Addiction is a common problem in our modern world. People who suffer an addiction involve themselves in uncontrollable, and often unhealthy, practices that eventually turn into habits, to face anxiety, depression and other negative mental states. Unfortunately, they do not find a solution in addiction, only further problems.

Modern day treatments include lectures and group activities for patients. Normally, this also includes sharing their feelings and thoughts, in a way of airing it all out. While this is essential for the patient, because it takes away the burden of guilt which can lead to further problems, this may not necessarily resolve the main issue. Simply talking about the problem does not necessarily solve it, although it does provide a good outlet for many people who otherwise do not have such an option.

Instead, the patient should be given enough opportunities for him to safely and directly experience what they feel and also have the chance to deal with it effectively and creatively.

A holistic therapy approach is required to get the best results. This is achieved through combining western and eastern ideas of health and healing.

This process normally includes learning about the seven senses of the body. The seven senses are how we get information from our environment, as well as information within our own body. These include sight, smell, taste, hearing, feeling, internal sensation and our sense of balance.

The patient who is able to learn about this holistic approach is usually surprised to find that many things and problems in our life are simply physical sensations that arise from external events as well as his own internal thoughts.  For example, depression and anxiety are considered threats, and as such, our brain produces physical sensations of fight or flight. Since there is no actual physical danger that can be seen or run away from, this causes much distress.

Unfortunately, not many people know this. And this is why it is important to apply this important approach for many addicts. The patient is not feeling the thought in his mind, but rather he is feeling the body’s physical reaction to such a thought, now considered as a threat. By understanding this, the patient will be better able to handle their thoughts and bodily reactions.

The holistic therapy approach is a way of teaching the patient what happens to the body during stressful events which cause the anxiety or depression that results in an uncomfortable bodily sensation. The patient is taught to observe the senses and notice the particular thoughts that cause the sensation. Through this, the patient is able to effectively and creatively manage the sensations that result from depression or anxiety which then ends up in an addictive behavior.

Of course, all of the techniques in the world are worthless, or at least ineffective, if the patient himself does not want the cure.  Recovery centers, such as Hawaii Island Recovery, can provide help for those who are looking for it.

If you would like to know more about holistic therapy please contact Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032

Filed under: Holistic Therapy

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