Beyond Medicine: Reimagining Healing in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Part (I)

By Denise L. Mitchell, MSW, RSW

The Role of Culture and Holistic Care

Healing from mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) challenges is far more than clinical treatment or medication. It is a journey toward restoring balance, purpose, and hope in an individual’s life. While medical interventions such as therapy and pharmacology are essential, effective recovery must also engage psychological, spiritual, cultural, and community dimensions.

In line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of health as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being—not merely the absence of illness—mental health and substance use challenges demand a comprehensive, multidimensional approach.

Healing Beyond the Medical Model

Traditional approaches to mental health and SUD often focus primarily on symptom management and crisis intervention. However, sustainable healing requires attention to the whole person: their history, identity, relationships, and sense of belonging.

“Medication and therapy may address immediate symptoms, but lasting recovery is built on restoring dignity, meaning, and connection”

Embracing a holistic perspective means weaving together physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and social care. It also requires recognizing the broader determinants of health—such as discrimination, intergenerational trauma, poverty, and social isolation among other social issues —that often serve as root drivers of distress. For many, the path to recovery is not linear. It must be supported by practices that honor the individual while reconnecting them with community and self-worth.

---

The Transformative Power of Culturally Responsive Care

Culture shapes how people perceive and cope with mental health challenges and substance use. In collectivist communities, such as Indigenous and immigrant groups, healing is closely tied to cultural identity, spiritual practices, and community support.

Research shows that cultural engagement—through family traditions, ancestral teachings, and strong community allyship—can significantly improve mental health outcomes and build resilience in the face of SUD.

“Healing deepens when care is rooted in culture, identity, and belonging”

Therefore, culturally responsive care requires intentional respect for each person’s lived experience. Providers must practice cultural humility, listen deeply, and create safe spaces where stories can be shared without fear of judgment.

For Indigenous peoples, traditional healing ceremonies, land-based practices, and community gatherings are integral to recovery. For immigrant and marginalized groups, care that honors language, traditions, and social networks help protect against forced acculturation and cultural loss—factors linked to depression, anxiety, and substance use.

---

A Holistic Path Forward

A truly effective approach to recovery honors the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and community. While medications and therapy are valuable tools, healing flourishes when individuals are supported within their cultural and social contexts.

Culturally responsive, holistic practices do more than improve clinical outcomes. They affirm identity, restore dignity, and build lasting resilience.

“Healing is not simply the absence of illness, it is the presence of balance, belonging, and hope.”

Diagram: Holistic Pathways

References

Sasakamoose, J. L., Pete, S., O’Soup, F., & Wolfe, T. (2024). From trauma to resilience: Advancing cultural responsiveness and equity in the Muskowekwan First Nation’s healing journey. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, Article 1419250. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1419250.