What is Biophysical Addiction Treatment?
Biophysical treatment for addiction focusses on the healing the human body beyond the withdrawal stage. It is well known that substance use disorder causes damage to the entire body. The physical damage is usually quite easy to recognize, whereas the mental damage can be harder to recognize. Anxiety, depression, isolation, paranoia, and aggression are commonly associated with addiction. Through substance use these symptoms can be heightened in early recovery due to changes in the brain. The good news is that these changes are repairable through neuroplasticity. Just as the changes in the brain occurred through repetitive use of substances, new healthy routines and counselling can create new pathways that lead to long-term sobriety. Through physical, and mental treatment an individual can obtain the skills and tools to live a complete healthy life and be free from substance use.
Addiction Treatment is an Individual Process
Every person is different and there is no one size fits all treatment for addiction. Thus, creating an individual biophysical addiction treatment program should be provided by a professional. Starting with the physical aspect which involves cleansing the body of toxins. For some this may mean seeking out a proper withdrawal management program prior to starting a biophysical drug and alcohol rehab plan. Once stable, a complete biophysical treatment program can be developed. It is important to continue to fuel the body with proper nutrients and physical activity.
Nutrition is critical for maintaining physical health and supplements may be needed for those who are lacking in well balanced meals. It has been proven that eating healthy increases a person’s overall well-being. Therefore, your mental state will also improve through nutrition. It is important that your drug and alcohol rehab plan includes ways for you to achieve optimal nutrition. A few simple changes in eating habits can have significant effects mentally and physically. Regular exercise also heals the brain, creating new neural pathways necessary to long-term recovery. Most think of exercise as attending the gym which is a great option, but does not have to be the only one. A professional rehab program will identify what best suits you. This means tapping into your interests and developing activities that will provide you with the most benefits (IE: hiking, swimming, yoga, meditation, walks, biking, bowling, skating, etc.). Working with your counselor to explore your interests and develop a regular routine and ways to keep you accountable will increase your ability to stay sober.
Connecting Body and Mind
Biophysical treatment for addiction coupled with therapy to explore past trauma and coping mechanisms will make a more complete drug rehab program. While developing your addiction treatment program, you and your counselor will identify which therapy will best suit your needs. These could include CBT, DBT, MBCT and other types of talking therapies. Exploring beliefs, perceptions, and values can open doors to new ways of interacting with life. A person’s ability to change is directly linked to how open they are to change.
Addiction did not just happen over night, thus recovery will not either. A continued plan of recovery that includes physical, mental and emotional healing is proven to lead to long-term sobriety and increased sense of well-being. By developing new routines, a person creates new neural pathways which become the new norm for thinking and behaving. Addiction does not have to be a part of anyone’s life anymore. Reach out today and start your new life!
