I’ve been witnessing it for years-
The revolving door of rehab- most clients return
Treatment as usual, also known as cookie cutter treatment
Cross addiction by facility doctor or psychiatrist- clients given prescriptions such as Tegretal, Lithium, Zyprexa and Riperdal, in sometimes unnecessarily large amounts, on going.
The 30 day set up- not enough treatment or abstinence time leaving relapse inevitable, sometimes with a hefty price tag- some facilities charging from $15,000 to $60,00 for just one month.
Clinicians using the same boring material (and it’s not really their fault because they are usually given little to no time on the job to explore to avenues for recovery, such as EFT)
The grueling task of starting over from square one after a client relapse, because they got kicked out. But relape is a part of recovery so who is there to help the client work through the relapse?
Loosing an addiction takes time, big changes, life style leaps and, tons and tons of ongoing support. It is a healing and it is a process. But bringing something new to the world of recovery, to enhance what is already being done, is the direction I would like to see things go in. It could also refresh the therapists, counselors, and techs who are also bored with old material and just like the clients, desire something new.
In a perfect world, there would be a perfect rehab…but until then, here is a sample of some of the activities, programs, and approaches I would love to see;
Astrology and numerology– Numerology and astrology have been used for thousands of years, are indispensable assessment tools. Through these modalities we are given clues to traits and tenancies, and even some very specific information about a person just as a seed holds all the information about a plant’s past, present, and future. A proficient astro-psychologist can cut out hours or days or maybe even weeks of exploration between counselor and client by studying the previews astrology and numerology can give us into the lives of others.
Homeopathy and Bach flower essences– Many professionals are starting to understand the curative effects of homeopathy, and a psychologist who can select remedies is golden. Homeopathy is ideal for addressing emotional imbalances, stimulating internal healing as opposed to suppressing symptoms. If there is a condition, there is a homeopathic remedy to balance it- there are remedies excellent for cravings of all sorts, as well as mental and emotional disturbances, from depression to schizophrenia. Bach flower remedies address a myriad of emotional conditions and like homeopathy are inexpensive, over-the-counter, and easy to self prescribe, not to mention they have no toxic side effects.
Sai Sanjeevini– there are hundreds of healing patterns- everything from thought management, to addiction, to vaccine antidote. Client can actually participate in making up a sample mega remedy, and then learn how to charge up their morning coffee, juice, or whatever, with divine healing prayers. Visit www.saisanjeevini.org and see for yourself.
Juicing and Yoga– A daily morning ‘ritual’ brings the clients together and contributes greatly to good health. – Allow a different client daily to contribute a recipe, and make the juice for for the group, followed by yoga, which can be done by even the least athletic of us. Body, mind, and soul will be addressed in this dual activity.
EFT (emotional freedom technique known as tapping) Trauma is a disruption in the body’s energy system and tapping works like emotional acupressure to repair it quickly, gently, and easily release the negative emotions and beliefs that are at the root of all our problems and pain.
Other health practices– Learn new techniques like morning oil pulling (swishing), as well as taking a teaspoon of honey and cinnamon twice daily. Keeping the body fit for those who have compromised their immune systems is paramount.
Brainstorming– the group uses this technique to design a local benevolent project, and execute it- a wonderful healing exercise.
BTW, I would never teach the practice of making a negative affirmation, as in announcing that you are an addict before you address the group. Remember Dr. Martinez’s story about the priest who gave the wrong man his last rites…the man died in 15 minutes. The power of the word is mighty, and as you say you are, is how you will surely be. My psycho social model does not embrace addiction as a non-recoverable disease.
I could continue all day, with new and interesting ways to approach the addict and deal with addiction. Is there one anyone else out there, that’s made the paradigm shift?
Your questions and comments are always welcome, or you may send me a private email at ‘contact us‘.