Balancing Conventional and Holistic Approaches to Support SUD Recovery

SUD recovery programs such as West Coast Recovery Centers offer a variety of programs and therapies to assist clients. Each individual has their own story and needs, which means that recovery programs often provide a breadth of support to clients. While many people assume recovery follows conventional treatment methods, many also embrace a holistic approach. The question many people have is how these two approaches work and how they work together.

Examples of Conventional Treatment in SUD Recovery

Conventional treatment is a term that encompasses what many consider typical treatment methods. These include the following.

Individual Talk Therapy

When people are in talk therapy, they are able to sit with a medical professional in a one-to-one scenario. This allows the individual to focus on themselves in their own time and delve deeply into their SUD and any related trauma.

Considering the fact that most people find their way into SUD due to undealt with trauma, these sessions will create vital connections. Talk therapy will also play a key role in the post-recovery process as many people find it to be an anchor that helps keep them steady during the more difficult times. For people going through individual talk therapy, there may be specializations such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Group Talk Therapy

Another key part of treatment is group talk therapy. This method involves creating relationships with others who are going through similar experiences and discussing problems and solutions. In a group setting, people may find social connections that they have not attempted to create in the midst of their SUD. Much of group talk therapy is about allowing individuals to speak and receive feedback. People may find it easier to talk once they see others beginning to open up as well.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For some, conventional talk therapy is not enough. In fact, they may find that there are still a variety of overwhelming thoughts and feelings. It may be necessary to prescribe medication as a way of combating the chemical imbalances in the brain. This type of therapy must be utilized in tandem with talk therapy in an effort to isolate these imbalances.

Examples of Holistic Approaches to SUD Recovery

A holistic approach involves looking not just at the individual in terms of simple therapy. People are multi-faceted and require attention in all aspects of their lives. There are many pieces to look at, including mind, body, and spirit. These are just a few examples of the different, unconventional methods that may be offered.

Creative Group Therapy

There are many stressors for those going through SUD recovery. This is to be expected. However, they must also be dealt with alongside the SUD treatment. Creative group therapy allows clients to express themselves in ways they may never have before. They will also get the chance to discuss their creative exercises with others.

Meditation

One of the few pieces that individuals in recovery can do is find time for peaceful contemplation. SUD recovery is a time full of talking and introspection, but often out loud and with someone else chiming in. Meditation allows people to truly take a relaxing bit of time to shed the sometimes tense environment of constant self-reflection. They will soon be able to let their minds wander into nothing and clear space for their own mental needs.

Yoga

The physical toll of SUD recovery can often be understated. Yoga is the perfect way to begin to get in touch with one's body through movement. For many people, yoga allows for an easier start instead of going to a gym or attempting difficult cardio exercises. The slow movements and ability to hold positions will start the process of truly remembering not just what the body should do but what it can do.  

How Can These Two Approaches to SUD Recovery Be Utilized In Tandem?

The entire recovery process requires a well-rounded approach. At West Coast Recovery Centers, when conventional therapy can be melded with a more holistic program, individuals fare better. A program that only employs one of these approaches while ignoring the other, very real issues can find itself helping only a few pieces of the individual. SUD creates a domino effect that breaks down a person's decision-making, mind, body, and spirit. If only one piece is dealt with, the person will often find their way back to bad habits.

Anyone entering a recovery program will benefit from this approach. There is no downside – the more pieces of a person that can be helped, the better. People need to be seen for the multi-faceted beings they are. We are puzzles, and everyone knows that a puzzle without all the pieces will always feel incomplete. The goal of these programs is to help people find these pieces and address their entire being at once.

There are many advantages to a program that can balance both conventional and holistic approaches. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we believe that the best way to help a person is to give opportunities. For some people, this means a very standard form of conventional therapy. For others, this can mean a more holistic look at not just problems but also solutions. Our recovery programs synthesize the two in a way that provides clients with not just run-of-the-mill introspection but a better overall feeling of health and well-being. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we don't believe there is just one approach to recovery. It is all about which approach works best for the client. Call us today at (760) 492-6509.