being, each individual who is on a path should engage in physical activity. The body, usually abused and battered by chemical use, needs to re-energize; and, vitamin, mineral, and healthy food intakes can jump-start this process.
Finally, spiritual counseling should be the center of a holistic healing program. This can take the form of religious practices, psychological therapies, or philosophical studies. Generally speaking, the main goal is to guide the addiction sufferer, helping him to reach a state of awareness (sometimes known as self-realization), focusing on his place within the world (his role, why he is here, and what he can do to make him and the world, better).
