Additional Therapies

The Horizons of Hope substance abuse treatment program incorporates a number of adjunctive therapies.

During the last several years, acupuncture and auriculotherapy have increasingly gained notoriety in the treatment of substance abuse disorders. Numerous studies have validated these approaches. Because addiction, withdrawal and abstinence-based symptoms are linked to chemicals in the brain, spinal cord and stress-regulating hormones in the body, it stands to reason that therapies affecting these systems can be helpful in the treatment of addiction and that the use of these methods in treating addiction be explored.

Horizons of Hope Adjunctive Therapies include:

• Acupuncture

  Acupuncture originated in China more than 5000 years ago. It is an entire system of health and healing predicated on the concept that energy or the vital life force (Qi or chi) flows throughout the body through twelve major energy pathways or meridians. Treatment involves inserting thin acupuncture needles into particular points along a meridian, thereby normalizing the energy flow to the diseased or dysfunctional organs/tissues along that meridian and healing the problem areas.

   

• Acu-Detox (Ear Acupuncture)

  Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular therapy, is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Auricular therapy is widely used for many conditions, including addiction treatment, mood disorders, obesity, pain, and other conditions. The auricular therapy detox protocol utilizes five ear points that are manipulated with needles. Acu-detox is limited to helping patients detoxify from opiate type drugs (heroin, methadone, barbiturates) and alcohol. It has not been found helpful for people detoxing from stimulant drugs such as cocaine. Acu-detox is only a detoxification tool and is not considered a part of treatment for addition nor as a tool for ongoing recovery.

   

• Needle-less Auricular Therapy (Auriculotherapy)

  The term auriculotherapy sometimes refers to any type of ear therapy, including ear acupuncture. We use it here to describe a needle-less procedure that utilizes four cranial nerves and three cervical ganglia distributed throughout the ear, which are not acupuncture points. Auriculotherapy uses a microcurrent device to diagnose and treat these nerves that are a direct portal entry to the brain and spinal cord. Auriculotherapy works in addiction treatment by causing the release of neurotransmitters that may be sluggish or in short supply in the addicted brain and spinal cord. One reason this therapy is so successful in addiction treatment is that the nerves have direct entry to and from the brain and spinal cord, where the major portion of healing from addiction takes place.

   

• Chiropractic Torque Release

  Torque is a low-force chiropractic adjusting method that allows the nervous system to better integrate and understand new corrective information and to process it throughout the spinal cord and brain. The primary intent of Torque Release Technique is to progressively reduce blockages and tension of the entire spinal system. Trapped/unresolved patterns in the body/mind are released, which facilitates reintegration of the nervous system and greatly enhances the expression of one's healing and performance capabilities.

   

• Massage Therapy

  Massage therapy relaxes muscles, easing and soothing energy blockages, aches and pains. Massage relieves stress, lowers blood pressure and restores balance to the body. Traditional health care systems recognize that therapeutic massage plays an important role in treating illness and chronic ailments. Massage therapy contributes to a sense of well being and general health. With ever-expanding research on the beneficial effects of massage, more professionals are advising patients to include therapeutic massage in their health care treatment plans. Massage therapy is widely considered an effective adjunct therapy for substance abuse treatment.

   

• Energy Medicine

  Energy medicine is adopted by many who wish to integrate their physical, emotional, and spiritual well being. In a nutshell, energy medicine is based on this concept: The body is fed by a continuous flow of life force energy from outside the body and when this energy is clouded by deep-seated emotional pain or fear, the body experiences a reverberation of these negative energy vibrations; if this energy is not released, it blocks the life force energy and creates problems in our cells and organs. Of particular interest to Horizons of Hope is the positive impact that energy healing has shown in the area of substance abuse treatment.

   

  Reiki

  One of the more recognized forms of "laying on of hands" energy medicine is Reiki, an ancient therapeutic tradition practiced in Tibet, India, and Japan. It is also provided in various treatment centers around the United States. The word Reiki is Japanese for universal life energy. During Reiki sessions, the practitioner receives energy that is transferred to the patient. The effects of have been described as a form of cleansing and detoxification that release long-standing energy blocks in the recipient. Reiki sessions are given on a massage table and last about 45 minutes.