Holistic and alternative medicines have been gaining popularity in recent years. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, approximately 38 percent of adults (about 4 in 10) and approximately 12 percent of children (about 1 in 9) in the United States are using some form of complementary and alternative medicine.

This rise in popularity has brought up a lot of questions and concerns about holistic medicine and how it could be used to treat mental health conditions. Before we start looking at the evidence, we need to understand exactly what holistic methods are.

What are holistic treatment methods?

Some of the most popular holistic treatments for addiction and other mental health ailments include:

  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Hypnosis
  • Vitamins and herbal supplements
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Nutritional Therapy
  • Reiki and other energy work

These methods have ancient roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, and some have been around for thousands of years. Some people believe that since holistic treatments have been in use for much longer than western methods, this must mean that they’re effective. So this sparks the debate on whether or not alternative medicine should be considered as a viable treatment option for addiction and other mental health problems.

Are holistic treatments effective in treating addiction?

This article from Psychology Today dives deep into the arguments that are for and against holistic treatments for mental health.

The consensus among the majority of mental health professionals is that there is not enough evidence to conclude that holistic treatments are effective. Very few studies have been done and the evidence is usually inconclusive. Therefore, doctors and other clinicians will typically advise patients to proceed with caution.

However, the article also discusses how some types of therapy can be a good complement to treatment methods that are based on science, such as medication and counseling. For example, yoga and meditation can relax the mind, so it’d be easier for a patient to speak with a counselor. Again, there is very little evidence to back up these claims, but if you have the resources, these methods could be worth exploring in conjunction with western treatment techniques.

What do I need to know about holistic treatment centers?

Before starting any course of addiction treatment, it’s crucial that you educate yourself. There’s very little regulation around holistic medicine, so it’s up to you to make sure you ask the right questions and get the information you need before investing money in alternative treatments.

No matter what route of treatment you decide to pursue, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s road to sobriety is different. Addiction treatment is not one size fits all, so a holistic method that cures one person of addition may not work at all for someone else.

Are you interested in learning more about addiction treatment methods? If so, consider becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) with the Odyssey Center. Contact us today to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff to find out more information on the training we provide.