When people decide to enter addiction treatment, they have several choices between holistic and contemporary therapies as part of their treatment plan. Some, however, believe that they have to choose one over the other. Others may believe that one type of therapy is better than another. The truth is that holistic and contemporary therapies are different, but each can play a big role in achieving recovery. Staff members at Painted Desert Recovery understand this and utilize the power of both holistic and contemporary therapies to create a customized treatment plan for each of its clients.
It’s important for those considering or currently in addiction treatment to understand two things. First is how holistic and contemporary therapies differ. The second is to understand how holistic and contemporary therapies can be used together to offer comprehensive addiction treatment.
Differences Between Holistic and Contemporary Therapies
Both holistic and contemporary therapies are the same in that they have the same goal of helping someone achieve recovery. They are also both scientifically backed and are subject to licensing and regulations. However, how they help someone achieve recovery can be very different.
Holistic therapies are also known as traditional, alternative, or complementary therapies. Their treatment philosophy is that all of the body must be treated together. The body consists not just of the physical self, but also of the mind and the spirit. Holistic therapies focus on making healthy lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms and treat mental health disorders. It also examines social relationships and environmental health as part of treatment. Examples of holistic therapies are nutritional therapy, art therapy, and yoga.
Contemporary therapies are also known as modern, conventional, bio-medicine, and mainstream therapies. Their treatment philosophy is organ-based and contemporary mental health care focuses on the brain and nervous system. Contemporary therapies are the most heavily researched and studied type of therapy in the United States. As a result, it’s the most widely available form of therapy. Some example of contemporary therapy is the use of prescription psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation therapies.
Can Holistic and Contemporary Therapies Be Used Together?
The short answer is yes. Holistic therapy is also known as complementary therapy for a reason. It allows someone to blend holistic and contemporary therapies as part of a treatment plan without causing any harm. Sometimes addictions require both holistic and contemporary therapies for someone to fully recover. For example, some substances, such as opiates, are difficult to recover from. This is because withdrawal symptoms can be serious and even deadly if attempting to detox alone. By using specifically prescribed medications, a person can detox safely and more comfortably compared to someone going “cold turkey.”
Psychotherapy is also important for addiction treatment, but it can leave someone feeling raw and vulnerable after a session. It’s why many addiction treatment facilities will have their clients also use art therapy or practice meditation as a way to deal with their thoughts and feelings. These types of therapies can also be used post-treatment as a way for someone to manage their stress and emotions. Holistic and contemporary therapies work off each other well, allowing someone to receive comprehensive and quality addiction treatment.
Choosing the Right Therapies
Addiction treatment is a voluntary process. This means that someone can choose the holistic and contemporary therapies they want as part of their treatment plan. A mental health care professional assists a client in choosing which therapies might be right for them. They can guide and recommend holistic and contemporary therapies, but never force them. Clients have more power than they think, and they have the right to choose and stop therapy at any time if safe to do so. Some therapies, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cannot be stopped right away. A mental health care professional will explain what each therapy entails so their client can make an informed decision.
Sometimes it can be hard to choose which types of holistic and contemporary therapies a person wants to try. Treatment facilities like Painted Desert Recovery have several options a person can pick as part of their treatment. Clients are encouraged to give these therapies a try. Sometimes therapy doesn’t work out, and that’s okay. Much of addiction treatment is adjusting to an individual’s needs to give them the right level of care. Not all therapies, holistic and contemporary included, are appropriate for everyone. For example, a person terrified of horses would not find equine therapy particularly useful until their phobia is addressed first.
Painted Desert Recovery makes it easy for clients to work with staff to create a treatment plan right for them. Staff members are always happy to answer questions a person may have about holistic and contemporary therapies. They have the knowledge, training, and compassion needed to guide clients toward recovery.
For those about to undergo addiction treatment, they may be worried that they will have no say over their treatment. The fact is that clients in addiction treatment programs have more power than they realize. One of these powers is the ability to examine and choose the therapies they wish to undergo. At Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, we offer several treatment options to our clients. This way, they get a treatment plan that can help them achieve recovery. Anyone can recover from addiction, including yourself and the people that you love. To learn more about the addiction treatment options available at Painted Desert Recovery, call (844) 540-0353 today.
