When looking to get help for a drug or alcohol addiction, there is often talk about “holistic treatment”. However, the way in which one holistic treatment center approaches recovery may not actually be the same as another. In order to ensure you are choosing a facility that is ideal for you or your loved one, it can help to have an understanding of what a holistic approach to addiction treatment means and what it may or may not comprise.

Defining Holistic Therapy

Holistic medicine is defined by WebMD as “a form of healing that considers the whole person — body, mind, spirit, and emotions — in the quest for optimal health and wellness.” Holistic therapies are therapies that support this whole-person approach to wellness. Yoga is one of the most common examples of holistic therapy as it incorporates movements, breathing, meditation, and spirituality all in one practice. However, it is important to consider that while one therapy may not address all areas of wellbeing, multiple therapies can if they are provided co-currently. 

Alternative Therapies vs. Holistic

The terms “alternative” and “holistic” are often used interchangeably, but they do not necessarily mean the same thing. As described above, holistic therapies are any therapies that contribute to a holistic approach to recovery. On the other hand, alternative therapies refer to therapies not typically accepted by the medical community as effective or generally prescribed in western medicine. Medication-assistance treatment is a great example to examine. It can be considered a part of a holistic approach when used in combination with other therapies, but it is not an alternative therapy. Sound therapy would be an example of an alternative therapy that may also be utilized in a holistic treatment program.

What is a Holistic Addiction Treatment Facility?

Plain and simple, a holistic treatment facility is a center that provides access to a range of therapies to address addiction via a holistic approach – mind, body, and spirit. A holistic approach to recovery has been more widely adopted in recent years, but not all of these facilities are the same. The reason why not all holistic treatment centers are the same is that there is a wide range of therapies that can be offered at holistic inpatient and outpatient treatment centers. One may offer yoga and acupuncture, where another may offer mediation and equine therapy.

Our Holistic Program

At Addiction Treatment Magazine, we have seen the difference that a holistic approach can make when it comes to treating mental health disorders such as substance abuse and addiction. For that reason, we support a wide array of traditional and alternative therapies offered as a part of drug and alcohol rehab programs.