Alternative Therapies for Mind, Body, and Spirit: A Modern Approach to Addiction Treatment
Young minds and bodies can be dramatically impacted by drug and alcohol abuse. By the time adolescents are admitted for residential addiction treatment, many have become cut off from everything that matters in their lives, including their parents, friends, and themselves. In order to help teens reconnect with their goals and passions, some cutting-edge substance abuse programs are exposing young people not only to traditional therapy and 12-Step meetings, but also alternative therapies like expressive and body therapies.
In one southern California town, a unique philosophy grounded in empowering youth to make better decisions has established one teen addiction treatment program, Echo Malibu, as a leader in the field in just three short years. The way Echo Malibu infuses this philosophy into treatment is through hiring the top professionals in the field, providing in-depth training to staff at all levels, offering daily therapy and intensive family therapy, and incorporating expressive, creative, and body arts that tap into new areas of a teen's psyche.
"When we ask an adolescent to go to rehab, the truth is we're asking them to do nothing less than change their world view," says Jeff Nalin, Psy.D., co-founder and executive director of Echo Malibu. "We're asking them to take a different look at their behaviors and their lives, and have the revelation that life going forward can be different. To ask them to change their world view, you have to offer a huge variety of services and activities that appeal to all variations of individuals. After all, this isn't a factory - we're dealing with human beings, each of whom will connect with a different piece of the program."
Expressive Therapies
Alternative therapies in the creative arts open another avenue of self-exploration and self-expression for adolescents who often withdraw in traditional talk therapy. Rather than forcing a conversation with a child who is emotionally withdrawn or who communicates best visually or kinesthetically, expressive therapies encourage young people to learn new skills and express themselves through art, writing, drama, music, or other experiential outlets.
Expressive therapies have proven particularly beneficial for children and adolescents who have experienced abuse, trauma, a separation or divorce, or loss of a loved one, or who have issues stemming from adoption, social isolation, learning differences, or autism-related disorders. Studies have shown, for example, that expressive writing can improve mood, decrease symptoms of depression, boost memory and grade point average, and strengthen immune system functioning. Another favorite among young people, animal-assisted therapy, has been shown to help young people establish healthy relationships, build trust, improve communication, and reduce feelings of isolation.
Echo Malibu offers an expansive selection of expressive therapies, ranging from art, drama, music, and dance to poetry, writing, and canine and equine therapy, that far surpasses the offerings at most other youth addiction treatment programs.
"The expressive arts are essential to our treatment philosophy," says Dr. Nalin. "Teenagers are less defensive and make emotional connections they haven't experienced before when they are given the opportunity to express themselves nonverbally. Our goal in offering a broad range of therapies is to find the one or two that make our students tick. If music therapy awakens something in you, we'll get you more of that. If you are closed off to music therapy, let's try something else."
Body Therapies
Research has already proven that massage, acupuncture, biofeedback, and chiropractic care serve critical functions in relieving tension, improving circulation and flexibility, and strengthening the immune system. But a more recent development is the use of these body therapies in the treatment of substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues.
Residential treatment centers are gravitating more and more toward the use of body therapies in the treatment of drug-addicted and alcoholic teens. For example, Echo Malibu offers a wide range of body-centered therapies, including nutritional assessments, acupuncture, chiropractic care, biofeedback, yoga, martial arts, and massage therapy. Standing in the face of criticism that these types of therapies make Echo a "health spa," Dr. Nalin points out that more and more facilities are using body therapies as genuine clinical interventions, not just fun activities to keep the kids busy.
"Body therapies have proven to be so important for teens dealing with trauma, showing them the definition of appropriate touch and helping them understand how they hold trauma in the body and how it can be released in a safe environment," explains Dr. Nalin. "I've seen teens have an epiphany about what they're holding in their bodies from one acupuncture session."
Cole Rucker, M.A., the co-founder and chief executive officer of Echo Malibu, adds, "We're not running a day spa. Every thing we do has therapeutic value - for example, many of the body therapies assist with the process of detox and aid in recovery."
Recreational Therapy
When focusing on the depth and severity of the emotional and psychological needs of young substance abusers, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that these struggling adolescents are still teenagers. And teenagers need to have fun and remember that one of the upsides of youth is the freedom to explore new activities, meet new people, and enjoy life.
At drug rehab centers like Echo Malibu, this need for fun and social development is not lost on the staff and founders of the program. While the teens' needs are satisfied with exciting outings like beach trips, surfing lessons, sporting events, day trips to amusement parks, sober parties, and horseback riding, the staff is satisfied knowing that these activities are an integral part of the therapeutic process. In addition to 12-Step work and social skills training, these recreational activities introduce young people to constructive ways to utilize their personal time, prevent boredom, and develop new drug-free interests.
"Healthy peer interaction and a sober social life are critical if a young person hopes to achieve lasting sobriety," explains Dr. Nalin. "If a teen feels comfortable in his own body, that's one less reason to turn to alcohol or drugs to fit in, and one less reason to relapse into old patterns."
Echo Malibu also sponsors a program called SURF, in which sober surfers teach young people to ride the waves at southern California's best beaches. "The SURF program introduces our students to a fun, light-hearted beach activity and hip young people," says Rucker. "The message is that being sober doesn't mean you won't have anything interesting to do, or that you can't hang out with the cool kids."
When combined with daily individual therapy, intensive family systems work, and 12-Step meetings, alternative therapies can greatly increase a drug rehab program's ability to turn kids' lives around. By offering enough creative outlets that something is sure to resonate with each adolescent, addiction treatment programs like Echo Malibu are a great place for teens to come alive without drugs and alcohol.
Bringing Teen Addiction into Focus: Breaking Denial
Recovery is a life-long process and requires commitment, introspection, and most importantly, courage. Long term recovery requires that addicts identify their substance abuse triggers and then change their behavior - and this requires the entire family to work together. It is important to let your teenager know that you support his or her efforts and respond with empathy to their struggle. For parents, this means allowing your teen to explore his or her feelings toward each parent and siblings, and to express feelings of ambivalence about abstinence. Learn more ways to support your teen throughout their recovery.
When Young Adults Face Addictions, Treatment Works Best In Peer Group
Because young adults have a special set of problems, they belong in substance abuse treatments specialized for young adults. Age appropriate techniques, such as using peer pressure, can be very effective. Young adults care a lot about what others their age think of them. Learn more about the benefits of peer group treatment.
Are You Considering Residential Treatment for Your Teen: Questions to Ask
Choosing a drug rehab program for your teen can be complex and confusing. How do you find a reputabled addiction treatment center? Is residential treatment right for your teenger? So many questions and you're in a hurry to get your teen the help they need. Read on to learn what Questions to Ask When Choosing a Drug Addiction Treatment Center.
Topics:
Drug Rehab
Addiction Treatment Centers
Substance Abuse Treatment
Recovery Programs