Holistic drug rehab is an approach to substance use treatment that centers on holism, meaning it “gives emphasis to the whole and the interrelatedness of its parts.” Because addictive behaviors “cannot be reduced to one element” (Adedoyin et al., 2014, p. 538), holistic drug rehab is designed to address the connected factors that shape substance use and recovery across a person’s life.
In practical terms, holistic drug rehab “focuses on all aspects of the person, including emotional, physical, and social well-being,” and supports change through self exploration, expression, and skills that help “ease the mind, body, and spirit.” It also aligns with integrated models that address “etiological, biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural considerations,” rather than focusing only on substance use outcomes (Adedoyin et al., 2014, p. 539).
What does “Holistic” mean?
Holistic is a term used across health care in multiple ways, which can create confusion because authors often assume a shared understanding even though “there are multiple understandings of holism.” In his effort to clarify the concept, Freeman (2005) points to the Oxford English Dictionary definition, which describes holism as “the tendency in nature to form wholes, that are greater than the sum of its parts, through creative evolution” (para. 6). In clinical contexts, he adds that what counts as “the whole” depends on the scale being considered, ranging from “the whole person” to “the whole community” or broader social context (Freeman, 2005). (PMC)
The Framework of Holistic Drug Rehab and Why it Matters
In “An Holistic Approach to Substance Abuse Treatment,” Breslin, Reed, and Malone (2003) describe a model outpatient program that combines “traditional modalities of treatment such as individual, group, and family therapy” with holistic options that help patients express “thoughts and feelings.” PubMed The program’s holistic components include dance or movement therapy, Tai Chi, art therapy, leisure and recreational skills, spiritual growth and development, cultural awareness and appreciation, vocational services, psychiatric care, and attention to physical health. The authors emphasize these integrated features as distinctive elements intended to support recovery by strengthening self identity, self esteem, and self confidence. PubMed
It matters because Breslin, Reed, and Malone frame a holistic approach as more than an add on. In their model outpatient program, holistic modalities are intentionally paired with “traditional modalities of treatment such as individual, group, and family therapy” to give patients additional ways to express “thoughts and feelings.” In other words, the holistic elements are positioned as a practical complement to standard clinical care, not a substitute for it. PubMed
It is also important because the authors explicitly connect these integrated features to recovery-relevant personal development goals, describing program elements that focus on helping patients develop “a stronger sense of self-identity, self-esteem and self-confidence.” That linkage provides a clear rationale for why programs may include holistic components alongside conventional therapy in outpatient substance use treatment. PubMed
Great Falls Wellness as an Outpatient Holistic Drug Rehab
Great Falls Wellness is an outpatient holistic drug rehab that applies these principles in a flexible model of care, including PHP and IOP options. As an outpatient program, treatment is designed to support recovery while clients continue living at home and staying connected to daily responsibilities.
In addition to traditional evidence-based therapy, Great Falls Wellness integrates proven experiential modalities that support mind body spirit recovery, including equine therapy, trauma informed yoga, and art therapy. This combination reflects a whole person approach by addressing emotional, physical, and social well being alongside substance use treatment.
References
Adedoyin, C., Burns, N., Jackson, H. M., & Franklin, S. (2014). Revisiting holistic interventions in substance abuse treatment. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 24(5), 538–546. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2014.914718
Breslin, K. T., Reed, M. R., & Malone, S. B. (2003). An holistic approach to substance abuse treatment. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 35(2), 247–251. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2003.10400006 PubMed
Freeman J. (2005). Towards a definition of holism. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of Genera l Practitioners, 55(511), 154–155. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1463203/
