Frequently Asked Questions About Holistic Treatment

Taking the crucial step and admitting that you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol can be life altering, but it’s only the first of many additional steps that will be required if you are to overcome the disorder and heal. Understanding that fear of the unknown is one of the most common reasons for addicts to stray away from the idea of getting help, we understand how important it is to clarify the unknown so that you can make the life changing decision to get help.

How Long Does Holistic Treatment Take?

Holistic treatments can help you overcome addiction and enhance your recovery.

Every case of addiction is unique. For some, recovery is a process of self-reflection and spiritual healing more than physical healing. For others, recovery is a matter of overcoming withdrawal so that focus can finally shift back to living without harmful substances ruling ones actions and behaviors. Unfortunately, the very nature of addiction is volatile and difficult to predict. As such, there’s no easy way to define how long holistic treatment will take.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “individuals progress through drug addiction treatment at various rates, so there is no predetermined length of treatment.” Research suggests that positive outcomes result when treatment is an appropriate length of time for the individual. For most, treatment should be a minimum of 90 days in order to be effective. For some individuals, a period of treatment much longer than 90 days will be necessary in order to restore total wellness and balance into the recovering addict’s life.

Holistic recovery takes time. Many recovering addicts will spend a period of 30 days in a residential treatment facility followed by 60 days or more of counseling and therapy in an outpatient program. The amount of time that you or someone you love will spend in treatment will vary based on a number of factors including:

• The individual history of addiction.
• The amount of time addiction has been a problem.
• The commitment to recovery and willingness of the addict to remain focused on healing and getting well.
• The physical well-being of the addict.
• The emotional stability of the addict.
• The spiritual needs of the recovering addict.

NIDA further states that remaining in treatment for the adequate amount of time for your individual needs is a critical element of recovery. Relapse, a common outcome when treating any disease, should be viewed as a signal to make changes to the current treatment protocol or to reinstate treatment if the individual is no longer in a treatment program.

Holistic addiction treatment is an ongoing process. Long after the individual exits the confines of a residential treatment program, continued care and therapy will take place. Long-term recovery from addiction is contingent upon the individual’s ability to remain focused, abstinent, and in a supportive environment that is conducive to recovery. Often times, individuals who are in their latter stages of recovery will take up meditation, yoga, exercise or other similar activities for long-term success in the healing process.

Addiction recovery is generally characterized as an uphill battle that is often plagued with inconsistency. Relapse is a common theme, despite the efforts of those in recovery and the help of their treatment providers. It’s important to realize that relapse isn’t failure—it’s merely one of the many obstacles associated with recovery. If relapse occurs, the best thing to do is to pick up where you left off and do your best to get further involved in a treatment program, support group or other healing practice so that you can continue the journey of recovery.

How Much Does Holistic Rehab Cost?

Depending on the type of holistic rehab program – inpatient or outpatient – as well as the length of time that you spend in treatment, holistic rehab costs can vary greatly. Some programs provide luxury amenities that typically increase the overall costs, others provide reduced amenities and may cost far less.

There is no set amount for treatment. The amount of money that you will spend on holistic recovery will depend on the following factors (as well as possibly many other factors):

• The types of amenities that are offered in the treatment program.
• The type of treatment – inpatient or outpatient.
• The location of the treatment program.
• The amount of time that you spend in treatment.
• Your individual health and the necessary medications or care that you receive.
• Your need for additional services, medications or treatment above and beyond the scope of the overall treatment program.

Holistic treatment programs will offer an array of alternative therapies including acupuncture, massage therapy, exercise programs, art therapy and yoga. Your involvement in each of these programs will likely help you to heal while also increasing your overall ability to regain control of your life, but such programs can also be costly depending on the individual program protocol.

Prior to choosing a holistic treatment program, consider the following factors pertaining to cost:

• Treatment will likely cost more if you choose an inpatient program.
• Detox in a controlled facility will likely be more costly than an outpatient detox program.
• The cost of treatment directly correlates with treatment duration – longer programs cost more.
• Location directly correlates to the overall cost – desirable treatment locations, such as those on the beach or in the mountains, tend to cost more.
• Although treatment may be costly, the overall cost of addiction is far greater!

Insurance, self-pay plans, sliding fee scales and other options are available to assist individuals in paying for addiction treatment. Many different programs exist to help cover the cost of treatment so that those in need can get the help they deserve regardless of their ability to pay.

Where Should I Go for Help? Is it Better to Find Local Treatment or Should I Travel to Rehab Center?

Choosing a treatment facility can be challenging. Naturally, most addicts initially want to remain close to their friends and family members when they make the decision to seek professional help—but this isn’t always the ideal choice. Making the decision to seek treatment at a holistic rehab center that is located a distance from your home area can be highly beneficial because:

• You will be distanced from the current situation and triggers that have caused you to abuse drugs or alcohol.
• You will be faced with the reality of living on your own rather than on relying on your family or friends to help you out.
• You will not be distracted by work, your current friends or your family and you can focus 100% of your time and efforts on getting sober.
• You can separate yourself from your addiction and the behaviors that you grew accustomed to while using in your hometown.

Likewise, some recovering addicts do very well in choosing a treatment center that’s close to their home or place of work. This is especially true for those who choose an outpatient recovery program. You may wish to consider choosing a holistic rehab that’s close to your home if:

• You have children who require your continued care while you are in an outpatient treatment program.
• You must continue to work while you are in an outpatient treatment program.
• You have a very strong support system from your friends and family close to home.

Where you go for holistic treatment will depend on a variety of factors including:

• The availability of treatment in your area for your individual needs.
• Your ability to pay for treatment.
• Your individual needs.
• Your support system.
• Whether you decide residential treatment or outpatient treatment.

If you choose an outpatient treatment center for help, choosing a facility that’s close to your home or to where you work can be both a wise and convenient choice. Studies show that, “treatment needs to be readily available because drug-addicted individuals may be uncertain about entering treatment…and potential patients can be lost if treatment is not immediately available or readily accessible.” As such, choosing treatment that’s close to home can ensure the patient’s continued involvement.

Is Insurance Accepted?

Most holistic treatment providers accept insurance as a means of payment for treatment. Recent changes and improvements to health insurance protocols now require that at least some coverage be provided to individuals for the treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol. In order to determine whether insurance will help you cover the total cost of holistic treatment, contact your insurance company to determine the extent of your benefits as well as to find out what treatment providers are included in your plan.

Holistic rehab centers may require that you pay for treatment upfront and then later seek the reimbursement of the insurer. If this is the case, be sure to speak with your insurance provider prior to receiving any treatment in order to determine the exact services that will be covered—this way you won’t be faced with any unexpected charges that are not later reimbursed by the insurance company.

If insurance is not accepted at the holistic treatment facility that you choose, you have two options:

• Choose a treatment facility that does accept your insurance.
• Talk with the treatment facility about other forms of payment assistance that may be provided to you.

Many holistic rehab centers will offer payment plans based on your ability to pay or your credit. If you really want to get help at a facility that does not accept insurance or if you don’t have insurance to help defray the cost of treatment, consider discussing other payment options with the holistic rehab provider to determine whether treatment at the facility is still feasible for your needs.

Should I Choose Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?

Choosing inpatient or outpatient treatment will likely be one of your most difficult decisions following the initial decision to seek professional help. While there are a number of differences between each of these treatment options, the overall goal of both is very much the same – to stabilize the recovering addict and restore balance into his or her life, thus increasing the chance of long-term recovery.

Inpatient rehabs provide extensive care, around-the-clock support and a place to live while the recovering addict receives treatment. These program tend to have very limited space availability, generally cost more than outpatient rehab, and are more invasive than outpatient programs. Ideally, inpatient treatment is the chosen therapy for individuals who:

• Have attempted an outpatient program in the past and had little or no recovery success.
• Are likely to suffer from dangerous withdrawal symptoms such as those associated with alcoholism or prescription drug withdrawal.
• Have suffered from dangerous symptoms of withdrawal during a previous period of detox.
• Do not have a safe, clean and supportive place to live during treatment.
• Are heavily addicted and not likely to remain abstinent without around-the-clock monitoring.

Inpatient treatment programs provide 24-hour monitoring, medical care and support to patients on an on-going basis. Most include a combination of individual and group counseling, alternative therapies such as meditation or exercise programs, and an array of complimentary treatments such as acupuncture, herbal therapy and massage. These programs allow the patient to fully focus on his or her recovery with limited risk of relapse and minimal chance of interference during the most difficult early days of treatment when the stress of everyday life and possible triggers that take place outside of treatment could derail the recovery process.

Likewise, some recovering addicts benefit greatly from the reduced confines of outpatient rehab in which the patient is given greater ability to come and go as he or she pleases. Outpatient rehab includes counseling, therapy and an array of holistic processes that take place on a regular basis but not in a residential setting. These programs generally provide the following benefits:

• Patients can continue to attend work or school while they also receive treatment for addiction or a behavioral disorder.
• Individuals can continue to live at home with their family members while they receive help.
• Outpatient treatment programs are generally more affordable than residential treatment.
• The transition from treatment back to everyday life is generally easier as the individual is never actually removed from his or her “normal” routine or environment.

The type of treatment that you choose will depend on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, inpatient rehab is the chosen method of care for those who suffer from dual-diagnosis, severe addictions or behavioral disorders that are not likely to be controlled without around-the-clock care. Residential treatment is also required for those who have relapsed following the treatment provided by an outpatient facility. If you or someone you love is addicted, call our helpline for immediate assistance in choosing the right holistic treatment.