Treatment for addiction has evolved drastically over the past 4 centuries. In the early 1700s to early 1800s, Native Americans used to gather around for sobriety circles. By 1810, sober houses were created – and by the late 1800s, Dr. Leslie Keeley created “The Keeley Cure” which was an injection that claimed to “cure” alcoholism, morphine addiction, opioid addiction, nicotine dependency and more; while it was also known as “The Gold Cure”, researchers suggest that there was indeed no gold in it – only 28% alcohol, ammonium chloride, tincture of cinchona, and aloin (derived from the aloe plant). By the 1900s, those struggling with alcoholism found themselves in drunk tanks, public hospitals or asylums. More and more regulations became apparent for drugs, with the 1900s denoting the beginning of 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Addictions such as alcoholism first became recognized as an illness, or a disease, in 1956 by the American Medical Association (AMA). Over these centuries, more research has been done – which means that we’re the closest we’ve ever been to providing tools needed to recover from addiction. Addiction recovery is possible because of these tools; the researchers that have spent their lives focusing in on effective treatment modalities and approaches that not only are used directly in addiction recovery, but are used in helping clients more holistically, too. The mind, body and spirit is perhaps the most “recent” acknowledgement in the addiction recovery field – the fact that those attending treatment should not receive help strictly for their substance dependency, but also in other areas of life that have influenced them in negative ways.
Addiction is not yet curable, but treatment and recovery still remain. Reflect upon the number of methods that have been used, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Neurofeedback therapy
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Creative therapeutic methods (such as with art, music, dance, etc.)
- Meditation, yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture and other holistic modalities
- Career support, alumni connections, etc.
- And more
Those in addiction recovery will find that they’re most successful when they integrate methods of treatment. If they remain dedicated and continue to surround themselves with those who support their healing and restoration, they are much more likely to find success in recovery.
Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit alcohol and drug-addiction treatment center located on the banks of the Cumberland river in Nashville, Tennessee. On a sprawling 177-acre campus, we are made up of 2 12-Step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.
