Holistic rehab is becoming more mainstream as a natural alternative to traditional 12-step drug and alcohol rehab programs. Combining exercise and nutritional supplementation with physical therapy, meditation and other natural modalities, biophysical or holistic rehab has been shown to help recovering addicts achieve and maintain a healthy mind and body balance that is essential for remaining drug and alcohol free for life. For those who are searching for a safe and effective alternative to 12-step rehab, here are 5 main benefits of biophysical addiction recovery to consider.
-
Drug Free Therapy – Unlike traditional 12-step recovery programs, biophysical rehab does not involve the use of drugs such as narcotics to treat drug and alcohol addiction. The goal of holistic therapy is to assist recovering addicts in achieving long-term sobriety along with optimum health. Drug based protocols, which basically involve the substitution of one addictive drug for another, fall short in the long run, as they are merely masking the symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes.
-
Comprehensive Detox – Simple detox in traditional 12-step centers is designed to get addicts through the 3-5 days of initial sickness associated with the body’s withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. However, drug compounds that remain trapped in the liver and fatty tissues after simple detox can cause urges, cravings and untoward side effects as these drug metabolites are gradually released back into the bloodstream. Biophysical rehab utilizes long-term detoxification methods to safely and efficiently rid the body of all residual traces of drugs and alcohol that could potentially lead to relapse. Combining light exercise with regular sauna, steam or whirlpool treatments to facilitate the release of stored compounds, holistic detox helps recovering addicts quickly regain health, energy and wellbeing.
-
Nutritional Supplementation – Addiction to drugs and alcohol depletes the body of vitamins and neural transmitters essential for healthy brain chemistry. Biophysical rehab utilizes nutritional supplementation in the form of vitamin, mineral and amino acid supplements to help restore biochemical balance. Each supplementation regimen is based on the biochemical profile of each individual in treatment, as determined by laboratory analysis and their specific substances of abuse.
-
Cognitive and Physical Therapies – Employing fully credentialed therapists, holistic rehab utilizes extensive cognitive therapy, such as individual and group sessions, to help treat and resolve the underlying emotional issues associated with addiction. In addition, cognitive therapy is coupled with physical therapy, exercise, and other activities to address and treat the underlying physical causes of drug and alcohol addiction. The combination of cognitive and physical therapies, along with proper nutrition and supplementation, have been shown to be very effective in facilitating mind-body healing, along with providing a natural means of getting addicts off of drugs and alcohol completely.
-
Calm Supportive Environment – Traditional rehab can be a stressful time for recovering addicts, as they attempt to deal with their addictions while faced with new routines and strange people in unfamiliar surroundings. Biophysical rehab provides a calm supportive environment to relieve stress and anxiety via natural means as opposed to using prescription drugs. Massage, meditation, acupuncture, yoga—these and other calming activities are routinely used to enhance mind-body balance and well-being.
While the success rates of traditional 12-step rehab have plateaued, biophysical rehab success rates are steadily climbing. As more and more treatment centers adopt a holistic approach to addiction recovery, the benefits of biophysical rehab as a sound foundational alternative to standard programs will become even more evident.