Loved Ones
Teen Addiction
Biochemical restoration is the “missing link” to why traditional treatment for addiction is ineffective.
by Joe Eisele, CACIII, NCAC – Clinical Director
Complimentary Therapies Enhance Addiction Treatment
Holistic Treatment
Long-term sobriety is the ultimate goal of addiction treatment, but high rates of relapse show that talk therapy alone is not enough. Traditional addiction treatment primarily originates from the Minnesota Model developed during the late 1940’s and has remained relatively unchanged over the past decades. The cornerstone of the model relies primarily on talk therapy and that addictive behavior is the result of psychological dependencies which cause a person to rely on drugs and alcohol. The belief is that addiction is the sole result of mental needs. However, current research is supporting that those suffering from addiction have chemical imbalances that lead to physiological differences. As we learn more about the types of chemical imbalances that lead to addictive behavior, we are able to address them through natural means.
InnerBalance Health Center in Northern Colorado along with other similar types of treatment facilities are achieving outstanding success. This contrasts sharply with the traditional treatment success rates of approximately 20 percent. In a commonly cited study, Vaillant (1983) conducted a long-term research project following a cohort of alcoholics and concluded that only 19 percent of the alcoholics abstained from alcohol after a one year period and a dismal 5 percent abstained after 8 years. Another study by Walsh et al. (1991) found that 23 percent of the alcoholics studied reported abstaining after two years. Numerous studies report similar results which leads one to wonder why abstinence rates are so low and why treatment methods have not evolved to continually improve upon existing techniques and treatment effectiveness. Clearly, there is room for improvement.
Only recently have researchers begun to explore a more holistic approach to the treatment of drug and alcohol abuse. Biochemical Repair has been identified as the “missing link” in successful addiction treatment. Researchers have found that a number of genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies and medical conditions contribute to the physical and psychological drive to self-medicate using drugs and alcohol.
Treatment programs like InnerBalance Health Center seek to assist clients by giving them tools to improve both their emotional and physical well being. When complementary treatments are used in conjunction with group counseling, clients have a higher chance of long-term recovery. “I was in and out of many centers for treatment, with some short term help but no long term solutions,” reported Bob, a former client. “The other treatment centers only focused on two things—the mind and the spirit—and completely ignored the body. Therefore, there was no success in the long run. There was no comparison to the other type of treatment center. InnerBalance was much father ahead.” Biochemical repair methods of replacement therapy involve the use of IV drips to supply amino acid, vitamin and mineral supplements which rapidly restore health. Clients find relief from withdrawal symptoms and receive a boost to their overall health almost immediately. At InnerBalance Health Center, clients also have membership to a health club. Incorporating yoga, meditation and exercise in the treatment plan provides clients with additional tools for managing stress.
The transformations we see with patients are remarkable. Not only are cravings significantly reduced but our patients report significant improvements in almost all aspects of their life. Armed with this new-found confidence and improved health, our patients are much better prepared to handle the long-term recovery of permanent abstinence from drugs and alcohol. They are educated on the benefits of certain nutritional supplements and physical activity. Through talk therapy, clients have the psychological support necessary to help them handle the stresses that life can bring.
Biochemical repair can trigger dramatic changes in the body and improve total health and well-being.
“I am sober, healthy and happy now,” said Linda. “I can really enjoy my life again.”
Joe Eisele is a nationally certified alcohol and drug therapist and the Clinical Director of InnerBalance Health Center in Fort Collins, CO.
