Many clients participating in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders benefit from a combination of evidence-based and complementary modalities. Clinicians and support staff must balance the various treatment and service options to ensure clients receive effective care. According to Cureus, “[T]he use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is rapidly evolving and growing in the healthcare industry.” The experts at Driftwood Recovery use evidence-based and complementary treatments to provide support for clients struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health issues.
Common Types of Complementary Alternative Medicine
CAM practices may not always have supportive research proving their usefulness as tools in mental health and addiction recovery. Often, alternative treatments have no, limited, or mixed research regarding their effectiveness in treating specific health conditions. Healthcare professionals may introduce CAM into treatment programs based on anecdotal evidence or past client success.
According to the previously mentioned article by Cureus, “All therapeutic modalities that are not part of standard medical practice are included in alternative medicine (AM)” and may include:
- Herbalism
- Homeopathy
- Acupuncture
- Breathing meditation
- Chiropractic medicine
- Yoga
- Progressive relaxation
- Cupping
- Sound Bath
- Macrobiotics
- Hypnosis
Healthcare professionals use complementary and alternative therapies alongside evidence-based treatments to address various conditions. Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to determine if a client may benefit from alternative medicine. Clinicians and support staff are responsible for educating clients to ensure they make informed decisions about their care and fully understand the possible benefits and side effects of incorporating alternative medicine.
The Benefits of Combining Evidence-Based and Complementary Treatments
Alternative medicine has been used for thousands of years by societies around the world. Research has shown mixed to positive results for many of the most popular forms of CAM. According to the International Journal of Health Sciences, integrative medicine “neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative medicine uncritically” and recognizes “that good medicine should be based in good science, inquiry-driven and open to new paradigms, the use of natural, less invasive interventions whenever possible, the broader concepts of promotion of health and the prevention of illness as well as the treatment of disease.”
Some of the self-reported health benefits of complementary therapies include:
- Decreased overall stress
- Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Better pain management
- Increased positivity
- Relief from physical symptoms, including nausea and body aches
The specific health benefits vary depending on many factors, including the disorder, symptom severity, and treatment plan. Many clients report that the relief provided by complementary treatments lasts for a prolonged period of time. Some individuals may experience the benefits of alternative medicine for weeks or months after the initial therapy session. For example, the positive effects of massage therapy may be cumulative and last for several weeks.
A Whole-Person Approach to Client Care
Addictive behaviors and mental health disorders are chronic or recurring health issues for many clients. Healthcare workers utilize a range of personalized therapies to support their clients’ healing and skill development. A whole-person approach to client care, addressing emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and environmental factors, increases the effectiveness of treatment programs. CAM therapies are often flexible and easily incorporated into most care plans. Tailored treatment provides the best outcome for many people in recovery.
Holistic and tailored client care may involve the following:
- Comprehensive assessments
- Treatment and aftercare planning
- Integrative treatments
- Nutritional counseling or guidance
- Emotional support
- Psychoeducation
- Collaboration between healthcare providers
Client collaboration is an essential part of a whole-person approach to treatment. Clinicians and support staff build strong bonds with clients, assessing their needs and learning their personal preferences.
How to Appropriately Use Evidence-Based and Complementary Treatments
Some treatments are not suitable for every client. Certain clients may not respond well to traditional therapy or oppose alternative modalities. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery ensure the appropriate use of complementary and evidence-based therapies by doing the following:
- Adopting a holistic approach while taking into consideration the physical, emotional, and spiritual impact of various modalities
- Staying informed and updated on the latest breakthroughs in client care
- Educating clients about their treatment options to ensure they make informed decisions
- Collaborating with outside healthcare providers to prioritize client safety and comfort
- Carefully integrating complementary care into treatment and aftercare plans
- Researching the potential benefits of various complementary treatments for addressing chronic pain or other symptoms
Healthcare professionals have the unique opportunity to introduce clients to valuable alternative therapies they can use during and after treatment. For example, acupuncture may continue to provide emotional and pain relief for clients in long-term recovery. Introducing clients to complementary services promotes overall wellness.
Evidence-Based and Complementary Treatments at Driftwood Recovery
Driftwood Recovery provides staff with the resources and support to offer clients the following services:
- Acupuncture
- Pain Clinic
- Individual and group psychotherapy
Staff members find practical ways to combine evidence-based and complementary treatments to benefit clients in recovery.
Balancing evidence-based and complementary therapies allows clinicians and support staff to address a wide range of client symptoms and health concerns in a short period of time. A whole-person approach to treatment ensures clients feel supported, heard, and valued. Complementary therapies often deepen the bonds of trust between clients and clinicians, increasing the effectiveness of evidence-based services, including individual and group therapy. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to take advantage of the many modalities available to create well-rounded and comprehensive treatment plans for clients recovering from substance use and mental health disorders. To learn more about our programs and the services we offer, contact our office today at (512) 759-8330.