The Christian Faith And Drug And Alcohol Rehab

Addiction affects people across all demographics, regardless of race, class, gender, and religion – including those of the Christian faith. Christianity is the most practiced religion in the world and encompasses multiple denominations, including: Anglicanism, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Protestantism, Evangelism, and many others. Although these sects of Christianity all have differing views, their core principles all center around the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christian addiction treatment provides a safe environment for people of all of these different sectors to heal from addiction with like-minded individuals that focuses on strengthening one’s relationship with Jesus.

Before addiction was officially recognized as a disease in the 1940s, religious organizations often characterized it as a moral defect or sin. The Christian faith now views addition to be a condition that is a result of bad choices and poor spiritual circumstance rather than of sinful nature. For people struggling with addiction, substance abuse is coping mechanism used to deal with the hardships of life rather than religious worship. Those with problematic substance use then position drugs and alcohol in the place of God, attempting to fix the emotional turmoil they are experiencing with a temporary resolution. The Gospel upholds that salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ – people must embrace Him fully and whole-heartedly in order to receive his deliverance.

The Christian faith believes that the key to overcoming addiction is the process of spiritual transformation. God can provide the strength, support, and clarity that is necessary to work through the obstacles that are inherently a part of recovery. The religion believes that anyone can overcome addiction by attending the proper treatment program and dedicating themselves to a sober lifestyle that upholds Christian values.

Types Of Christian Drug And Alcohol Rehab

There are many types of Christian addiction treatment programs available for those seeking help, including private and luxury rehabs, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and local church support groups. The services offered at these programs is similar to that of non-denominational addiction treatment; however, there is a strong focus on the Bible. In addition to healing through evidence-based clinical methods such as detox and individualized therapy, patients are rehabilitated spiritually.

This type of recovery program is designed to allow patients to establish or restore their faith and relationship with God while also addressing their addiction. In order to do this, Christian rehab programs typically include the following religious aspects:

  • Bible study sessions and scripture readings
  • Faith-based 12-step programs
  • Sermons that discuss addiction in terms of the Christian faith
  • Daily prayer and reflection sessions
  • Attendance of regular church services
  • Ministerial and pastoral counseling

All of the treatment approaches incorporated in Christian treatment programs are framed by spiritual teachings and awareness. Many Christian rehab centers will also have priests, ministers, and other members of the clergy on staff in addition to doctors and mental health professionals.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) And 12-Step Groups

Despite the fact that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not formally associated with any one particular faith or denomination, the organization’s premise is rooted in Christianity. Many of AA’s 12 steps are inherently Christian concepts, as the idea behind them is that alcoholics cannot overcome addiction on their own. They must turn their lives over to a higher power and seek a spiritual path to recovery as the only way to gain control of their addiction. When Bill W. was transcribing the recovery program of AA in the Big Book, he wrote: “For we have not only been mentally and physically ill, we have been spiritually sick. When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically.”

The Christian faith views addiction in similar terms – addiction can only be overcome by turning oneself over to Christ. Many Christian addiction treatment programs will incorporate 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous as they place a high value on spiritual awakening. While the AA doctrine doesn’t specifically mention Jesus, Christians can apply spiritual aspects to the text where fit and greatly benefit from the group meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous also asks participants to take personal inventory and openly admit any wrongdoings or weaknesses, which is another important aspect of the Christian faith. These programs provide a healthy network of peers that can continue to offer encouragement and support in recovery. AA and other similar 12-step programs are highly spiritual in nature, and working through these steps can help Christians in recovery build a stronger connection to God.

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Benefits Of Christian Addiction Treatment

One of the most important benefits of faith-based recovery is the camaraderie it fosters between like-minded and spiritual individuals. Addiction can cause multiple psychological hardships such as stress, loneliness, and a loss of hope – all of which Christianity helps to relieve. Addiction can cause isolation from family, friends, and peers, so Christian treatment programs place high value on providing a safe environment filled with group support. This focus on fellowship helps to strengthen a person’s moral resolve and provides them with a spiritual framework to resist future temptation.

Religion has shown to promote multiple positive health benefits for people in recovery, including:

  • Lowered anxiety
  • A positive outlook on life
  • Healthy coping skills
  • Greater ability to manage stress
  • Lower relapse rates

Religious beliefs can strengthen a person’s motivation and hope for the future while offering forgiveness for past discretions. In Christian addiction treatment programs, patients learn that God is always present and is a constant source of never-ending strength and inspiration. They learn that with Jesus, it is possible to make strides in life that were previously unimaginable, even overcoming addiction. Christian recovery programs help build and strengthen the life tools necessary to get sober and maintain a life of long-term sobriety.

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Find A Christian Drug And Alcohol Rehab Today

Christian addiction treatment can help people rediscover their faith in God while also helping them build a life free of substance abuse. If you’re an individual of the Christian faith and struggling with addiction, you may find that a Christian recovery plan works better for you than other treatments options. Contact a treatment provider today to talk about rehab options.

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Author

Jena Hilliard

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  • Jena Hilliard earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of Central Florida in English Literature. She has always had a passion for literature and the written word. Upon graduation, Jena found her purpose in educating the public on addiction and helping those that struggle with substance dependency find the best treatment options available.

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Reviewed by Certified Addiction Professional:

David Hampton

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  • A survivor of addiction himself, David Hampton is a Certified Professional Recovery Coach (CPRC) and a member of the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).

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