What is a Biophysical Treatment?
Addressing substance abuse with a biophysical treatment is a specialized form of therapy. The program will vary with each facility. But all have some common aspects. The word BIO- from Greek bios meaning “the study of life,” it implies a “living organism” as in the human body. The second word, “PHYSICAL,” relates to things perceived through the senses instead of the mind, something tangible or concrete. Not a thought, a dream or an idea. When expressed in substance abuse treatment, it refers to the treatment of life and the living organism. It pertains to the physical person, their body. It addresses the physical effects of drug or alcohol addiction beyond the process of detox.
Treatment Centres Using Biophysical Methods
These biophysical rehab approaches have been ever-growing in popularity and demand for the last few decades. Because of the destructive nature of drugs and what they inflict on one’s body and organs, they seem relevant. Many drug rehab centres will address the psychological effects of drug addiction without addressing the physical dependence aspect short of a detox. It may account for their limited success rates.
Detox and Biophysical Treatment are Different
Most drug rehab centres will have “detox,” known as a period of time when the person stops consuming drugs or alcohol. Withdrawal is another name for this step found in most facilities. Although some treatment centres consider this a form of biophysical detox, it isn’t its true meaning. The proper biophysical treatment will be much longer and require a full assessment of one’s health. Once the person has clearance, the next step would be remedying or rebuilding the areas deficient in nutritional substances.
This kind of program would include a balanced diet, good healthy foods, some dietary supplements. Alongside a regimen of exercise, to increase the body’s function, up to where it should be for one’s age. This treatment method may include yoga, meditation, exercises, acupuncture, and all similar subjects.
Biophysical Approach First Step After Detox
Some programs will include sauna detoxification as a biophysical approach. This process requires a carefully guided regimen of exercise to increase blood flow, large doses of monitored vitamins and minerals, with periods of sweating in a sauna. Qualified personnel supervise this procedure. This method encourages fatty tissues to release minute drug particles lodged in the tissues.
The body then flushes these particles through sweat. Good nutrients repair the body and eliminate deficiencies. The goal is to have the person reach an overall sense of well-being, and feeling of a drug-free body and clearer thinking. Many people report feeling as they did before ever taking drugs or alcohol.
A Complete Biophysical Treatment Program
Some psychological and social counselling follows to address other aspects of drug or alcohol addiction. Although such an approach of sweating out toxins obtains significant gain, it is not an end-all. One cannot truly consider the treatment complete with only a biophysical address.
With any addiction, there are underlying reasons the person chooses to do drugs. Most biophysical approaches will also teach life skills to be a well-rounded program and ensure success.
