Since its founding in 1935, AA and its 12-step approach has served as the cornerstone of treatment for alcoholism. Later, it served the same purpose for all substance use disorders (SUD). At the core of the AA philosophy is the notion that people are powerless over their addictions and must submit to a higher power and the support of others to remain sober. There is no denying that this approach has helped countless people overcome SUD. However, the AA approach does not work for everyone. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we believe in a different approach: holistic recovery treatment. Addiction recovery with a holistic health focus considers how SUD impacts a person. This is preferable to focusing solely on the physical symptoms. Through holistic recovery treatment, individuals gain insight into the root causes of SUD and nurture their innate desire to be healthy to find lasting recovery.
Whether you are at the beginning of your recovery journey or have been stuck in a pattern of chronic and want to find a new way, Gulf Breeze Recovery can help. Call 833.551.2304 to learn more about our holistic, non-12-step approach to recovery.
What Makes Holistic Drug Rehab Different?
Substance use disorder rarely occurs on its own. A majority of individuals with SUD also have mental health issues that either are a root cause of SUD or result from it. The phenomenon of having both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time is referred to as co-occurring disorder.
Historically, co-occurring disorders were viewed as separate and treated independently. This practice resulted in frequent relapses in both conditions. Today, we understand the complex relationship between SUD and mental health, including how they impact one another. This understanding is a foundation of holistic recovery treatment.
The most significant difference between a traditional and holistic approach to drug rehab is that traditional rehab focuses more narrowly on treating the physical symptoms of SUD. At the same time, holistic rehab also integrates the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. The following are other prominent differences:
Traditional Drug Rehab
- Emphasis on medical treatments and evidence-based approaches for symptom management and improvement in basic functioning
- Focus on medical supervision, structured programs, and standard treatment protocols to achieve specific therapeutic goals
- Success is measured by adherence to protocols and attainment of specific milestones
Holistic Drug Rehab
- Incorporates a wide range of complimentary therapies with traditional evidence-based approaches for integrated treatment
- Focus on addressing the root causes of SUD and emphasizing lifestyle changes, self-care, and personal empowerment
- Success is measured by improved well-being and overall quality of life, in addition to symptom reduction
Choosing traditional versus holistic drug rehab comes down to personal needs, preferences, and perspectives on health and wellness. Everyone is different, and some people may feel they do better with traditional rehab’s structure, supervision, and routine.
Benefits of Recovery with a Holistic Health Foundation
Recovery centered on holistic health emphasizes an individual’s unique internal needs and innate drive to self-actualize. Through holistic recovery treatment, clients learn skills that will enable them to maintain recovery for the long term. Benefits of recovery with a holistic health foundation include:
- A wide variety of complementary therapies allows clients to find the ones that speak to their unique needs and preferences
- A welcoming and supportive environment provides a safe space for clients to reflect on their recovery needs and goals
- Combining traditional, evidence-based, and holistic approaches helps break the cycle of chronic relapse because of improved overall well-being
- Holistic recovery is highly individualized
- Resolution of unresolved trauma or thoughts and feelings that fuel SUD
Overall, recovery with a holistic health foundation improves physical and psychological health and inspires self-acceptance, accountability, self-reliance, and personal empowerment.
Experience Holistic Recovery at Gulf Breeze Recovery
Located in a private part of the beautiful Santa Rosa Sound in Florida, Gulf Breeze Recovery provides compassionate, expert, holistic care for individuals struggling with SUD and co-occurring disorders. Call 833.551.2304 today or use our online contact form. It’s time to discover why many people consider us one of the nation’s most effective addiction treatment centers.
