In the past, heroin and other opiate addictions were generally treated like a disease of the brain rather than a complex behavioral and psychological condition. Fresh directions in treating opiate addiction in holistic drug rehabilitation centers include approaches that treat the "whole person" by attending to the emotional, mental and spiritual factors involved in overcoming drug dependency.
Acupuncture
A component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves the placement of thin needles into the skin for the purpose of accentuating healing. According to Chinese medical theory, the needles redirect the flow of Chi, or life force, at particular physical locations called meridians. Medical research into acupuncture is sparse, but has been largely positive for treating addiction. For example, in a 1993 study published in the "Journal of Substance Abuse," researchers concluded that the effects of acupuncture are still unknown, but patients who integrated acupuncture into their treatment were more likely to complete their recovery than those who were treated with a "sham" treatment involving needles placed at non-meridian locations on the body.
Animal Therapy
Animal or pet-assisted therapy treats addicts by helping them connect with other animals and people in a non-threatening way. The treatment breaks social isolation, improves self-esteem and can also reduce feelings of anxiety and anger that often come with drug dependency, according to a review of substance abuse activity programs by Brighton Hospital. Animal-therapy feels good in the moment, but in the long run, it also assists addicts in building stable relationships based on trust and intimacy.
Creative Arts Therapy
In the classic text "The story of art," historian Ernst Gombrich famously said, "there is no art, only artists." This statement certainly applies to the healing power of creative arts therapy, which empowers addicts to express their inner worlds through paint, music and crafts. The American Art Therapy Association maintains that the creative process helps reduce stress, develop self-esteem and manage behavior, which are three important considerations for successful recovery from opiate dependency.
Spiritual Counseling
Spirituality has long been recognized as a strong motivation for recovery from opiate addiction, as can be attested by the success of 12-step programs around the world. However, spirituality does not necessarily mean submission to a higher power. Additionally, other kinds of spiritual counseling can help patients construct personal meaning allowing them to embody their connection to the world. In a review of humanist and existential therapies, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests that spiritual but non-religious counseling can be integrated with 12-step programs as they allow the patient to express their free will in choosing to stay clean after leaving rehabilitation centers.
References
- "Journal of Substance Abuse": Acupuncture Heroin Detoxification: a Single-Blind Clinical Trial.
- Brighton Hospital: Substance Abuse Therapy Activity Programs
- "The Story of Art"; Ernst Gombrich; 1955
- American Art Therapy Association: History and Background
- "Brief Humanistic and Existential Therapies": U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
