Why holistic recovery?
Aug 21, 2025
Have you ever stopped to think how complex we are as human beings?
ho·lis·tic -adjective
the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole. The treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental, physical and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness.
"As you see something, you will treat it". This is what the late Michael Dye (Genesis Process) used to say in his recovery talks. Meaning if we only see the problem of an addiction from one angle, our solutions or approach to recovery will be limited and we might miss what that person needs to heal.
The more I've delved into the field of addiction-recovery, the more I've become aware how complicated we as humans are...
We have physical bodies with complex systems that function a specific way (God's amazing design). We deal with our mental health on a daily basis (thoughts, fears, anxiety, stress, etc.) We each have a social life with relationships to maintain (family, church, work etc.). I also believe we are spiritual beings, we devote or live our lives to something (God, materialism, success etc).
One of the tools that has helped me most as a Recovery Coach is called a "Double Bind" (more on this in future blog). It's a tool that basically looks at why someone is stuck (fears, anxiety, anger etc.). I've learned over the years, that the surface problem is never usually the only problem. It's the "low hanging fruit" that we can initially grab but the tree still has plenty left. If we initially react to the symptoms or behaviors of an addiction (using substance, lying, stealing, broken relationships etc.) we'll miss the opportunity to ask the right questions to get to the roots of the real problem(s).
To give you an illustration ...
"Problem" If I more towards the problem, I'll face...?
Drugs/ Alcohol Fear of asking for help
Fear of failing
Resentments/ trauma of early childhood coming back up
Anxiety about paying bills if I go to treatment
What's the real problem? As you can see, we're now entering into this person's world. Their hidden thoughts, how they really feel and past experiences that may still affect them. If we explore and ask the right questions, we can help others when they are "stuck".
What questions would you ask?
-Shayne M Priddy
Renewed Recovery
(Founder & Coach )
At Renewed Recovery we use a holistic approach in all of our programs to treat the whole person (Mental, Physical, Spiritual & Social). We have individual coaching programs available online.
Recovery Programs:
- Recovery Coaching Drugs/ Alcohol
- Recovery Coaching Pornography Addiction
- Recovery Coaching Food
Resources and Partners:
