Summary of Our Program

Holistic Addictions Therapy – Recovering the Body – Mind – and Spirit

RECOVERING THE BODY

PART 1

Detox / Withdrawal

It’s important to understand what to expect during withdrawal and to best prepare for the process.  The severity of withdrawal can vary greatly depending on how long the person has been addicted to drugs or alcohol, the extent of the physical and metabolic damage, and the individual’s biochemistry. The following withdrawal timeline can vary from individual to individual. There is no real way to predict its course.

Days 1–3

Most drug / alcohol withdrawal symptoms start within the first 24 hours after a person stops using. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, or even painful. It’s important to remember, however, that the discomfort is only temporary. As a result, relapse is very likely to occur during the first two or three days of withdrawal. Symptoms of the initial phase of withdrawal often include: insomnia, depression, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nightmares, muscle aches, back and joint pain, tremors, restlessness, cravings, anxiety, agitation, sweating, fever, cold and clammy skin, dilated pupils, tingling in the extremities, mental confusion, short-term memory issues, trouble concentrating, watery eyes, bouts of crying, runny nose, shakiness, pain sensitivity, disorientation, muscle weakness, and appetite fluctuations.

Days 3–5

After the first phase of withdrawal, most of the intense symptoms will typically have subsided. At this point, people are likely to experience: stomach cramping, minor muscle aches, shivers, fatigue.

Each person experiences drug / alcohol detox and withdrawal differently. For some people, withdrawal symptoms may extend past five days. For others, the symptoms will subside after one week. As you can see if you can get through the first week and continue with “Holistic Addictions Therapy” program, your chances of recovery will greatly increase.

It’s not unusual for some mild symptoms to linger. However, focusing on the goal of recovery and using some of the following coping strategies will help with ongoing symptoms:

1. Irritability: take walks, take baths, relax and talk to friends, listen to favorite music, try Yoga breathing exercises & meditation. 2. Fatigue: relax, take naps, increase intake of fluids. 3. Insomnia: avoid tea, coffee, caffeine drinks after 6pm, read. 4. Cough: drink plenty of fluids, use lozenges, steam inhalation. 5. Nasal Drip: drink plenty of fluids. 6. Dizziness: change positions slowly, relax. 7. Lack of Concentration: organize workload, reduce stress, learn time management. 8. Constipation: add fiber to your diet through fresh fruits, vegetables etc, drink plenty of fluids. 9. Headaches: drink plenty of fluids, practice relaxation, eat small snacks. 10. Hunger: increase intake of fruits/ vegetables/ fluids; avoid heavy meals, take smaller meals at shorter intervals. 11. Craving: distract yourself – drink water or fruit juice, read, exercise, and talk to family members / friends. Remind yourself that the urge will die down in a few minutes.

Remember all of the symptoms are short term (they will not last) as long as you take action.

Our Holistic Addictions Therapy Program is very effective during the first week of detox / withdrawal. We have researched many natural products (all backed by clinical studies) to make the first week of withdrawal as comfortable as possible and reduce the possibility of relapse.

At Holistic Health Center we use a variety of herbs and vitamins to offset the withdrawals and cravings of drugs and alcohol.

Our Addictions Practitioner Dr. Kevin Kilday, PhD will go over all of the supplements that you will be taking along with the proper dosages and copies of clinical studies at the first consultation.

PART 2

OUR ADDICTIONS NUTRITION PLAN

Holistic Health Center offers a Nutrition Program (a special eating plan to reduce cravings plus clinically approved supplements) to rebuild the addict’s body since addictions affect every organ, lowers the immune system, and makes addicts vulnerable to a host of major diseases.

During the initial phases of recovery, however, special emphasis should be placed on changing dietary habits by removing junk foods and convenience foods to more healthier foods. Caloric intake should be substantial but calories should be coming from fresh, good quality food like fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts rather than trans-fat-laden, highly processed convenience food like ready frozen or canned meals, chips, cakes and sweets.

Many people in recovery turn to sugary foods because they affect the same parts of the brain as drugs. This can cause blood sugar levels to rise and fall rapidly, and could eventually lead to relapse. An understanding of how food affects mood and the risk of substance abuse begins with macro-nutrients. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy; without this macro-nutrient, the brain can’t properly function, blood sugar becomes unstable, and neurotransmitters become disrupted. Unstable blood sugar can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and cravings. Vitamins and minerals are the two types of micro-nutrients. They play important roles in human development and well-being, including the regulation of metabolism, heartbeat, cellular pH, and bone density.  Macro- and micro-nutrient deficiencies can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low energy, all of which can lead someone to start using drugs or alcohol or trigger a relapse. On the other hand, fresh food, properly prepared and cooked, retain proper nutrients, fiber, water and are essential for correct functioning of the body and mind.

Due to individuals abusing different substances, nutritional status and health issues may differ, therefore we do a full nutritional assessment at the first consultation.

Our ADDICTIONS NUTRITION PLAN we target the following goals:

• heal and nourish the body damaged by alcohol or substance abuse
• stabilize mood and reduce stress
• reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol
• address health conditions that are co-occurring or have resulted from substance abuse
• encourage self-care and a healthful lifestyle

Substance abuse is known to lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that threaten physical and mental health, damage vital organs and the nervous system, and decrease immunity. Harmful lifestyles often are associated with addiction, such as poor eating patterns, lack of exercise, and changes in sleep patterns. These compounding factors result in an increased risk of long-term health problems, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, weight problems, eating disorders, and substance abuse relapse.

To help an individual recover from the effects of substance abuse, it’s important to eat balanced and caloric appropriate meals. This may be difficult during the initial detox period but it is necessary to eat as healthy as possible even during withdrawal.

It’s vital to correct any nutritional deficiencies and address any medical conditions, as continued malnutrition and instability increase disease risk and will produce cravings for drugs or alcohol. Increased consumption of nutrient-dense foods ( fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish) and antioxidants are important; these foods help decrease inflammation, reduce cell oxidation, and provide the basics of a healthful diet.

Proper nutrition, supplementation, and hydration are key to the substance abuse healing process because they help restore physical and mental health, and improve the chance of recovery.

Our Addictions Practitioner Dr. Kevin Kilday, PhD will go over the recommended Nutrition Plans during the first consultation.

PART 3

A FORM OF GREAT EXERCISE: Introduction to YOGA & MEDITATION

Yoga, which means “union” combines three aspects: physical postures, breath work, and meditation. The philosophy of yoga is to bring the mind, body, and spirit together in a united alignment. This can promote a state of inner peace that might assist recovering addicts in preventing relapse. Many studies indicate yoga can relieve anxiety, stress and depression.

Yoga is also helpful for managing muscle aches and pains, as well as the pins-and-needles feeling that can occur in withdrawal. The gentle stretching can ease muscle tension, which soothes soreness and tremors.

The physical aspect teaches bodily awareness and how to release pent-up emotions and stuck energy. For many in recovery, there has been a disassociation from the body through the use of drugs, alcohol, food, or other substances. Through practicing yoga, recovering addicts can become aware of their outdated behavioral patterns and make the conscious decision to change. These practices along with meditation have led to an easier withdrawal process and longer-term abstinence from substances.

Similarly, meditation can help individuals manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany withdrawal. Meditation is also a complementary practice with some of the psychological therapies that are offered in substance abuse treatment, helping the person to focus on mental processes connected to cravings. It allows recovering addicts a deeper sense of self-awareness. By becoming less influenced by the world around them, addicts can learn to shrug off cravings and embrace their inner strength without the need for external validation through substances. This can also help with recognizing triggers and behaviors that lead to relapse.

Breath work can be a key aspect of healing and recovery from addiction. The lungs are the link between the circulatory and nervous systems, and they provide detoxification, energy, and a built-in relaxation response.

Holistic Health Center also offers “Christian Yoga & Meditation” by a fully trained certified instructor. A great form of mild exercise to relieve stress and pain, and increases focus.

Throughout the years the term Christian yoga has been used by various Christian practitioners as a form or worship and praise, while honoring what Christ deems His temple, our body. In today’s western world, the practice of Christian yoga developed into holistic forms of worship, with practices of the mind, body, spirit and soul through biblical teachings of a certain posture that biblical figures were in, while praying specific prayers. In observation of these various postures, it appears in scripture, that the prayers, combined with a posture, elevates one’s worship or needs. Therefore, Christian yoga is a physical practice of connecting intimately to our Creator and living God, with our entire being; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

The Christian Part of Christian Yoga

As a Christ follower, or Christian, we believe the Bible in its entirety. When we read such scriptures as Genesis 1:1; “In the beginning, God created everything”, combined with John 1:1-3; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being”, for many of us, this sums it up, God created everything.

As Bible-reading Christ followers, we believe God created all things, including man and woman. Eventually it is ‘we’ humans who take God’s pure creation and use the creation for impure things. All things that were first intended for us to enjoy, not abuse, were originally created to point back to the Creator.

The Yoga Part of Christian Yoga

Yoga itself is a beautiful word and within the definition there is nothing to fear. How some choose to use the practice of yoga, or whom they choose to worship by using yoga practices could be feared if practices incorporated conflict with God’s principles.‘Yoking’ for the Christian yoga practitioner refers to uniting our breath, body and spirit with Christ, truly becoming one with Him. We can also yoke our breath to our posture of prayer, or our breath with our movements and dance like David danced. We can also yoke with one another in the sacred space of His presence. Christ followers are familiar with this word to yoke, as the Bible has a lot to say it about it.

God created all things to glorify Him, point to Him, worship and praise Him.

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created by Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16.

The Bible repeatedly speaks about you and I being the church and how we are to take care of these “temples” of the Holy Spirit.

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

Christian yoga is how many Christians interpret scriptures found throughout the Bible that uses God’s commandments of praise, worship, prayer, song and dance to connect to Him, or to worship Him with all of our might, all of our breath all of our spirit and all of our being.

RECOVERING THE MIND

PART 1

Our “Nutritional Biochemical Restoration”

In our Holistic Addictions Therapy Program we use a process called Nutritional Biochemical Restoration which aims to repair the biochemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain that cause cravings, depression, anxiety, and the unstable moods that lead to and prolong addiction.

The importance of Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between cells in the brain.  They are classified as “Excitatory” or “Inhibitory” based on the action the chemicals have on the brain’s function.

DOPAMINE:  is a neurotransmitter that works in the reward center in the brain. In addiction medicine the dopamine level is low in the brain.  Increasing dopamine in the brain will fill the void and replete the absent neurotransmitter therefor helping balance normal brain chemistry.  Dopamine has many functions in the brain including cognition, voluntary movement, motivation, punishment and reward, sleep, mood, attention, memory, and learning.  Dopamine balance is essential in treating the chemically addicted brain. Levels affected by: Every drug that affects feelings of pleasure, including Cocaine, Amphetamine, opiates, marijuana, heroin, alcohol, and PCP.

NOREPINEPHIRINE:  is an excitatory neurotransmitter, similar to adrenaline, that activates the “fight-or-flight” stress response in the body; speeds up heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, and increases body temperature while impacting movement, anxiety levels, sleep, moods, appetite levels, memory functions, and sensory processing abilities. Continued prolonged stress (like chemical addiction) can cause a depletion of norepinephrine leading to inability to handle stress and insomnia. Levels affected by: Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, ADHD medications (Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta), and Cocaine.

SEROTONIN: is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that works as a mood stabilizer and impacts mood, memory, learning, sexual desire, sleep, and appetite. This neurotransmitter is a contributor to sense of well-being and happiness. Levels affected by: Alcohol, Hallucinogens, Stimulants, Anti-depressants, Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), Cocaine, and PCP.

GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid): is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that lowers stress and anxiety by slowing down heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature; acts as a natural tranquilizer as it slows down the firing of the neurons, which in turn helps people feel more relaxed and calm. Research indicates that a major factor in people with anxiety disorders, and people who have become addicted to street drugs, alcohol and medication is that they are most likely suffering from low GABA activity in their brain. Levels affected by: Benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Xanax, etc.), Alcohol, Sedatives and tranquilizers, Depressant drugs, and Marijuana.

ENDORPHINS: are produced as a response to certain stimuli, especially stress, fear or pain. They originate in various parts of your body — the pituitary gland, your spinal cord and throughout other parts of your brain and nervous system — and interact mainly with receptors in cells found in regions of the brain responsible for blocking pain and controlling emotion. Endorphins and endogenous opioids peptides activate opioid receptors in the brain to slow central nervous system functions (including breathing rates), impact mood, and have a sedative and analgesic (painkilling) effect. Levels affected by: Prescription opioid pain relievers (OxyContin, Vicodin, morphine, fentanyl, etc.), and Heroin.

Balancing these neurotransmitters helps the brain restore normal function and makes recovery sustainable.

Holistic Health Center we use a number of clinically studied supplements for balancing neurotransmitters. We will go over the recommended supplements at the first consultation.

Once balance is restored, other addiction treatment modalities such as counseling and relapse prevention can be tackled more effectively.

PART 2

Christian Counseling

Christian counseling helps with alcohol / drug addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, anger, abuse, other mental health issues and is used at many rehabs throughout the world.

What is Christian Counseling

The Differences of Christian Counseling
As a general rule, both Christian counseling and secular counseling share the same desire to help people overcome their problems, find meaning and joy in life, and become healthy and well-adjusted individuals, both mentally and emotionally.

The word “counseling” can have multiple meanings, including offering advice and encouragement, sharing wisdom and skills, setting goals, resolving conflict, etc. Counselors usually probe the past (whether the problem happened a week ago or during childhood) in an attempt to repair the present. Counselors explore possible affects of physical and chemical imbalances that can cause physiological problems.

Christian counseling is distinct from secular counseling. In contrast to secular counseling, Christian counseling seeks to carefully discover those areas in which a Christian may be disobedient to the principles and commands of Scripture and to help him learn how to lovingly submit to God’s will. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Christian counselors understand that the Bible has a lot of practical wisdom about human nature, marriage and family, human suffering, and so much more. By using biblical concepts in counseling, they can instruct people in the way they should go and also hold them accountable. Although Christian counselors often use skills from the field of secular psychology and counseling, they recognize that the Bible, not psychology, is the final authority. A Christian counselor’s major strategy is to help their clients substitute biblical truth for error as they go about their day-to-day lives. They know that the truth, when known, believed, and obeyed, sets people free. When people are set free, they are fulfilling their true calling. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Holistic Health Center offers individual counseling as well as group sessions to allow addicted clients to share with others traveling the same road.

Dr. Kevin Kilday who has PhD’s in Pastoral Counseling and Natural Health and is also an Ordained Christian Minister has studied extensive scientific research and has proven solutions for all addictions and common mental health disorders of today. Dr. Kilday uses Christian Counseling in his practice to get to the roots of their problems which could be the hidden causes of their addictions.