Drug addiction and alcoholism can be devastating for the individual and family alike. Not only does the addicted individual suffer, but the direct family will have their lives turned upside down and usually, serious financial losses accompany the problem. For many years treatment programs have primarily been focused on a 12- Step method. In fact 97% of programs surveyed include the twelve step process. Recently alternative treatments for drug and alcohol abuse and emotional issues have emerged. These new generations of treatment programs differ from traditional methods in that they strive to get to the root of the psychological issues that lead the individual down the path to addiction or other destructive behaviors.
One such program has been developed by “ATI”, a company in Clearwater Florida, called Alternative Treatment International. ATI believes that the best therapeutic result will always come easier when the therapist brings the client to their own conclusion about eliminating destructive behaviors. Clients are reported to respond positively to this style of treatment when it is combined with a holistic approach and traditional medicine.
ATI has branded its specific treatment program as “Perception Therapy™” and states that the success of its clients breaking the cycle of addictive behavior is directly attributed to Perception Therapy™ techniques. ATI claims their client relapse rate is less than 20% - well below the industry norm.
“Perception Therapy™ techniques are designed to assist the client, in an indirect and metaphorical way, to form their own conclusions. The learned perceptions may stem from parents, teachers, etc., from early childhood traumas or experiences, or adolescence, young adulthood situations, abuse and more. Their learned perceptions, which may only be perceptions of truth, not actual truth, may have been a key factor in producing the destructive behaviors and other psycho- emotional disorders from which they suffer, including addictions, depression, anxiety and other disorders”, says Dr. Meyers, a principal partner in ATI.
Basically, the therapeutic techniques are designed to allow the client to uncover the negative perceptions that were taught, change their thinking about them, and in turn change their negative behaviors. “Thinking produces behavior and when thinking changes, behaviors will change by themselves,” adds Dr. Meyers. “The same techniques apparently work for other negative behaviors such as eating disorders and depression, which may coincide with addictive thinking and destructive behaviors. With this proven path of recovery, therapists and medical staff members have a significantly greater opportunity to help their clients to achieve more positive and productive thinking patterns and make better choices. Utilizing these therapeutic techniques, the client comes to their own conclusion about their sobriety and recovery, which in essence is the truth, because it is their truth.”
Alternative Treatment International, the developer of “Perception Therapy™”, is a private residential substance abuse and mental health treatment center. It offers a comfortable and safe environment for those seeking healing and recovery from addictions and psycho- emotional problems. ATI’s web site is a source for more information at www.alternative2rehab.com or they can be contacted at 1-800-897- 8060 or info@alternative2rehab.com.
