Conventional Treatment VS. Non-Conventional Treatment

by Amber
(Florida)

In today's society those who are in addiction or someone seeking treatment for one who is in addiction, it can be very confusing to know which treatment is right for you or your loved one. There are so many different types of treatments centers or rehabs and finding the right treatment plan can be challenging.

For the Addict

I am here to tell you to do your part in researching thoroughly. First, it's important to evaluate your heart and ask yourself if; "Am I ready to give up this high cost of low living?" - "Will I always have to depend on others?

Once you are sick and tired of being sick and tired and admit that you have a problem, then maybe you are ready to make the changes, life altering changes.

For the Loved one

And for you loved ones, before engaging yourself to those you love ask yourself; "Am I enabling the one I love if I intervene?” - "Am I willing to risk all my savings if my loved is in denial?"

The addictive person can be very persuasive, manipulative, and dishonest about their addiction.

It is the hardest thing to do, and that is to emotionally detach yourself from this kind of situation, because somehow someway it will have a direct effect to you and your whole entire family.

Now you’re ready for the different types of treatment approaches; I have found it very interesting how more now than ever before that treatment can be custom fit to your personality, no matter what sex, race or religion you are there is something out there for everyone. We human beings have been uniquely designed, so what works for one may not work for others.

Conventional Treatment:

Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers; Your basic treatment centers have on staff; Doctors, Nurses and Therapists that are centered on recovery; Doctors evaluate individuals by first implementing physicals, medication management, and treatment plans upon the first visit.

This is based on a screening that is done when you are ready to take the steps towards recovery. Screenings are pertinent towards your treatment goals, not everyone has the same treatment plan approach.

Christian Rehab places biblical principles into your life. This approach is for those who want to regain their spirituality and want to understand what their purpose in life is or what's in store for you or them. Christian rehab programs incorporate a variety of healing and spiritual approaches that empower recovery from addiction:

• 12 Step Program
  
• Scripture Study and Prayer
  
• Individual Counseling
  
• Group Counseling
  
• Education in Chemical Dependency
  
• Biblical References As Related To Addiction
  

Christian rehab programs follow the 12-step philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in their treatment. The 12 Step program is the most effective path to recovery, and all 12-step programs call for faith in a higher power. Christian rehabs recognize that this higher power is Jesus Christ, and that by faith in God, and surrendering to His will, and a desire to live a better life, recovery is possible.

Holistic Treatment; Holistic programs increase awareness and education in their approach to drug and alcohol treatment. They believe that a natural and holistic approach to withdrawal is the most beneficial and effective program for a patient. Once a patient has detoxed the body, the mind recovers from its need for addictions and the cycle of abuse ends gradually then permanently.
Holistic rehab programs are designed to deal with the underlying issues driving the addiction.

Treatment is designed to help the individual to establish effective coping skills and get them back into shape physically through proper diet, nutrition and exercise.

Non-Conventional Treatment:

Scientific Technologies; Non-conventional treatment is based on scientific technologies monitored by Medical doctors (e.g.), “Brain Mapping” – It is an FDA-approved procedure that records electrical activity within the brain. It is done scientifically to identify areas of the brain that are lower functioning and have delayed processing issues.

These technologies use the latest brain-based (brain mapping) to retrain the brain that include: EEG based video games, computer-based activities, stress reduction protocols, precise physical activities, and more.

During these exercises, brain activity is constantly monitored to study, fine-tune and encourage your progress every step of the way.

Non 12-Step Programs; These programs are based on a do-it-yourself blueprint for managing unwanted habits. It features breakthrough ideas and techniques of a stimulating non-12-step approach to alcohol and drug treatment.

Examples of these approaches are:

• No disruption to the normal flow of your life.
  
  
• No need to give up your entire social network.
  
  
• Learn to take advantage of a process which relies on modern science-based tools, not simply faith.
  
  
• Learn about the key behaviors that have made your addiction so hard to quit. Get the best information to help you make significant, pro-active changes in your day-to-day life. Learn to harness the skills you already have to change your behavior.
  
  
• Measure your success on your own criteria. Work directly with a trained professional in the field to assess where you are and your progress.
  
  
• Learn the structure to your behavior; including the "harmless habits" you maintain that feed your addiction. Identify where to make simple adjustments in your daily behavior that can make a significant positive difference.
  
  
• No group, no sponsor, no on-going lecture or coaching pressure. Identify the steps you are willing to take in order to make meaningful changes in your life.
  
  
• You make a conscious informed choice, based on harm reduction, complete abstinence or moderation goals. Learn about a simple method for evaluating your potential, as well as ongoing, success towards achieving your desired goal.
  
  It is so important to evaluate all that is available before making any commitment to getting the treatment that one needs. First Steps would be to look at your religious beliefs, the nature of the addiction, and your family involvement if any.
  
  Amber
  Drug and Alcohol Administrator