Many people aren’t happy with a traditional approach to treatment for substance use disorders. Either they’ve tried it before without success or simply desire a form of treatment that more closely aligns with their values.

With alternative addiction treatment in AZ as a path, you can have the best of both worlds: evidence-based therapies used in conjunction with more holistic and spiritual practices.

Understanding Alternative Approaches to Addiction Treatment

Alternative treatment is a broad category; it is generally considered to include anything that lies outside the traditional road map to recovery. As such, the first step in understanding alternative approaches is to understand the conventional model.

The classic addiction treatment model has several components:

• 12-step facilitation
• Peer support groups
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Relapse prevention programs
• Medication-assisted treatment

These techniques have become standard because they work for many people dealing with addiction; researchers have shown that they are effective in helping people overcome addiction. While not every treatment center offers all of these services, most individual plans will incorporate several conventional methods to help clients overcome addiction.

Despite their effectiveness, some people find that this model doesn’t fit their needs or address their specific challenges with substance use. Alternative treatments can fill this gap by integrating spirituality and faith-based practices in recovery, offering treatments in line with your personal values, or simply taking a more holistic approach to your health and wellness.

Alternative Approaches to Addiction Treatment in AZ

The list of alternative approaches to addiction treatment is nearly endless, but a few key practices have come to the forefront in helping people overcome addiction.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation practices have a long history of spiritual use in several cultures. In recent years, scientists have found real clinical benefits in regular meditation. Practicing mindfulness may reduce anxiety, combat depressive thoughts, and even reduce the risk of relapse when paired with an addiction treatment program.¹

The benefits of mindfulness-based approaches in addiction treatment are substantial and play a key role in our alternative treatment options.

Yoga

Yoga combines elements of meditation with exercise, allowing people to quiet their minds, connect with their bodies, and begin healing from the physical and mental symptoms of substance use disorders.

Those in recovery can practice several different forms of yoga during treatment and beyond, from calming practices focused on mindfulness and stretching to more vigorous exercise that still keeps you centered.

Art Therapy

Art therapists work with clients to help them process difficult emotions and feelings through creative media. Many people find that creative work is the easiest way to connect with what they’re going through: when you don’t have the words, you might still be able to put your emotions and feelings into art.

Equine Assisted Therapy

Equine therapy is a novel treatment approach that involves introducing clients to horses as a way to learn new skills. Horses are highly perceptive and social animals, and working with them requires careful attention, patience, and respect.

Equine-assisted therapy activities may help participants learn effective communication skills, set healthy boundaries, and even gain more control over their emotional states.

Benefits and Considerations of Alternative Approaches

Alternative approaches have several benefits for people seeking recovery from substance use disorders. Rather than treating a single problem in isolation — namely, substance use — alternative treatments focus on holistic health and overall well-being.

However, alternative treatments alone typically aren’t enough to support long-term sobriety. Although these approaches can help people on the path to recovery, they work best when paired with evidence-based treatment methods that are proven to help people achieve and maintain sobriety.

Choosing the Right Approach for You

The type of alternative treatment you choose during your recovery is largely up to you. No matter what therapy you participate in, whether it’s cognitive-behavioral therapy or art therapy, you’ll find that you get the best results if you want to be there, actively engage with treatment, and put in the effort required to get results.

So if you prioritize the role of nutrition and exercise in holistic recovery, look for programs that offer these types of services. If you want a more spiritual approach to recovery, you can look for a program supported by those who share your faith. When the treatment seems like a good fit for your needs and preferences, you’ll see the results when you participate.

Start Alternative Addiction Treatment in AZ at Wolf Creek Recovery

At Wolf Creek Recovery, we prioritize evidence-based treatment at our Arizona treatment facility, but we always offer the option of alternative approaches to enhance your treatment experience. Reach out to our team today by calling us or filling out our confidential online contact form, and start your path to recovery without delay.

 

Sources:

[1] https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC3408809&blobtype=pdf