Holistic Residential Treatment:
Whole Person Healing
Table of Contents
How Whole Person Residential Treatment Helps Recovery from Addiction
When you or a loved one needs treatment to recover from addiction, an inpatient drug rehab could be the best choice. Also called residential treatment, inpatient rehab helps many people recover from substance use disorder and addiction. Using holistic techniques helps treat both the body and soul while recovering.
You Aren’t Alone
In 2013, about 25 million people ages 12 years and older reported using illicit drugs during the last 30 days.1 6.5 million people 12 years of age and older, reported misusing prescription drugs during the last 30 days. Misuse means they took the drug for non-medical reasons. Prescription drug misuse included pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives.2
Methamphetamine use rose to 595,000 people in 2013, compared with 353,000 in 2010.3 In 2016, 948,000 Americans said they used heroin over the last 12 months.4
Seek Help as Soon as Possible
If you need help overcoming a substance use disorder, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. An untreated addiction can lead to an overdose and possibly death.
- In 2017, more than 70,000 people in the USA died from drug overdoses.5
- Deaths by drug overdose rose from about 17,000 Americans in 1999 to more than 70,000 deaths by 2017.6
- In 2017, opioid drug overdose deaths rose from a little more than 8,000 Americans in 1999 to 47,600.7
There is hope for a renewed and sober life by entering residential treatment. An inpatient drug rehab provides intense therapies and structure. Let’s take a close look at what residential treatment drug rehab provides.
What Does Holistic Residential Treatment Look Like
Residential treatment usually takes place inside a specialized treatment center. You live at the center during your inpatient stay. You are monitored 24/7, and all services are delivered within the facility.
In addition to traditional services, our balanced addiction treatment includes:
Mindfulness
Kundalini Yoga
Sound Bath Healing
Guided Meditation
Holistic Nutrition
Art Therapy
Nature Therapy
Binaural Sound
BOOM Fitness
When is Residential Drug Treatment the Best Choice?
Residential rehab is a good idea if you have:
Moderate to severe drug use
Dependence on multiple drugs
High relapse potential
Co-existing mental health disorders (such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder)
Different accommodation needs (such as pregnancy, veterans, teens, or LGBTQ)
Specialized treatment needs (such as trauma-related or gender-specific programs)
A need for a longer treatment stay to overcome issues that are affecting your drug abuse or addiction (for example, domestic abuse, homelessness, or criminal offenses related to drug use).
What Are the Benefits of Holistic Residential Treatment?
Holistic residential drug rehab offers a variety of important benefits, including:
No Access to Drugs or Alcohol
Regular supervision all day and night while inside residential treatment helps end access to drugs. This supports the focus on recovery and moving forward from addiction rather than on using.
24/7 Support in Residential Treatment
Around-the-clock therapeutic support helps prevent relapse. This is especially important in the early stages of treatment when a relapse is most likely.
High Level of Structure
Residential treatment provides a high level of structure. Most days will be filled with therapy sessions and activities. There is a limit on “free time.” Staying occupied leaves less time for thoughts of using or thinking about other problems. Keeping occupied decreases the chances of a setback.
Mental and Physical Health Monitoring in Residential Treatment
Drug dependence can come with both mental and physical withdrawal symptoms. During detox, you may need monitoring for many weeks or months. Dangerous and possibly deadly withdrawal symptoms can crop up.
Any physical withdrawal is watched carefully by the rehab staff. Doctors are on hand to address any issues. If mental health symptoms appear during withdrawal, you can count on constant medical counseling and supervision for emotional support.
Negative Influences are Removed
Outside negative influences will be limited. There are usually no phone calls and visits in a residential treatment drug rehab in the beginning. As time passes, calls and visits may be permitted if you feel up to them.
The Time to Focus on Yourself
Holistic treatment at a residential drug rehab program gives the luxury of solely focusing on healing without interference from past people and experiences. This allows you to completely concentrate on recovery.
Make New Friends in Residential Treatment
The more people in successful recovery you know, the better the chances you will also stay sober. The support of people who know what it means to struggle with drug addiction is a vitally important recovery tool. A residential treatment facility allows you to meet and bond with like-minded people who can support you.
Many Therapy Options to Choose From
Treatment is not a one-size-fits-all program. Residential treatment at a drug rehab program provides many different traditional and alternative therapy options for recovery. Traditional treatment can include behavioral and psychotherapy sessions. Alternative therapies may consist of yoga, stress management, meditation, and inside/outside exercise or physical activities.
Holistic Nutrition
Chances are eating a healthy diet wasn’t happening during active addiction. A residential treatment program provides a nutritious diet. Eating healthy every day helps you manage initial withdrawals easier. Sticking with a healthy diet also improves mental and physical health over the entire recovery journey.
Aftercare
A residential treatment rehab provides many tools to use long after program completion. You will have learned many ways to handle stress, cravings, and urges to avoid relapse and stay healthy.
What is Detox Like Inside Whole Person Residential Treatment?
A detox from drugs can be a dangerous time in your life. Abruptly stopping substances can cause uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes fatal symptoms. It’s wise to undergo a supervised detox to wean off drugs. A residential treatment drug rehab that has a detoxification program is a good choice. It keeps you safe, monitored and comfortable throughout the process.
There are two types of detox:
Acute Detox
This type of detox provides around-the-clock support and supervision. It suits those who are intoxicated or have withdrawal symptoms. Medical stabilization is provided by giving medications that treat substance use withdrawal. If any complications happen, the medical staff is there to handle them.8
Sub-Acute Detox
You may have a sub-acute medical detox. You’ll be given medications to reduce or prevent withdrawal symptoms, but it’s not as highly structured as an acute detox. During the detox, you are free to attend other therapeutic services within the facility.
What Types of Services are Given During Holistic Residential Treatment?
A High Level of Care
Whole person residential treatment offers the highest level of care during recovery from substance use disorder.
During a residential treatment stay, you’ll typically start with detoxification. This process slowly and safely removes any substances from the body. Residential treatment offers a monitored, secure, and structured setting. This allows you to focus on individual, group and family therapies. You’ll attend education classes and alternative therapy sessions. Psychiatric services are also provided during your stay.
Individual Therapies
Evidence-based therapies can help break the patterns of negative thoughts and destructive behaviors. Behavioral therapies do this by encouraging new ways of thinking. New, positive thought patterns and constructive behaviors help to manage stress and cope with other issues while also decreasing drug use. Two examples are CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy).
Group Therapies
Peer support in recovery is an invaluable tool for staying sober. Since 1935, support from groups has been the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-step programs. Group therapy in residential treatment offers participants opportunities to share advice and experiences while in rehab. Valuable insights are shared from people who know exactly what you are going through.
Also, the hope that recovery is possible is alive in group. There is value in seeing peers successfully working in their recovery. In addition, being with other sober people reduces feelings of loneliness.
Family Therapies
Residential treatment at a drug rehab program frequently offers family therapies. Family members are invited to family counseling sessions and activities. Family therapy (FT) offers good opportunities to heal and grow back trust with those you love. FT also helps identify dysfunctional relationships or dynamics that could trigger a relapse.
Family is also offered education on how to support ongoing recovery. Family is also shown ways of being actively involved in recovery.
Holistic Treatments for a Balanced Recovery
Holistic treatments will also help the body and soul heal from addiction. Whole person residential treatment may include yoga, meditation, binaural sound, BOOM fitness, or nature therapy.
How Long Is an Effective Residential Treatment Stay?
Residential treatment stays depend upon the unique needs of each person. The average length of stay at a residential treatment program is 21 to 30 days. Many residential treatment programs provide longer stays of 60, 90, and 120 days or more.
How long you’ll stay in a residential treatment program depends on:
Intoxication levels and possible withdrawal signs: The more extreme the addiction, the longer the stay can be. Also, potentially dangerous or severe withdrawal symptoms may prolong a treatment stay.
Medical conditions and their potential complications: If there are serious or chronic medical conditions or complications, a longer stay may be needed to get them under control. Any co-occurring conditions or a dual diagnosis will also increase the length of treatment.
Emotional, behavioral or cognitive conditions, and their possible complications: The existence of emotional, behavioral, or cognitive conditions will help determine the length of your stay.
Your willingness to change: If you don’t have a full commitment to recovery in the first treatment stages, you may need a longer stay to boost your readiness for change. Commitment to healing from addiction is essential for a successful recovery.
Relapse potential: If you are a high relapse risk, you may need a longer stay to help reduce the risks of setbacks.
Where you will live after residential treatment: If you need to set up a stable and safe living environment after rehab, you may need to stay until you have a safe and stable residence in place.
Your treatment history: You may need an extended stay in residential treatment if you have completed one or several treatment rehabs and then experienced a relapse.
How Can I Make My Holistic Treatment a Success?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there are more than 14,500 specialized drug rehab facilities in the United States.9 These facilities provide counseling, therapy, medication, and other treatment services for people with substance use disorders. You can find the help you need at one of these facilities. You can also do the following to ensure the best possible chance at a successful recovery.
Begin with Detox
A supervised detox prepares the body for treatment. Drug use can create changes in the brain, making it harder to independently quit drugs and alcohol. Detox also helps address painful and possibly dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Look for a Whole Person Treatment Approach
Look for a rehab center that treats all your concerns using traditional and alternative methods. This means the program should have a mind-body-spirit approach to treatment. It should heal your body, mind, and spirit. This type of approach will help repair broken relationships and heal your soul.
Maximize the Effectiveness of Therapy
Get the most out of your therapy sessions by taking them seriously. Be sure to complete any assignments. Do journal writing. Take the skills learned in therapy and put them to good use every day. The more you think about and use the skills you have learned in therapy, the better your outcome will be.
Communication
Open lines of communication with your therapists help them to customize your treatment plan.
Build a Support System
You’ll need your loved ones to provide long-term support. Family and friends help motivate you to stay with treatment. They can also provide a safe living environment. They’ll be there to talk to you when you need it most. A family therapy program provides assistance to help families heal and gives them guidance on the best ways to help you.
Stay in Treatment
Don’t leave treatment simply because you feel better. Some people in recovery fall into the false belief that they don’t need therapy anymore because they are doing better. Addiction and drug abuse are difficult to overcome without help and support. Stay in treatment; it’s essential for your long-term success.
Peer Support Groups
Your treatment program should have peer support groups. Your support group(s) probably use the 12-step model created by AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). Continue going to peer support group meetings long after you complete residential treatment rehab. Group meetings help to maintain sobriety. They also provide friendship and fellowship. Groups offer you recovery tools on an ongoing basis too.
Abstinence Is Key
Addiction is a chronic disease, just like asthma or diabetes. Addiction is a disease that can be treated and controlled, but unfortunately, there isn’t a cure. Because of these factors, any casual use of drugs increases the risk of turning back to an active addiction. Abstinence is the best way to avoid relapse.
Work Relapse Prevention
Relapse happens. To avoid a setback, a comprehensive relapse prevention plan can prepare you for possible issues that may arise during recovery. After formal treatment, a plan will be created based on your unique needs. It should be ready in case of relapse or if you are concerned you are about to use drugs. Aftercare can include:
- Going to an emergency support group meeting
- Calling a peer or loved one for support
- Scheduling a therapy session
- Reentering a treatment program
Common Questions About Whole Person Residential Treatment
How Might Holistic Residential Treatment Impact My Family?
Residential treatment may seem like a big commitment. It means putting aside family responsibilities.
It’s understandable if you feel undecided at first or are afraid to leave your family temporarily. It’s helpful to keep in mind that recovery is the best long-term option for your family.
A healthier way of looking at committing to rehab is that if you don’t treat your addiction, you can’t serve your family well. A commitment to residential treatment is investing in a future that will pay off down the road. Successful recovery allows you to be a better-functioning part of the family.
There will be rules about family contact and visits. These visits and calls may be restricted at the start. As time passes, an increase in family contact occurs if you wish. Most rehab centers permit family letters with some limits throughout your stay. Letters are good ways to communicate with loved ones, feel their support, and calm any worries.
What Can I Bring With Me? Where Will My Things Be Secured?
Pack basic items that you’ll need. Here are some suggestions:
7-days of shirts, pants, socks, and undergarments
A robe, slippers, and a few sets of pajamas
A couple of sweatshirts or sweaters
Shoes
A seasonal coat
Toiletry, grooming, and hygiene products
Your personal items will be secured in your room. Before you enter treatment, check with the treatment facility on their specific policies on what items are allowed and any dress codes.
Can I Visit the Whole Person Rehab Facility Before Enrolling?
Most whole person rehab facilities welcome potential clients and their loved ones to visit the premises. Call ahead to request a visit where you can meet the staff and tour the facility.
What Does the Intake Process Look Like?
The intake process typically includes an assessment before admittance to the rehab program. Counselors and doctors conduct the interview. Questions about your medical, mental health, and substance abuse history are asked. They’ll administer a physical exam and mental health assessments.
Honesty is best, so the staff knows exactly how to help. Though it can feel uncomfortable to talk about certain things, doing so will help your recovery. Don’t minimize your drug use because you’re embarrassed. It’s important to tell the truth. The information given, which remains confidential, helps the staff form a personalized treatment plan made just for you. Your payment options and financial situation may also be discussed.
If you or a loved one have drug misuse, dependence, or addiction problems, contact a treatment center today to start the admissions process. The intake interview is the first important step to your recovery. It’s time to start the new, drug-free life you deserve.
Talk to your doctor, therapist, or an addiction treatment admissions specialist to find out if a holistic residential treatment program is right for you.
Resources
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/scope-heroin-use-in-united-states
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64109/#A85344
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states