What Is the Difference Between Holistic Health and Traditional Medicine?

When searching for addiction treatment, there are several options available. Two of the most common health structures you will see out there include holistic and traditional methods. Let’s dive into the difference between the two and which could be right for you or your loved one.

What Describes Traditional Addiction Treatment?

In general, traditional addiction treatment focuses on medical detoxing. During this treatment, patients usually work with medical professionals to create a safe plan for weaning off a substance. This schedule will help patients curb their withdrawal symptoms in a controlled environment.

Traditional methods include different approaches to their programs, including:

• Inpatient treatment: A highly structured program where patients receive constant support while residing at a facility. This time allows them to undergo treatment without having to face the stressors of the outside world and the temptation to relapse.
• Partial hospitalization: Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are the best choice for those with other requirements that would get in the way of a full residential program. These programs have structured therapy sessions during the day while allowing patients to return to their homes at night.
• Intensive outpatient: Intensive outpatient programs follow much of the same structure as inpatient programs, except on an outpatient basis. This includes a structured detox plan with therapy meetings.
• Traditional outpatient: Other traditional outpatient programs offer tools similar to PHPs or intensive outpatient programs but are more flexible schedule-wise. This way, individuals can work on their recovery while staying loyal to other commitments, such as school or work.

What Is Holistic Addiction Treatment?

Holistic addiction treatment focuses on treating the whole person, not just the condition. More specifically, holistic treatments will consider an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual state when developing a plan. This all branches from the holistic approach’s view that the mind, body, and spirit are all interconnected.

When it comes to addiction treatment, a holistic approach often combines many aspects of traditional treatments and alternative therapy options. This creates a treatment plan that targets the chemical imbalances of addiction while addressing why it happened in the first place.

In addition to the traditional medical detox, holistic addiction treatment includes a variety of the following methods, depending on the patient’s needs:

• Nutritional therapy: A lot of your mental and physical well-being can be found in the food you eat. Nutritional guidance therapy assists individuals in finding meals that benefit brain and body health.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a relaxation technique that uses thin, tiny needles to alleviate chronic pain and stress.
• Yoga: Attending yoga classes is a realistic way to implement mindfulness into your treatment plan. This popular exercise can help individuals grow physically and mentally, teaching them breathing techniques and ways to move their bodies.
• Fitness: Take charge of your physical fitness and channel withdrawal symptoms and cravings into activities such as tennis, swimming, or weightlifting.
• Hobby inclusion therapies: Hobbies help individuals take up time in their day, focusing on something other than their addiction. Choose a hobby you wish to continue or try something new, such as gardening, cooking, or art.

What Are the Benefits of Alternative Medicine?

Through its combination efforts, the benefits of holistic addiction treatment include:

• Focusing on renewing the mind, body, and spirit
• Motivating patients to control a portion of their own care
• Providing additional tools to improve recovery chances
• Increasing self-confidence in individual abilities to recover

Holistic Drug Rehabilitation at Sana at Stowe

At Sana at Stowe, we offer traditional models of addiction therapy with additional holistic services. Together, we can craft your individual treatment schedule to best fit your needs and get you on the road to recovery. Contact us online or call us at 802-532-5277 to get started.