A century ago, there weren’t many options available for people dealing with addiction. Addiction was looked at as a character flaw or moral choice. Today, the picture is much different. Not only do we have more answers and more support, but also there are more treatment options for addiction. It’s safe to say that alternative therapies aren’t so alternative anymore. Many treatment facilities offer a number of holistic therapies for their patients.
Some of the most popular alternative therapies for treating pain and combating stress are:
- Hypnotherapy
- Meditation
- Neurofeedback
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Yoga
- Sound therapy
- Dry sauna
- IV therapy
Motivations For Using Alternative Therapies
With so many alternative therapies available, there is almost certainly something for everyone. You may find that one type of therapy works very well at controlling pain or anxiety or you may see that a combination of therapies work together.
Some of the most common reasons why recovering addicts choose to implement alternative therapies into their treatment regimen are:
- Conventional medications are not meeting their needs
- Want to explore spiritual healing energies
- Prefer more natural treatments that may be safer
- Recommendations from friends and family
- Cultural reasons
- To complement conventional treatments
- To treat the whole person – mind, body and spirit
- Fewer side effects
- More personalized care
Understanding Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback for recovering addicts is an example of an alternative therapy that is safe, effective and used to strengthen a conventional treatment program. Neurofeedback measures brain activity with the goal of promoting some frequencies and diminishing others. The sessions are enjoyable and include playing brain games and puzzles. Neurofeedback can help with all types of issues including mood disorders, sleep problems, memory problems, PTSD and more.
Are Alternative Therapies Effective?
Alternative therapies have limited clinical evidence supporting their claims. This does not mean that they are not effective; it simply means they do not have quality and reliable research. It’s not always clear what separates alternative treatments from conventional ones, especially because some alternative therapies can become conventional when they are supported by evidence.
The Best Of Both Worlds
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between alternative and conventional treatment. In addiction recovery, there are standard treatments that have proven to be effective. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, the 12-Step Approach and certain medications used in detox are backed by research. When they are combined with alternative therapies like neurofeedback, an addict can have a more manageable and successful recovery.
The River Source Offers Personalized And Integrative Treatment
The River Source is an integrative treatment center that practices both conventional and alternative treatments. All patients receive personalized care that addresses their exact needs. We are proud to offer a full range of therapies including counseling, neurofeedback, acupuncture, infrared sauna and vitamin therapy. Call us today to get started on your journey.
