Holistic Addiction Treatment for the 21st Century Substance abuse has reached epic proportions in the 21st century. Crime rates are escalating all over the world. People from every race, color and socio-economic background are becoming addicted to drugs such as Crack, Cocaine, Crystal Meth, Heroin, Alcohol and prescription drugs. The obscene growth of prescription drug addiction in America’s middle-class cannot be overstated. As a result of addiction, mental illness and drug abuse, marriages and families are being devastated; children are being endangered, both directly and indirectly. The statistics are not encouraging. According to the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), a project of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the number of persons with substance dependence or abuse increased from 14.5 million (6.5% of the population) in 2000 to 16.6 million (7.3%) in 2001. We can no longer afford to ignore the impact of drugs and alcohol in the US and in our world. Addiction professionals need to continuously change and reevaluate the effectiveness of their treatment approaches. There are promising new treatments that need to be properly funded; but instead are being held up by political and bureaucratic red tape. The intention of this article is two fold. First, to promote public awareness of the growing epidemic of addiction expanding the reader’s knowledge and understanding of the root causes of addiction. And second, to emphasize the need to reevaluate the current philosophies and procedures in the field of addiction by funding methods of treatment that have proven to be more effective. By acting locally and thinking globally, it is possible to turn the tide of addiction recovery rates around. ABOUT ADDICTION A number of factors contribute to the development of addictive behaviors such as early childhood trauma, mental disorders, family history, environment and bio-chemical deficiencies. Early childhood trauma includes sexual and/or physical abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Some of the mental illnesses that often accompany addiction are learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, depression and a multitude of others. Addictions are often developed through an attempt to alleviate the symptoms of these illnesses. The 2001 NHSDA report states that among adults with mental illness in 2001, 20.3% (about 3 million people) were dependent on or abused alcohol or illicit drugs. To the contrary, the rate among adults without serious mental illnesses was about 6%. Family history is also very important as certain genetic factors that are attributed to behavior may be passed down from generation to generation. Genetics is also further influenced by the physical environment surrounding the individual. Some people develop their addictions at an early age and never learn to cope with adversity, thereby propagating their addictive behavior. As these individuals grow older, these behaviors become more deeply rooted and their addiction grows stronger until it becomes increasingly more difficult to satisfy. Addiction destroys a human being on every level of their existence. It ravages them mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually – leaving them virtually drowning in a sea of loneliness and despair. The hope that they may one day win their battle to stop using drugs and alcohol vanishes completely. They lose touch with their higher power. Their life becomes a seemingly endless series of failures that eventually leads to total resignation to their addiction and their pain. People suffering from addiction not only abuse drugs and alcohol but every person, place and thing with whom they come in contact. Although, it is not their intention to cause such tumultuous pain in those around them, these battered emotions seep into all areas of their lives, making attempts at recovery futile. THE HOLISTIC APPROACH (DETOX & TREATMENT) In years past, the vast majority of the traditional addiction treatment centers have focused on antiquated assumptions and procedures – treating only the psychological aspects of the disease of addiction. The delicate inter-connective balance of the body, mind and spirit is never addressed. The end result is an individual who enters into a 28-day treatment program receives education about their addiction. The program scratches the surface of the issues that drives their addictive behavior, but never drills down to the root of the problem. The addicts and alcoholics are introduced to the program of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), and GA (Gamblers Anonymous) and encouraged to follow their teachings. After the traditional treatment, patients are encouraged to live in a supportive environment such as a ¾ way house. Consequently, most return to their environment unprepared to live in a life without drugs and alcohol. In some cases, this traditional approach to treatment may be effective. Usually, the success rate of traditional addiction treatment is very low. The core principle of Western Medicine is to treat symptoms. If a person has a headache they take Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen to alleviate the symptoms but never address the root cause of the headache. Conversely, the holistic approach to medicine and addiction treatment understands that human beings are integrative body mind and spirit. These elements of the human being are intertwined and exist in a delicate balance that determines positive or negative physical/mental and spiritual health. The holistic method respects this balance and approaches treatment with the understanding that in order to achieve positive results this equilibrium must be restored. Families need to be better educated in the holistic principles. They need to go to therapy and or join a self-help group (alanon, naronon, etc) in order to learn how to live in a healthy way with the addicted family member. An exciting new detox treatment that deals primarily with painless detox from drugs and alcohol known as Ibogaine has experienced noteworthy success in the holistic approach to treatment. This treatment is used for the detox and stabilization of Crack cocaine, Heroin, Methadone and amphetamines. Typically, it takes about seven days to three months in order to detox an individual who is addicted to Heroin or Methadone – depending on the quantity used. With Ibogaine the detox last 24 to 36 hours with little or no side effects. Ibogaine is a rain forest alkaloid derived from the root of the Tabernanthe iboga (Apocynacea family), which is a shrub indigenous to West Central Africa. It has been used in low doses for centuries to relieve fatigue, hunger, and thirst by the indigenous tribesman. The pharmacogenic effects of Ibogaine have been researched for over 100 years. The anti-addictive properties of Ibogaine were first reported in 1982. People who are substance-dependent have stated that Ibogaine treatment puts them into a waking dream state. These Ibogaine-induced dreams are usually centered on early childhood traumas and other important developmental events that occurred during turning points in their life. Once awakened from these dream-like visions, insight into interpreting the root causes of their addictive personalities are often revealed. At the end of the Ibogaine treatment opiate, alcohol, methadone, amphthemine, and cocaine-dependent individual experiences ranged from profound relief to the total cessation of the drug or alcohol craving. Opiate-dependent clients stated that their opiate withdrawal symptoms were totally alleviated. Dr. Deborah Mash from the University of Miami, funded under a NIDA (National Institute of Drug Addiction), is a Neuro Scientist and is Chief Researcher of the Ibogaine Project. Dr. Mash has been in collaboration with me, John Giordano, for the last thirteen and a half years to create a new holistic treatment approach to addiction that is more effective than current methodologies. This alliance formed against drug abuse encompasses Ibogaine treatment along with other modalities that work cooperatively to restore healthy body, mind, and spirit functioning. BODY The 21st century holistic approach begins first with the body. What we ingest internally creates the foundation for the proper functioning of our mind and body. Stimulants and toxins such as caffeine, refined sugars, processed foods, food additives, and a poor overall diet contribute immensely to an imbalance in brain chemistry. It is crucial that these foods and additives be eliminated or significantly reduced in the diet in order to restore healthy brain functioning. In exchange, a complete diet consisting of fruit, fiber, fish, turkey, whole grains, protein, and lots of water must be embraced. Generally, those entering treatment are dehydrated, hypo/hyperglycemic, and protein deficient. They also need to be evaluated for certain bacterial and fungal infections, such as Candida albicans. Chemical dependency along with an insufficient diet can wreak havoc on an individual’s delicate immune system. These complications can contribute to depression, agitation, and decreased energy stores and eventually to relapse. Along with a proper diet, a good vitamin/mineral, amino acid supplement regimen is also necessary because much of the vitamin, mineral, and amino acid stores – which are the building blocks of neurotransmitters in the brain – are depleted from drug and alcohol abuse. Also, exercise, meditation, neuro-feedback, and stress reduction techniques are essential in keeping our mind and body stable. Some excellent disciplines for achieving mind/body congruency are yoga, tai chi, and karate. Acupuncture is a modality that can often assist the body in the rebalancing process. This treatment allows energy to flow evenly through the body to stimulate the production of neurotransmitters and calm some of the cravings for drugs and alcohol. Nurturing oneself with hot baths and steams will assist the body in eliminating toxins. Meditation, prayer, good music, and gentle relaxation will help to restore peace of mind and harmony to the soul. Last but not least, heavy metal and biochemical testing has proven to be most effective in detecting toxicity and imbalances in the body through blood, urine, saliva and hair analyses. This method also enables the detection of adrenal and thyroid abnormalities, heavy metal toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies. The intestines need to be tested for leaky gut syndromes – a condition that results in poor nutrient absorption. Testing for imbalances helps to create a sound therapeutic approach to addiction and mental illness. Targeting specific irregularities solidifies better outcomes. MIND Current research continues to suggest that certain chemical imbalances in the brain play an important role in contributing to addiction and mental illness. The use and abuse of drugs and alcohol causes brain chemistry to deviate from the normal range. The 2001 NHSDA reported that those who use illicit drugs were twice as likely to have serious mental illnesses as compared with those adults who did not abuse illicit drugs. With chronic abuse a vicious cycle is formed that grows exponentially over time. This causes a lack of concentration, emotional instability, feelings of depression, and a total absence of a moral and spiritual balance. In some cases medication is necessary to correct the chemical imbalance resulting from drug addiction and mental illnesses. Vitamins, amino acids, minerals and herbal remedies are also known to alleviate these abnormalities. It is paramount to change the root causes of the addictive behavior in order for treatment to be successful. Of the effective new therapies researched that have proven tremendously effective in changing behavior, EMDR, NLP, and neuro-feedback have demonstrated the most promise. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach to psychotherapy that uses eye movements to stimulate the information processing in the brain. This therapy provides much faster results than traditional therapy. It is often used for treating trauma such as: sexual abuse, domestic violence, war, crime, depression, addiction, phobias, and self-esteem issues. A recent study performed by Kaiser-Permanente found that EMDR was twice as effective and in about half the amount of care than typical therapy. Overall, EMDR allows the brain to heal its own wounds at the same rate that the rest of the body is able to heal its physical ailments, making a long and tedious recovery a thing of the past. Another interesting modality that has proven very effective is Neuro Linguistic Programming (N.L.P.). NLP is the study of the structure of subjective experience. It is a therapeutic tool which can reprogram a client’s belief systems and behaviors. NLP incorporates a set of models on how communication can be affected by subjective experience. It utilizes a change in language and thought processes to understand behaviors. Neuro-feedback is a cutting-edge technique that trains the brain in order to help it improve body function regulation and overall brain health. When there is poor brain functioning it is recognized through the EEG (Electroencephalogram). By challenging the brain – much like muscles are challenged in physical exercise to improve their strength – normal brain functionality can be restored. The benefits of neuro-feedback include healthier sleep patterns, relief from anxiety, depression and emotional management. Emotional management is very important in how an individual reacts to a particular situation. SPIRIT One of the most important steps in recovery is psychological and spiritual awareness. Becoming aware of personal speech, thoughts, body language and actions is crucial in maintaining a life free from chemical dependency. It is important to learn how to avoid the pitfalls of negative thoughts and negative people. An individual must learn that it is more important to be kind than to be right – to develop values and integrity – and finally, to learn to be good to one’s self and others by trusting in a form of spirituality. By believing in higher spiritual principles it is easier to submit oneself to recovery and treatment. The relationship that is developed through spirituality enriches life and gives hope and inspiration. Recovering individuals discover that a life free from the clutches of drugs and alcohol is not only possible, but is a life well worth living. Spirituality is the foundation for the development of a positive living philosophy. The twelve-step programs are a spiritual way of life. They are non-denominational, anonymous and non-controversial. The success of these programs is based upon “the therapeutic value of one addict helping another”. Many atheist and agnostic individuals have been able to embrace the twelve steps with their own personal concept of a higher power. The role of a higher power in their life becomes G.O.D. (Good Orderly Direction). Every addict that is serious about recovery is able to attain serenity and fullness of life by applying these steps and these principles to their daily life. Addicts and alcoholics who are inclined to get back to their religious roots are encouraged to do so that they can create a harmonious balance back in their lives. CONCLUSION Addiction treatment has come a long way through the years, yet it still has a long way to go. In the 21st century the most effective approach to treating addictive disorders is the holistic approach. In this approach, individuals suffering from the dis-ease of addiction are treated with respect and dignity. They are treated as a whole person with a body, mind and spirit. It takes time to heal and to restore the proper functioning of these three elements which are fundamental to a successful recovery life style. It is very important to increase public awareness of addiction and mental illness in order to decrease the stigma that surrounds it, which is preventing some of the afflicted from accessing necessary treatment. There are roughly 5 million people in the US who need addiction treatment and millions around the world that are not receiving it. If our communities embraced a more holistic attitude toward recovery, perhaps there would be a decrease in the number of people needing treatment. With this grass roots approach more resources would become available to those who are suffering from addiction and mental illness. Knowledge of addiction is a powerful tool that will assist our planet in defending itself against this moral, physical, and spiritual decay. Addiction and mental illness is a hidden terrorist in our world, this insidious dis-ease needs to be arrested and eventually eradicated. CREDENTIALS: John Giordano – a Karate Grand Master 10th degree black belt – is a therapist, president and founder of the prestigious G & G Holistic Addiction Treatment Center he started over twenty years ago. Giordano is also a recovering addict with twenty-three years of sobriety to his credit. Mr. Giordano is a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), a Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), and a Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS). Mr. Giordano also earned a Masters Certification in Neurolinguistics Programming (NLP), and is a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Specialist and a professional expert witness for the state and federal government. “Proven Holistic Treatment for Addiction & Chronic Relapse” Mr. Giordano acclaimed new book is being utilized by several state hospitals and a number of treatment centers across the country. DISTINGUISTED AWARDS The Martin Luther King Award The Homeless Humanitarian Award Black Belt Hall of Fame National Karate Champion MEDIA CREDENTIALS John Giordano is a media pro and an experienced public speaker. He has been a guest on countless radio and TV shows including: Evening News with Katie Couric, Geraldo, Tom Brokaw – NBC News, ABC news, CBS CNN, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, as well as “Interventions” on A&E. For several years John also hosted a weekly Miami television talk show discussing addiction, domestic violence, HIV and mental health issues. To see Mr. Giordano’s most recent national and local TV interviews, merely copy the following URL address and paste it into your browser address bar. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2708081769871516687 Mr. Giordano is a regular speaker at professional rehabilitation functions. He has spoken at several professional conferences including the 2004 – 2005 Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association Annual Conference (FADAA), www.fadaa.org, and the 2004 Florida Statewide Annual Woman Substance Abuse Conference. He has also spoken at this year’s National Association of Forensic Counselors (NAFC) Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV, www.nationalafc.com, and at the Newlife Expo in Fort Lauderdale, FL, www.newlifemag.com. John has also written several op-ed articles for multiple newspapers and magazines including Addiction Professional and The Forensic Therapist.