There is a growing body of evidence that points to the idea that recovery from addiction is a holistic process. This is not a popular idea yet and many people have never really considered it at all. In fact, the vast majority of the addiction recovery population is pretty well entrenched in the idea that recovery from addiction is best accomplished through the sort of hybrid model of recovery found in the 12 step programs. This is a combination of a social support group and also a spiritual program meshed into one. This pretty much dominates the recovery industry and, while it sounds like it has the potential to be a holistic approach, really does not branch out into distinct areas that could be considered holistic–such as physical health, nutrition, and so on.

For example, most people in the traditional recovery fellowships do not give much thought as to how to detoxify your body over the long term in the first few years of recovery. It can take several months to several years for some drugs to fully work their way out of the system. A true holistic approach would take the approach that a person can do certain things in order to gain the best possible long term health, in every area of their life, including this long term physical detox process.

The holistic approach to recovery is expansive and encompasses many techniques. It is not limited to what tools you have in your box right now. Explore the possibilities. For example, you might use hypnosis to stop smoking, or you might start a regular exercise program that leads to long term health benefits on a number of different levels.

The point is not to get stuck in one type of solution in your recovery, such as depending on regular 12 step meetings to keep you clean and sober when you should in fact be expanding your horizons (heck, go check into a wellness hotel if you think it will help!). Think broad. Think positive. Think holistically.