Many people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction seek spiritual support while trying to detox and recover from drug addiction. Christians who are struggling with drug addiction can find drug rehab programs that use Christian teachings and spiritual healing. Christian drug rehab programs in Canada are a type of treatment program that incorporates Christian values and teachings into rehabilitation. In addition, it provides substantial support through clinical therapeutic models and non-traditional approaches. Overall, the treatment process heals a person physically, mentally, and spiritually. In addition, the rehabilitation process helps the individual maintain a crucial connection with a higher power.
Christian drug rehab centers are similar to any other type of drug rehab center in Canada. The purpose is the same, helping people fight drug addiction, but the overall approach is different. Christ is the base of the entire treatment plan, and the goal is to strengthen the spiritual foundation so that the patient can maintain their sobriety. Christian drug rehab programs offer different approaches to help their patients. For example, drug education, education on spiritual principles, developing a relationship with God, religious studies, participation in meditation and prayer, and relapse prevention training.
Christian drug and alcohol rehab programs help connect patients with God using faith-based approaches. Drug rehab centers take the approach that God is the only solution to achieving long-term sobriety and maintaining a healthy spiritual relationship. Many of the Christian drug rehab centers in Canada have ministers, priests, and other religious mentors among the staff. Christian drug rehab programs provide extensive services. Treatment options include residential and outpatient programs, drug detox, and aftercare support. Drug rehabilitation begins with drug detox to treat withdrawal symptoms. Following drug detox, the next phase of treatment involves attending a residential or outpatient drug rehab. One significant benefit of Christian drug rehab is aftercare support. Faith-based support groups are excellent options to help recovering addicts.
INFORMATION ON DRUG REHAB
When is Christian Drug Rehab the Best Option for Treating Substance Abuse?
Christian drug rehab programs are the best option for anyone wanting to incorporate spirituality and spiritual grounding into their drug rehabilitation. Christian drug rehab treats all severity of drug addiction. Whether a person requires an outpatient or inpatient drug rehab program, Christian drug rehabilitation is an excellent option for anyone wanting well-rounded treatment. In addition, someone struggling with drug addiction will find significant benefits from a Christian drug rehab program. For example, most Christian drug rehab programs provide Christ-centered sober living arrangements after treatment. These group homes provide a place where a recovering addict can heal in a safe environment.
Faith-based support is ongoing, while many drug rehab centers offer treatment services to overcome addiction. Christian drug rehab centers are also designed to help a person grown spiritually and develop a stronger relationship with Christ. In addition, Christ-centered treatment centers help reduce the risk of relapse by making the transition from rehab back to life much easier. Christian-based outpatient drug rehab is an excellent option to consider for aftercare support. Recovering addicts have the opportunity to maintain a connection with Christian mentors. During this time, they can learn how to gain more control over their thoughts, emotions, and actions. Overall, there is a significant focus on the healing power of Christ’s love.
When considering and choosing a Christian drug rehab program, the individual can trust that the counselors, staff, and other members will help the patient tap into their faith. They are encouraged to refer to their pre-established core values and beliefs. The recovery process is a way for the person to apply their faith to past experiences. In addition, they can apply their faith to their future and use their faith to move forward with a sober and happy life. Individuals will also find that extra boost to begin their path to healing. Finally, they have the opportunity to join a new community of friends and family during treatment and while in recovery.
How Do Christian Drug Rehabilitation Programs Operate?
Christian drug rehab programs treat drug addiction like any other drug rehab center. However, Christ-centered treatment incorporates spiritual healing and teachings. Therefore, drug rehabilitation is well-rounded, healing the mind, body, and spirit. Once admitted into a Christian drug rehab program, each patient is assessed to determine their specific needs. The initial assessment is beneficial because it helps to develop a personalized treatment and therapy plan. After the initial assessment, the first step is drug detox to manage withdrawal symptoms.
The two most common methods of drug detox are medically supervised drug detox and standard drug detox programs. After the individual is free from any drugs, different therapies are applied through individual or group counseling and spiritual guidance. Behavioral therapies are commonly part of faith-based drug rehab programs. Typically, the counseling is faith-based and works to strengthen the patient’s relationship with Christ and the Bible. Christian-based drug rehab programs operate through inpatient and outpatient treatment centers.
Residential Christian drug rehab programs will likely have that patient attend faith-based groups and services regularly. In addition, they will be encouraged to join a Christian 12-step group if the drug rehab center incorporates 12-step meetings. Some drug rehab centers use a combination of behavioral therapies with non-traditional approaches. For example, this may include holistic treatment, family programs, and recreational therapy. Many of the services are provided through the patient’s involvement in the Church that is part of the Christian drug rehab program. Regardless of the therapy methods used, there is a significant spiritual side with treatment and recovery.
Any Christian-based drug rehab program’s goal is to help the individual develop or strengthen their relationship with God in their path towards recovery. A religious person, for example, may feel more comfortable going through rehab in a facility where their spiritual focus is supported and emphasized. However, the values taught at a Christian drug rehab program apply to individuals with strong religious beliefs. A big part of spirituality is not only about connected with God but also forgiving past wrongs, living a renewed life, and love all people equally.
Are there Alternatives to Christian Drug Rehabilitation Programs in Canada?
Alternatives to Christian drug rehab programs are non-spiritual alcohol and drug treatment programs. Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most widely recognized Christian-based recovery programs for drug addiction. However, not everyone attending drug rehab has a spiritual background or any religious grounding. For any drug rehab program to work, the individual attending treatment must not feel alienated or uncomfortable with their beliefs or practices the program puts forth. There are many different drug rehab programs offered that do not use 12-step methods or Christian-based philosophies.
Most drug rehab programs use behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and also incorporate non-traditional approaches. For example, this could include holistic treatment or experiential therapy. In addition, different recovery groups are non-spiritual after the person has completed drug rehab. Mutual support or self-help groups are an important part of recovery. Thus, drug rehabilitation is still well-rounded and heals a person physically and mentally. However, no one form of drug rehab is right for every person. Treatment settings and interventions should meet the needs of the patient.
Are Christian Drug Rehab Programs Effective?
There are significant benefits to attending a Christian-based drug rehab program. However, the effectiveness of drug rehab depends on how well treatment is matched to the patient and the patient’s willingness during rehab. One of the benefits offered through Christian drug rehab is spiritual support. The individual focuses on prayer and meditation to help them reconnect with themselves. The individual strengthens their relationship with the ones around them. A strong community is also one of the benefits as the patient has the opportunity to connect with people who have the same beliefs. In addition, the pastoral staff in Christian drug rehab facilities play an essential role in the success of the treatment.
According to research looking at faith-based drug rehab programs, religion is protective against drug and alcohol use. The more a person is involved in their religion, the less likely they are to use drugs or alcohol. Some studies have found that spirituality may be an important variable in treatment outcomes based upon a faith-based 12-step recovery program. Other studies have looked at religious conversation as a deciding factor in whether or not the individual was able to maintain recovery based upon spiritual disciplines. According to an article in the Journal of Religion and Health, 73% of addiction treatment programs in the United States include a spirituality-based element.
Hundreds of research studies have found and demonstrated the positive impact of faith on health and well-being. Evidence-based studies point to the instrumental contribution of faith to substance abuse prevention and recovery. Many cases have shown that religious and spiritual beliefs and practices lead to lower levels of substance abuse. For example, a study in 2010 found that 82% of clients who experienced a spiritual awakening during drug rehab were completely abstinent for one year—compared to 55% of non spiritually awakened clients.
In 2012, close to 300 studies were identified that attended to the relationship between alcohol abuse and faith before 2010. Approximately 86% of those studies found that faith reduced the risks associated with alcohol use, abuse, or dependence. Conversely, only four studies found that faith contributed to alcohol use, abuse, or dependence. In 2008, a study found that 81% of non-drug users practiced a religion, concluding that religion may play a protective factor in drug addiction.
Common Terminology Surrounding Christian Drug Treatment
| Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
| Spirituality | Openness to God, nature of the universe where one experiences harmony with truth, feelings of love, hope, and compassion. In addition, feelings of inspiration or enlightenment with a sense of meaning and purpose in life (Richards, 2009). |
| Religion | An organized system of beliefs and practices intended to mediate one’s relationship to God and the community (Koenig, McCullough, & Larson, 2001). |
| Christianity | Religion-based primarily on the Bible as the absolute word of God, the virgin birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate and the Savior of sinful humans, the Holy Spirit as the essence of God, and the need for personal conversion or being born again (Timmons, 2012). |
ADDITIONAL SUBSTANCE USE RESOURCES
Ask a professional
Christian or faith-based drug rehab incorporates biblical teachings and focuses on Christ and faith. These programs are proven successful because of the faith aspect of treatment. In addition to utilizing Biblical teachings, these programs also incorporate evidence-based therapy approaches.
No, but most people who attend these programs have once had a strong faith or still currently believe in Christ and God. Incorporating spirituality into treatment is important to many people, but a strong belief is not necessary.
The most common faith-based drug rehab programs are centered around Christianity. Faith-based programs also utilize Judaism and other faiths as part of their rehabilitation process. When searching for drug rehab programs, you can inquire about what faith is incorporated into treatment.
Yes, the 12-steps are centered around a higher power and based on Christian teachings when it was first founded. However, a person does not have to be Christian or have strong faith to attend a 12-step meeting or a drug rehab program that incorporates the 12-steps.
Yes, these programs also use behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, or motivational therapies. In addition, there is access to individual and group therapy, as most drug rehab programs cater to individual needs.
The questions from DrugRehab.ca’s “Ask a Professional” are answered by Nickolaus Hayes. If you need further clarification on any of the questions above or have any other questions you can contact him directly at [email protected].
