As Scott Kiloby states in his book, “Natural Rest for Addiction,” recovery is most successful when there is an integrative approach that includes all the aspects of our human experience, helping to heal us in every way. Here are some of the components of an Integrative Approach, used in varying degrees at the Kiloby Center for Recovery:
Interior Awareness component: This is the “I” space. This includes Presence work (i.e., mindfulness), the Living Inquiries, meditation, restful tapping, body contraction work. These tools help us to identify less with the thoughts, emotions, and sensations that lead to suffering including addiction, anxiety, and depression. This is the central focus at the Center.
Social Component: This is the “we” space. The social component includes working through issues related to family and other important relationships and using the Living Inquiries to find harmony in those relationships. It also includes group support during participation at the Center and in the months and years after leaving the Center. Group support has been found through many studies to be critical to long term recovery.
Scientific Objective Component: This component deals with understanding what is happening in the brain during addiction, anxiety, and depression and finding ways to deal with aspects of suffering that are more chemically-based and not fully reachable by the tools in the Interior Awareness component. This may include changes in diet, medications or natural remedies. Our medical director is a renowned physician/speaker on the brain chemistry involved with addiction. He is on hand to work with our clients and we have a DVD at the Center where he explains the brain chemistry related to addiction.
Systems Component: When we are addicted, experiencing anxiety or depression, we are part of larger systems that are at play including the health care industry, the legal system, and other social network systems. Knowing how to navigate these systems is helpful in recovery. For example, when people leave our Center, they sometimes have to face possible sentencing or probation issues. Communication between the Center and these other systems is critically important in helping clients recover and begin leading a life of peace and well-being including taking responsibility for their legal and health care issues.
Physical Component: Exercise and physical movement are extremely helpful in recovery. This may include yoga, recreation, Qi-Gong, exercise or other forms of movement. Beginning a routine of physical movement at the Center can bring about a greater sense of physical well-being.
We help our clients continue with the physical component once they leave our program.
When we are aware of all of these components and how they are playing into our suffering, we begin to heal in every way. Some people will need more attention in certain components. If you come to the Kiloby Center, expect to have a conversation that involves looking at all these components. We also have a book in the Center’s library on Integral Recovery by John Dupuy that can help you understand the importance of including all these components in your recovery.
