In years past, many addiction rehab treatment centers have focused primarily on treating the psychological aspects of the disease of addiction without addressing the delicate inter-connective balance of the body, mind and spirit. Most individuals who enter into a 28-day treatment program receive education about their addiction. They scratch the surface of the issues that underlie their addictive behavior and are introduced to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous for ongoing support.
After treatment, clients are encouraged to live in a supportive environment such as a 3/4 way house. However, most return to their homes and lives unprepared to live in a life without drugs or that which fed their addiction. In some cases, this traditional approach to treatment may be effective. Usually, the success rate of traditional addiction treatment is very low.
The wisdom of Western Medicine is that if you have a symptom, treat it. If a person has a headache they take Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen to alleviate the symptoms – but never determine the root cause of the headache. The Holistic approach to medicine and treatment takes into consideration the root causes of a symptom, determines ways to address the cause and then provides a means to prevent the symptoms in the future.
The ASTARA program treats the whole person: body, mind and spirit. These elements of the human being are intertwined and exist in a delicate balance that determines positive or negative physical and mental health. The holistic method respects this balance and approaches treatment with the understanding that in order to achieve positive results this equilibrium must be restored.
"Healing the Roots of Addiction" by Marilyn Wise, LICDC
"Break Free From Addiction" YogaJournal.com
Insight Learning and Wellness Center