Whether it's drug abuse or alcohol dependence, addiction recovery is often a slow and painful process. Although recent studies have shown how the addicted brain behaves, success boils down to the patient's determination to recover. Thankfully, more treatment options that support an addict's best efforts are available today than ever before.

A new trend in the addiction recovery process is the holistic approach. It has proven to be very helpful throughout the recovery process. Not only can holistic healing approaches help make the process of detoxification more bearable, but it also helps the patient regain the physical and psychological balance he or she might have lost. Holistic treatment approaches can be a tremendous help in professional treatment planning.

Recent studies have shown that the success rate for recovery is much higher in cases which included one or more holistic methods. Holistic approaches frequently center around the environment. Not only the external environment, but the patient's inner environment - their physical, psychological and spiritual state.

One of the most effective holistic treatment methods for aiding in addiction recovery is acupuncture. Acupuncture was developed in China over 2500 years ago and is part of the Oriental medicine tradition. It involves the careful insertion of specialized needles into the patient's body at specific points.

Practically all researchers agree that acupuncture can be of great benefit in helping addicts struggling to recover. Most addicts that are treated with acupuncture don't feel the need to return to their bad habits after completing treatment.

Another holistic treatment method that can aid addicts with recovery is herbal therapy. Herbs are actually plants which have significant physiological effects on the body. They have a long history of use in the process of detoxification. Herbal remedies yield the best results when used in conjunction with other addiction treatment methods such as acupuncture, therapy, exercise, etc.

Holistic treatment methods are frequently used in conjunction with more standard, Western medical approaches to addiction recovery. A combined approach to addiction recovery involving both traditional and holistic methods may give patients the best chance of success.

Most addicts are unaware of what treatment options will help them achieve and maintain their recovery. For addicts who have relapsed in the past, holistic treatment could provide the extra support they need to achieve lasting results. Unlike other treatment options such as rehabs or medications, holistic treatments do not need to end at a specified time. Patients can feel comfortable knowing they are free to continue with acupuncture or herbal treatments for as long as they feel they need to.

Addiction treatment specialists today have many more options for helping their patients through the difficult process of both detoxification and the longer term care successful recovery demands. Holistic healing methods should be carefully considered options for patients likely to benefit from alternative addiction treatments.

For more information, both addicts and patients can contact the American Holistic Health Association online or their local holistic healing arts organizations.