By Beth Terrence
September is National Recovery Month, which is now in it?s 23rd year.? Recovery Month(www.recoverymonth.gov) is a national observance that educates Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.? The intention of Recovery Month is tospread the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.
September is also the beginning of the Autumn, which can be viewed as a season of letting go.? We can observe nature beginning to let go as the leaves turn and begin to fall to earth.? According to Chinese Medicine, we enter into the time of the Metal element; Lung and Large Intestine are the organs associated with this element.? The Lung cleanses and eliminates through the breath; the Large Intestine by processing and removing waste from the body.? This is a natural time to let go emotions such as grief, limiting patterns or beliefs and toxins or waste in our bodies.? It can be a good time to look at our lives and explore if there are any addictions or compulsive patterns, which may be inhibiting our well-being and experience of wholeness in life.
When we consider addiction, we often think of things like drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. However, addiction can also include behaviors such as sex, gambling, exercise or any compulsive pattern.? Addictions may vary based on type such as substance or behavioral and patterns of use, such as overuse, abuse or dependence.
For awareness purposes, I?d like to share the clinical definition of substance abuse and dependence from the DSM IV (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).? This is the basic criterion used in assessing addictions in therapy and treatment programs.
Substance Abuse: A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
- ? Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household)
- ? Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use)
- ? Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly conduct)
- ? Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights)
Substance Dependence: A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
- ? Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
- ? A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect
- ? Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance
- ? Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
- ? The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance (refer to Criteria A and B of the criteria sets for Withdrawal from the specific substances; this can include insomnia, nausea or vomiting, anxiety, tremors, sweating, hallucinations, etc.)
- ? The same (or closely related, substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
- ? The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was intended
- ? There is persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
- ? A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (e.g., chain-smoking), or recovering from its effects
- ? Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use
- ? The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent of recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (e.g., current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induce depression, or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption)
When dependence is present, addiction is viewed as a chronic disorder that occurs with the repetitive use of substances and/or behaviors.? It is thought to be a complex condition that includes both physical and psychological symptoms.? It affects the addicted individual, but also his or her family, work and social environment.? Addiction can occur due to a number of factors, such as genetics, social environment and biological or pharmacological behaviors.? In 2011, ASAM (American Society of Addictions Medicine) redefined addiction as a chronic brain disorder, not solely a behavioral problem.? This reflects the emerging understanding of the neurobiological aspects of addiction, which continues to evolve.
Historically, addiction was primarily viewed as a behavioral issue and one that was often considered a moral or personal defect of character.? It is clear at this time that there are many layers to addictions, which can exist in different ways and in various intensities.? The chronic disease definition supports those who will need long term support in dealing with addiction.? It also helps ease the shame that can arise with addiction as it is considered a disease, such as diabetes or heart disease, rather than a personal defect. ? This view is a positive change that has occurred in our society over the last few years.
The term addiction can also be used to refer to compulsions that are not substance-related, such as compulsive shopping, sex addiction/compulsive sex, overeating, problem gambling, exercise/sport and internet addiction. ? This can even include procrastination, an avoidance of doing rather than actually doing or using.? In these behavioral types of patterns, individuals engage in some specific compulsive activity, despite harmful consequences on health, family, social life, etc.? Again, there may be biological and psychological factors contributing to these addictions.
In conjunction with Recovery Month and Autumn, the season of letting go, take some time to consider your own life and if there are any addictions or compulsive patterns you may want to address.? Here is a list of things to consider:
Alcohol
Caffeine
Drugs
Prescription Medication
Sex
Exercise/Sports
Internet
TV/Video Games
Relationships
Cigarettes
Sugar
Food
Procrastination
One of the major obstacles that occurs as people work to resolve addictions or let go of compulsive patterns is, as they begin to give up or abstain from what they are addicted to, they are left without what is often their primary coping mechanism.? They may begin to experience biochemical changes, emotional imbalances and extreme loss.? This is really a letting go of a way of life and it leaves a big void.? There is a process of developing new skills, building a support system and adjusting to a completely different way of living.? Although there is awareness that change it beneficial, often hope in that change or the ability to maintain a different way of life is limited, maybe even non-existent.
Incorporating a holistic approach to addictions can create a strong foundation for wholeness and for the embodied experience of well-being.? It can foster a positive attitude based on the experience of natural state changes and a deeper awareness of self.? Additionally, holistic resources offer a variety of tools, which address body, mind, emotion and spirit and the overall integration of self.? Programs can be tailored to meet individual areas of focus and needs.
My journey in bringing holistic resources to recovery began when I volunteered to teach meditation at a residential treatment program.? After the one of the groups a man came up to me and shared that he felt the best he had ever felt in his life during this practice.? He had been struggling through detox and early recovery, but he said that after our group he had hope that he could feel good again without drugs.? In fact, he shared that during our meditation he felt a better ?high? than he had with any drug use.? At this moment, I experienced the value that holistic resources can bring to recovery first hand and felt led me to expand my work in this area.
Recovery is a reclaiming of the self.? A holistic approach to recovery offers the following benefits:
- ? Provides knowledge and awareness of the ?whole? self ? body, mind, emotion & spirit;
- ? Helps to explore each aspect of self and how it affects overall health and well-being;
- ? Addresses patterns, behaviors, emotions and beliefs that perpetuate addiction;
- ? Supports becoming more present in the moment and developing greater self-awareness;
- ? Integrates change and healing through experiential and somatic work;
- ? Teaches how to facilitate one?s own healing process;
- ? Offers tools which support the path through recovery, from active addition to sobriety and beyond;
- ? Facilitates a natural altered state of consciousness
- ? Helps to rebalance brain chemistry such as opioid and serotonergic neurotransmitters
- ? Empowers hope and belief in the possibility of change on an experiential level.
One of the major ways that holistic resources support the recovery process is through experiential work.? Whether it is a hands-on modality such as Massage Therapy or Zero Balancing or a guided practice such as Meditation or Shamanic Journeywork, having an embodied experience of change is a powerful catalyst to any process of transformation.? These types of experiences help to integrate the knowledge and awareness of the ?bigger? picture of one?s self.? Additionally, cultivating a more balanced energy field supports being able to stay centered and to follow any program of change and recovery.
The following are some of the holistic modalities that can be beneficial in creating transformation of addictions and compulsive patterns:
Shamanic Healing
In Shamanic Healing, the focus is on reconnecting the client with aspects of themselves, soul parts, which have been cut off or shut down in response to life experiences, when proper coping mechanisms or support were not present.? It is often these ?lost? or repressed parts that can drive addictions or compulsive patterns.? By recovering these parts, there is an opening to live a more conscious and joyful life.? Through a process of soul retrieval, shamanic journey and inner child work, clients are able to learn how to connect with themselves on a deep level and how to ?re-parent? themselves in a nurturing and loving way. ? This work can also provide a powerful self-facilitating support, which can help to cope with emotional material that has not been addressed and may be a factor in behavioral patterns.? Shamanic Healing can also foster the development of connection, serenity and inner strength.
Bach Flower Remedies
Created by Dr. Edward Bach, a British doctor who recognized the importance of treating the whole person and addressing emotional/mental issues as much as physical symptoms or conditions, the 38 Bach Flower Remedies offer an alternative method for healing.? Each remedy corresponds with an emotional state or mental pattern and can help in transmuting those states in a gentle and subtle way.? The remedies provide tremendous support through periods of transition and can also help in initiating change from long held patterns.? By strengthening one?s system and creating a more stable energy field that is less disrupted by outside influences, it is easier to hold center and move through transitions.? The Bach Flowers can be particularly helpful in dealing with addictions or compulsive patterns as they provide support for change, help clients to deal with difficult emotions and increase one?s confidence in the ability to transform.
Zero Balancing
Zero Balancing? is a simple and powerful hands-on method of balancing body energy with body structure.? Developed by Dr. Fritz Smith, an Osteopathic doctor and Acupuncturist, Zero Balancing integrates a Western anatomical view of structure with Eastern concepts of energy.? The focus of ZB is to integrate a client?s body energy with their body structure.? This creates clearer, stronger fields of energy in the body/mind and balances energy in the densest tissues of the body, the bone and skeletal system.? The desired outcome of a Zero Balancing session is to help relieve physical and mental symptoms, to improve the ability to deal with life stresses and to organize the vibratory fields thereby promoting the sense of wholeness and overall well being.? Zero Balancing is helpful for clients in recovery as it provides a gentle, nurturing space for the body and mind to rest, it assists in the movement of emotions and mental patterns and creates a sense of deep stillness which may not have been previously experienced and is necessary for change to occur.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a therapeutic method of bodywork, which holds that every part of the body has a direct line of communication to a reference point on the foot, hand and ear.? By massaging these reflex points, practitioners are helping the corresponding body parts to heal through improved circulation, elimination of toxins and overall reduction of stress.? The overall effect is better functioning of the nervous system, organs and systems of the body.? Reflexology can benefit clients recovering from addictions by providing deep relaxation, targeting specific points affected by addiction, aiding in detoxification and integrating the overall healing process.
Energy Centered Bodywork & Massage Therapy
Utilizing a combination of Energy Centered Bodywork and Massage Therapy modalities, such as Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Reiki, Craniosacral Therapy and Aromatherapy, can be beneficial in the process of transformation and healing.? Through an integrative approach, clients are supported in bringing desired change and balance to their whole being ? body, mind, emotion and spirit. ? Bodywork and massage supports the detoxification process, helps clients to become comfortable in their bodies and facilitates an experience of deep relaxation.? It also supports the experience of a natural state change.
Meditation & Mindfulness Training
Developing a Meditation/Mindfulness practice helps to address obstacles that may arise throughout the change and recovery process.? As clients find a practice which resonates with them and their current phase of evolution, it becomes easier to maintain an ongoing practice which can help support increased peace and well-being. ? In the process of treating additions or compulsive patterns, developing a meditation and mindfulness practice is an invaluable tool. ? Bringing meditation/mindfulness into one?s life supports moving into a new way of being based on conscious awareness and facilitates developing a strong spiritual foundation, a key component in recovery. ? These practices provided a structure for developing greater self-awareness, creating an experience of stillness, and exploring one?s relationship with a higher power or spiritual source.? It can also help to deepen into 12 Step Work, one of the foundations for addictions treatment and recovery.
Self-care is another important aspect of the recovery process.? Cultivating a holistic approach to self-care helps develop greater awareness of the ?whole? self ? body, mind, emotion and spirit.? Learning to know and care for the various aspects of self helps in developing a toolbox for transformation and recovery.? Throughout the recovery process, there are times when one aspect may need greater attention, such as the body during detoxification or the emotions during post-acute withdrawal. ? Having a relationship with the different aspects of oneself supports really learning one?s own inner language and becoming able to respond to the needs of self on a holistic level.
A Holistic Approach: Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual
Whether you are feeling the need to work on an addiction, a compulsive pattern or to cultivate a more healthy, balanced life, taking a holistic approach to self-care and wellness can be beneficial.? Take a few moments to answer these questions.? The intention of looking at each of the four levels of existence is to see how you are experiencing these aspects in your life at this time.? Notice any areas that may need attention and notice those areas that feel developed and balanced.? Also, be open to noticing and exploring any resistance that may come up about any of the levels.? Write down any ideas you have about how you can create more balance in any specific area or overall.
Physical:? Are you physically healthy and active?? Do you feel comfortable in your body?? Do you like your body? ? Do you eat a healthy, balanced diet?? Are you comfortable in the material world?? Are you practical and down to earth?? Are you financially stable?? Do you enjoy your sexuality?
Emotional:? Are you in touch with your feelings and able to express them appropriately?? Do you allow yourself to experience a full range of emotions or do you find you shut down certain emotions if they arise? (E.g. fear, sadness, anger, joy, love)? Are you able to set appropriate boundaries with others? ? Are you able to be open and honest with others and your self about your feelings?? Can you relate to others in a close, intimate way?
Mental:? Are you satisfied with your intellect?? Can you think and express yourself clearly? ? Do you have a belief system that supports you and works for you?? Are you open to new ideas without being overly impressionable?? Do you have clarity?? Are you able to stay focused?
Spiritual:? Do you feel a sense of connection to your spiritual source?? Do you have a relationship with your own inner wisdom or intuitive guidance?? Do you feel you are a part of a greater whole?? Do you spend time alone just ?being?? Do you have a spiritual practice, which supports your being?
Knowing oneself is perhaps one of the most important components in transformation and healing.? Using a holistic framework supports all transitions but can be extremely beneficial in addressing addictions and compulsive patterns in a practical way as it supports knowing oneself on all levels.? Adopting a holistic approach is a powerful adjunct to therapy, addictions treatment or any lifestyle restructuring process as it supports the major changes and ultimately, the ongoing development of health and wellness.
Recovery Resources:
12 Step Programs such as AA, NA, GA, SA
SAMSHA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) http://www.samhsa.gov/
NIDA (National Institute On Drug Abuse) http://www.drugabuse.gov/
The Addiction Recovery Guide http://www.addictionrecoveryguide.org
To learn about Beth?s work with Holistic Resources For Recovery including presentations on Shamanic Healing and Zero Balancing as tools for addictions treatment and recovery, visit http://www.bethterrence.com/Recovery-Resources.html.
Beth Terrence, LMT, CHP is a Shaman, Facilitator and Holistic Practitioner.? She has been working in the field of holistic healing and facilitation for over sixteen years.? She offers Integrative Transformational Sessions in person in Annapolis, MD and by phone.? These customized sessions incorporate Shamanic Healing, Bach Flower Remedies, Zero Balancing, Meditation & Mindfulness Training and other holistic modalities.? Beth facilitates classes and workshops on transformation and healing including meditation, shamanic healing, holistic self-care and energy awareness practices.? The focus of her work is to facilitate deep transformational healing, assisting her clients in living a more heart-centered and joyful life and discovering the healer within.? Additionally, she provides transformational resources for organizations focusing on organizational change, communication, peacemaking and work culture development.? Beth offers online transformational resources through her blog,?The Heart of Awakening: Searching for a New Paradigm
To learn more visit?www.bethterrence.com.
- Dave Tieff: That Kind of High (holisticdiva.wordpress.com)
- Indian Summer (holisticdiva.wordpress.com)
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Filed under: Bach Flower Remedy, Food for Thought, Health, Inspiration, Spirituality Tagged: | definition of substance abuse, health, holistic medicine, mental-health, recovery, shaman
Source: http://holisticdiva.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/re-emerge-with-recovery/
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