Addiction is a scary, debilitating disease, and it affects everyone in the addict’s circle: friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. When the decision is finally made to seek treatment, it’s understandable that the addict wants to make the most of their time in treatment. Family and friends also have many questions. They include :
- How will withdrawal symptoms be treated?
- How will the underlying condition be treated?
- How will my loved one be kept comfortable during detox?
- When will my loved one start feel better?
- What types of medicines and therapies are used in rehab?
Addiction is different for everyone, but most addicts who come to The River Source are exhausted both mentally and physically. They’ve been abusing drugs or alcohol for months or years, and most haven’t slept, eaten healthy foods or drank water in a long time. They are tired, run down and scared, especially when it’s time to face the truth that they will have to stop relying on their drug.
Most addicts are very concerned about what the detox and withdrawal process will be like. How will their symptoms be managed? Will they be kept comfortable? Are there doctors and nurses available throughout the night?
Understanding an Integrative Approach
To meet the needs of our clients and ensure that they go through detox and withdrawal as comfortably as possible, the RS uses an integrative medical approach. An integrative medical approach combines different treatments to promote total wellness. It’s used in both psychotherapy and conventional medicine, and it allows all medical professionals to work together to treat the whole person.
What makes an integrative medical approach most effective is that it focuses on a number of healing practices instead of just one. When all doctors work together to improve physical and emotional issues, the client can manage their symptoms better. At the RS, each client has a treatment team that includes doctors, nurses, life coaches, and counselors. Our staff makes up a collaborative team that addresses the entire client: mind, body, and spirit.
This probably sounds very interesting, but how can an integrative medical approach help your loved one?
Combining Conventional and Alternative Therapies
Dr. Palmer, Naturopathic Medical Director of Casa Grande at the RS, explains that an integrative approach involves the use of both conventional and alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is best when treating symptoms of withdrawal and keeping the client as comfortable as possible. Dr. Palmer reminds us that many of the clients who come in for treatment are also struggling with anxiety or depression. Conventional medicine may also be used to treat these conditions depending on their severity.
The River Source staff places just as much importance on alternative therapies as well, such as:
- IV therapy
- Dry sauna detox
- Acupuncture
- Hypnotherapy
- Homeopathic medicine
- Nutritional supplementation
- Botanical medicine
- Biofeedback
- Massage therapy
All alternative therapies are safe and effective and used on a client-by-client basis. Each client is carefully evaluated by our staff so that all doctors, nurses, and counselors know what the addict is addicted to, how much of the drug they were using and what underlying conditions exist. Therapies like acupuncture, massage therapy, and hypnotherapy have proven effective at helping addicts relax their mind and body and be more open to recovery.
Around-the-Clock Medical Staff
Part of our integrative approach is the 24/7 care that we provide. Going through addiction recovery is a scary process, and many clients worry about what it will feel like and how they will manage without their drug. This is a normal, natural feeling. That’s why we have nurses on staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No one has to be alone or feel alone for that matter. If a client is uncomfortable in any way, they can tell a nurse and have their symptoms managed with botanical, homeopathic or conventional medicine.
The River Source also has doctors on-site each day, and they are on all the rest of the time. Basically, a doctor is never out of reach, and this leads to a more positive experience in detox. Some of our staff members were once addicted themselves, and they can offer invaluable support since they know personally what it feels like to go through withdrawal.
We hope that we answered your questions about an integrative medical approach and how it is used for clients at The River Source. If you have any additional questions, watch the above video from Dr. Palmer or call us at 866-294-9331.
