Drug abuse has declined since the 1990s, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, but millions of Americans still suffer with addiction. While substitution therapies, such as methadone and formal psychiatric evaluations are still the norm, many medical practitioners now incorporate mental, emotional and spiritual practices into standard addiction programs. Many of these alternative treatments have in common a focus on healing the body and the mind at the same time.
Acupuncture
Chinese Medicine perfected acupuncture thousands of years ago. By directing the flow of the body's energetic field, acupuncturists claim that inserting needles at specific meridian points can help drug abuse patients with managing withdrawal symptoms. A 2009 study published by the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse suggests that acupuncture often proves effective with opium withdrawal, but no signs of improvement occurred with alcohol.
Drum Therapy
Drumming in groups may sound like a far-out therapy, but percussion-related treatments have an excellent track record for overcoming drug abuse. The American Journal of Public Health reviewed drum therapy in its April 2003 edition, concluding that drumming "produces physiological, psychological, and social stimulation that enhances recovery processes." In other words, "drumming out drugs," facilitates social cohesion, emotional renewal and increased self-esteem.
Outdoor Therapy
Outdoor therapy takes addicts out of their habitual behaviors by immersing them in the natural world. Wilderness guides, who often work as therapists as well, lead physically challenging adventures in order to stimulate the healing potential of group activities. Activities may include whitewater rafting, rock climbing, backpacking and rope courses. Most famous for its successful treatment of troubled teens, outdoor therapy also proves a valuable treatment option for drug therapy groups and individuals.
Karate and Yoga
Karate builds focus, strength and self-discipline by revitalizing the body and the mind simultaneously. The Holistic Addiction Treatment Center, a non-profit treatment center in North Miami Beach, incorporates karate and other martial arts into its treatment regime along with meditation and yoga. Owner and former addict John Giordano says, "The old model of treatment is just to treat them psychologically, just the head and leave the body alone. We don't do that because we feel it's all connected."
Gardening
Gardening proves a relaxing outdoor activity that builds focus, lowers tension and encourages empathy in a natural setting. Its use as an addiction therapy method has become commonplace today not only in long-term rehabilitation centers, but also in prisons. A 1999 study in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation found that an in-prison garden therapy program could significantly reduce the susceptibility to addiction, a measure that includes self-control as well as self-esteem. Because gardening requires months for the fruits of the labor to emerge, it has therapeutic value for encouraging long-term thinking and planning.
References
- National Institute of Drug Abuse: Nationwide Trends
- PubMed: Traditional medicine in the treatment of drug addiction
- American Journal of Public Health: Complementary Therapy for Addiction: "Drumming Out Drugs"
- Join Together: Recovering Addicts Provide Holistic Substance Abuse Treatment
- InfomaWorld: Impact of Horticultural Therapy on Vulnerability and Resistance to Substance Abuse Among Incarcerated Offenders
