A Review of the Literature

A Review of the Literature

            There is no “One” intervention and treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders that is the “Cure”. In fact, it appears that when you look at the interventions and treatments that are utilized among co-occurring disorders there is one similarity – multiple interventions and treatments are used. According to NIDA, there are thirteen principles of effective drug addiction treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) feels that there are twelve steps to the road to recovery. Then, there are others that believe in a sixteen step program. However, the Frequency of Prayer, Meditation, and Holistic Interventions in Addictions Treatment shows how some programs are “Endorsing the twelve step approach and the use of prayer, meditation, and holistic techniques” (p.1). What are prayer, meditation, and holistic approaches? How powerful are prayer, meditation, and holistic approaches?

            Let’s take a look at prayer, meditation, and holistic approaches, as applicable in the article. Prayer is a common technique that is used by individuals with a mental health diagnosis and a substance abuse diagnosis. “Spirituality is recognized as a potential important part of treatment” (p.1), as such it is encouraged if an individual has a spiritual belief. Meditation varies across the intervention and treatment practices. The three categories that were found in use were: “(1) Devotional meditation…; (2) other spiritual approaches that eschew thinking and contemplation…; (3) secular modification … secular meditation, relaxed awareness and focus of attention are used in a manner similar to that of Eastern spiritual meditation traditions” (p. 3). The article discussed the holistic techniques that were used, and it placed them in four categories: “(1) nutrition, exercise, relaxation and physical health; (2) recreation and adventure-based activities; (3) religious and spiritual practices; and (4) the use of specific modalities” (p.4).

Is there power in prayer, meditation, and holistic approaches? First, it should be noted that not all professionals use a prayer, meditation, or holistic approach. Some feel that it is not beneficial for their clients to pursue this direction. But, the results of the study showed that, “Of all treatment centers surveyed, 91% indicated that they include a twelve step orientation treatment…and are willing to use an overtly spiritual approach” (p. 6). Obviously, some people are influenced by prayer, meditation, and holistic approaches.

The study expressed that there were limitations to the study and that additional research needed to be done.

Thoughts and Feelings

            Dual diagnosis (co-occurring diagnosis) is not a uncommon occurrence, so it is important to be familiar with many interventions and treatments to best help ones client. There is no easy way of providing one intervention or treatment due to the variety of diagnosis combinations. For example, an individual might have an anxiety disorder and an alcohol addiction or depression and a gambling addiction. The possibilities are endless, and the interventions and treatments are going to vary based on the diagnosis. Granted, there are some interventions and treatments that can be used for multiple diagnoses’ there are also some forms of interventions and treatments that could hinder the client’s progress. Another problem with individuals that have a co-occurring disorder is that the symptoms being displayed could be either from the mental diagnosis and/or the substance diagnosis.

            The best type of treatment for these individuals is integrated treatment. That is treatment that comes from both a mental health provider and as substance abuse provider. The prayer, meditation, and holistic techniques provide an individual with insight into their mind, body, and soul. These techniques can help an individual in different ways. For example, when meditating the individual will become in tune to the environment around them and their body - this can be useful in helping them to understand what messages the body is sending when they are upset. Do they start to sweat? Does their shoulder’s tighten? Does their voice level change? This insight can help them to know when to leave, walk away, or use a coping skill that will help them to endure the moment.

            I don’t believe that all interventions and techniques work for all people. I think that it is a good idea to go over several things with the client and to get their feedback on likes and dislikes. The more techniques the individual learns the bigger their resources will be to get them through the situation at hand. Sometimes, teaching people to eat healthy, exercise, and participate in spiritual activities helps them to meet new people and change their old lifestyle.

 

References

Introduction: Recovery from addictions using Transcendental Meditation and Maharishi Ayur-Veda; O'Connell, D. F.; Alexander, C. N. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly; 1994 Vol. 11, p1-10, 10p. Document Type: article; DOI: 10.1300/J020v11n01; (AN ATQ.AA.A.OCONNELL.IRFAUT) [Citation Record] Database: EBSCO Publishing Citations