5 Element approach to Addiction Recovery

5 Element Treatments for Addiction

The initial blog of this series we discussed the imbalance of addiction explained through

the 5 Element Theory. This allowed for insight into how an addict’s cognitive patterns

support repetitive behaviors leading to the cycle of addiction. In the second discussion

we covered more specifically how this cycle operates to encourage further disharmony.

The final posting in this series will provide information on how addiction is successfully

treated via the 5 Element Theory.

Generally, effective treatment for any individual starts with the individual. In one word, it

MUST be personalized to the client’s needs. However, routinely with any client, a gauge

of success must be defined to measure progress. VIDA Wellness believes that this

model is not based in one overall measure but many smaller more specific and

individualized measures that constitute success. The definition should also address the

typical behavior of a recovering addict that reflects their trading one addiction for

another (i.e. alcohol for marijuana, alcohol for cigarettes, etc.). Would this behavior be

termed as success? Typically an addict DOES find the transition from addicted to sober

as uncomfortable and responds to same, as it relates to the 5 elements, depending on

their element.

• Water - Belief

• Wood - Motion/Path

• Fire - Desire

• Earth - Manifestation/Experience

• Metal – Reinforce/Release

With knowledge of the above responses, therapists can agree that the most important

point of struggle within the transition to sobriety exists in the element Earth/

Manifestation. When an addict substitutes one addiction for another they are simply

altering the manifestation of the addiction. Either way, the addiction remains. At VIDA,

we believe that in order to effectively treat any addiction ALL 5 Elements of Oriental

Medicine must cooperatively be involved. In addition, we have found that tracking a

client’s successful progress in each individual element area proves effectively in

obtaining long term sustained sobriety.

5 Element Treatment Goals

VIDA Wellness defines successful treatment within each element as noted below:

• Water – Change in the core belief systems, which fuel addiction.

• Wood – Introduction of a new path of action that is supported by the new belief system

and fuels the client’s heart passion.

• Fire – Future motivations must be evaluated and altered to insure pain is resolved and

escape from reality is not the goal.

• Earth - Manifestation: Following addiction cessation, the treatment experience and

related revelations MUST provide enough passion for new interests that sustain long

term change.

• Metal – Complete death of previous self MUST occur. Otherwise, any remains will

inevitably refuel the cycle of addiction.

Specific 5 Element Focuses

Water

Core belief system has been mentioned previous and defines an addict’s daily

motivation to function. Unfortunately, the cycle of addiction involuntarily redefines this

belief system to support its own goals of destruction. The belief system typically

originates from an unresolved traumatic event that requires nurturing, even if unhealthy.

This could include rape, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, neglect, etc. AND

inadvertently lead to secondary addictions to protect self from further trauma caused by

the primary trauma. For example, if an individual is bullying regularly they may

eventually adopt weigh training as a means to protect self from the primary trauma,

which results in a secondary addiction, although healthy. Regardless of the patterns of

behavior, without knowing of the foundational motives of these behaviors an addict will

never successfully remedy their pain and the resulting addictions.

Wood

Once the foundational motive that fuels a client’s addiction is discovered, their response

can be examined further to determine effectiveness. This pattern of behavior is typically

easy to identify when historically discussed in detail. Unfortunately, water’s old belief

systems and their resulting behaviors inevitably result in a notable path of destruction,

addiction. Thankfully, these unhealthy behavioral patterns can be substituted with

established healthy alternatives such as 12-Step programs, cognitive-behavioral

therapy, religion and philosophy, which have been proven by others previously and

provide freedom for an addict.

Fire

This element seems to be most difficult to remedy pain. Reason being, the cycle of

addiction redefines one’s passion to reflect that of drug seeking behaviors and later

avoiding consequences form same. This often consists of an addict’s daily efforts to

manage anxiety, depression, sleep deficiency, suicidal thoughts, etc. VIDA believes that

redefining self and an experience that offers spiritual renewal is crucial to rekindling the

“fire” within that sustains long term sobriety. A first-time discovery or a new rekindling of

one's heart's passion must be implemented for sustained long term sobriety. The

alternative is defined by a life of sobriety with daily motives based in anger and

resentment.

Earth

Being that addict’s often primarily seek a substitution for their drug of habit rather than

complete sobriety, treatment MUST include guidance in choosing alternatives for

addictive behaviors. This clinically guided process will result in an addict experiencing a

sort of “divine intervention” that offers needed insight to sustain long term change. With

discipline in maintaining this “divine connection”, further insight will follow that fuels

ongoing healthy behaviors and internal balance to fight addiction.

Metal

This element demands the releasing of unhealthy belief systems that support addictive

behaviors. The new belief system that supports healthy behaviors will be embraced and

the past negative emotion-based belief system will be officially surrendered. It is at this

point in treatment that VIDA staff will guide a client in the most important grieving

process to release one’s addict-self. This process will include the expression of

previously unexpressed energies of anger and resentment that aided in addictive

behaviors. The processing of the aforementioned will always be followed with time for

celebration and praise that signifies healthy transition for self.

Ultimately, cessation of any addiction NEVER determines treatment success alone.

VIDA Wellness’ clinical team treats every client holistically expertise treatment

knowledge of individual areas that have been proven effective. We believe that a

change in behaviors will immediately affect the addict themselves, their family and

friends in a way that will be shown in generations to come.

You can find more information about VIDA Wellness drug rehab treatment program in

Costa Rica by visiting our website at www.vidawellnesscostarica.com or contacting Dr.

Randi directly via the information provided on our site. We look forward to potentially

working with you!!

Brian Wall, NCC, MAC, LPC, LCAS

Clinical Addiction Specialist