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Christian Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me

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Faith-Based Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs for Christians Near You

Christian addiction recovery programs offer patients a unique and powerful tool in their journey to sobriety. They incorporate their religious beliefs into treatment. This type of rehab came about as a response to the success of programs that considered individuals’ spiritual beliefs.1

In many cases, a psychiatric and medical treatment that incorporates spiritual guidance has been proven effective.1 Religion and spirituality provide comfort for patients during detox and their road to recovery.2

How Did Faith-Based Rehab Start?

The history of Christian drug rehab is reflective of the changing perspective of addiction itself. For many years, religious organizations were reluctant to address addiction because it was seen as a choice or moral failure. However, addiction has been recognized as a disease in the 1940s. This shift has allowed religious organizations to offer addiction treatment services, which often incorporate a spiritual component.3

Faith-based recovery programs have been around for centuries, with the first missions emerging in the 1800s. These missions provided people with meals and a place to stay while they battled addiction, and taught them Christian values at the same time. The Salvation Army was one of the first organizations to open homeless shelters specifically for people struggling with addiction.3

The first documented Christian church rehab program was Emmanuel Church Clinic in Boston, which opened in 1906. The clinic incorporated medical, psychological, and spiritual therapies. This was a precursor of the Oxford Group, from which Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was conceived. Now, AA is a well-known organization helping struggling patients that encourages members of any religion to rely on their spiritual beliefs for guidance.3

Christian addiction recovery programs have changed since then. They work with individuals in a religious setting while also incorporating evidence-based approaches to addiction treatment.

The Community Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership Program from SAMHSA issues grants to over 800 faith-based organizations in communities across the country.1 In the U.S., addiction treatment programs often involve faith-based elements, with many stressing the importance of staying sober by relying on a higher power. In over 84% of scientific studies, faith and its elements help effectively prevent and treat addiction among the congregational rehabilitation centers included in this study.2

What Does Christian & Catholic Drug Rehab Include?

The spiritual or religious component is one of the things that makes Christian addiction treatment centers different from other, secular treatment centers. Counselors and other staff members at these centers identify with patients’ religious beliefs and often use Bible study, worship, or Catholic prayers for addiction recovery as part of their approaches. While the evidence-based treatment used is the same as that at secular rehab centers, the religious aspect can be an important part of the healing process for some patients.3

The recovery process follows the same four basic principles as other treatment programs:4

  • The use of medication: After identifying the extent of addiction and what is needed to safely get treated, professionals may prescribe medication to aid an individual’s recovery. The initial assessment will also include a family history analysis, severity of abuse, and the substance abused, mental health struggles, and other medical conditions.
  • Detox: Following a successful intervention, it might be necessary to keep the patient in the facility to monitor withdrawal symptoms during a medically-supervised detox.
  • Treatment: During this stage, patients learn how to live without drugs or alcohol and work on personal issues, such as forgiveness or grief. This includes group and individual therapy, addiction education, 12-step sessions, medically supervised treatment, different therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), mood management, coping skills training, and family session or couples therapy.
  • Aftercare: After the completion of inpatient or outpatient treatment, patients are encouraged to continue with sober living programs, support groups, 12-step meetings, and continued therapy.

What Does the 12-Step Program Entail?

The 12-step program, also known as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), was founded in 1935 and is one of the world’s most widely known addiction treatment programs. The 12-step model became popular during the 1970s. It was adapted from a program used to treat people with addiction to alcohol. This approach has since been used to treat a wide range of different addictions and behaviors. It’s now an integral part of the addiction treatment process and can be adapted to any religion or even secular settings.5

The idea behind the 12-step program is that a patient does not have the capacity to overcome their struggle on their own. Instead, they are encouraged to turn to a higher power for guidance and overcome their addiction through spirituality.3

The program includes the following steps:6,7

  • Step 1: Admit that there is an addiction or addictive behavior and that it has become a problem.
  • Step 2: Be willing to accept the help of a higher power or a spiritual entity to overcome the addiction.
  • Step 3: Believe that a higher power is in charge of all things and can give strength and guidance.
  • Step 4: Patients must question their morality without fear.
  • Step 5: Admit to the higher power, yourself, and other people how the addiction has affected you and what it has done to your life.
  • Step 6: Continue to turn to your higher power for guidance and strength when the addiction threatens to take over again.
  • Step 7: Continue to make amends for past damage and seek guidance from God to correct your flaws.
  • Step 8: List people that have been harmed by your addiction
  • Step 9: Make amends with the individuals you have harmed or wronged
  • Step 10: Admit these issues to your higher power, other people, and yourself.
  • Step 11: Continue to work on yourself and issues that have been brought up through the recovery process through meditation and prayer.
  • Step 12: Encourage others to seek help through the 12-step program

Christian Drug Rehabilitation Programs: How Do They Work?

Faith-based recovery programs rely on the help of a higher power to aid in overcoming addictive behaviors. The strength and guidance from a higher power help those struggling with addiction overcome their struggles. The 12 steps are common in the faith-based addiction recovery process as they center around the reliance on a higher power. Faith-based therapy also helps individuals learn coping skills and techniques to help them resist their addiction triggers.3

The faith-based recovery programs intend to lead patients to spiritual awakening by adhering to religious doctrines. The program is based on Christian values which promote this spiritual transformation by establishing a stronger connection to God. Ministers, priests, or other religious guides often provide clarity and support to help patients work through any obstacles they come across on their road to recovery.3

How Effective Is Catholic Addiction Treatment?

The main benefit of Christian drug or alcohol rehab is the fact that it incorporates both evidence-based treatment and spiritual guidance. This helps promote the patient’s own personal growth. Through the incorporation of spirituality, patients are able to challenge their negative thoughts and feelings about themselves and others. Personal growth is especially important for those struggling with addiction as the development of self-esteem and confidence helps struggling individuals resist their urges.3

The spiritual guidance within Catholic drug rehabilitation is what truly sets it apart from other faith-based treatment programs. Catholic addiction treatment often includes practices such as:3

  • Scripture reading
  • Bible study
  • Sermons
  • Spiritual counseling
  • Praying
  • Observing addiction through the lens of Christianity

Forming bonds with others sharing the same religion and the same struggles may also help alleviate the loneliness those struggling with alcohol or drug addiction frequently experience. These bonds may help the individuals by motivating them and giving them a place to turn to for support.9

Christian drug rehab programs incorporate religious teachings and principles to help recovering individuals abstain from drug or alcohol abuse. Most Christian rehab programs involve one-on-one sessions with religious guides, bible study, and group activities in order to help recovering patients replace the old behavior with new, more fulfilling patterns. This can be an extremely beneficial approach for those struggling with addiction, as it provides support and guidance throughout and following the recovery process.3

While Christianity doesn’t approve of alcohol and drug abuse, it promotes penance. Christian inpatient treatment centers help individuals seek forgiveness and learn to forgive themselves for their past mistakes, which is a major step in their healing journey. Christian drug rehab encourages people to do their best to achieve this goal every day. This involves facing past mistakes and taking responsibility for them, before finally forgiving oneself.8

A faith-based treatment usually includes religious elements like prayer and therapy groups that focus on Christian teachings. However, these programs may also use holistic methods that focus on the spiritual healing of the mind, body, and soul. This can be done through activities like yoga, meditation, practicing mindfulness, or visualization techniques. These programs also often use expressive therapies like art and music therapy to help patients deal with their issues in a productive way.10

How Long Do Christian & Catholic Rehab Programs Last? 

The duration of the Christian addiction recovery programs is typically based on the patient’s needs. The rehab center will do an assessment to see whether they need to help patients detox their bodies and deal with withdrawal symptoms. If this is not needed and individuals are struggling with mild addiction, they may go to a short-term program.11  

Standard lengths at most Christian inpatient treatment centers include 30, 60, or 90-day programs, with the option of staying longer if they feel that this is needed.11 Admissions agents and medical professionals at treatment facilities such as American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help determine the ideal length of stay in one of the trusted inpatient residential facilities based on the level of care and commitment the individual needs.11

Christian rehab programs often provide different treatment options, such as inpatient and outpatient care. AAC makes recommendations for patients based on their specific needs. Some patients who complete their recovery at Christian inpatient treatment centers may choose to attend 12-step meetings to support their recovery as part of their outpatient care. After leaving Catholic rehabilitation centers, individuals may attend group meetings or therapy sessions as needed.12

There are many Christian-based rehab centers throughout the U.S. such as the Greenhouse Treatment Center, one of the Christian-based rehab centers in Texas, and a part of the American Addiction Centers’ network. This center provides spiritual teachings along with a medical treatment approach to help patients with their physical, mental, and spiritual needs.

How to Decide on a Christian Treatment Center?

When selecting a Christian addiction recovery program, it’s important to consider the spiritual aspect of healing as your main guideline. The best rehab treatment centers combine a faith and medical-based approach that takes into consideration the individual patient’s needs. Treatment plans should be individual based on each patient’s needs.11

When looking for Christian treatment centers, it is important to consider the level of care, their track record of successful rehabilitations, whether they offer special conditions such as women-only treatment, and first-hand accounts from former patients. When faith-based treatment is founded on a well-planned aftercare program, they can help patients maintain good health even after treatment.11

It’s important to consider the following key markers to help you identify reputable Christian treatment centers:13

  • Track record: Look at how long the program has helped patients, its transparency, and how it rates over time. Many people have gained a sense of trust from the fact that centers such as AAC have been around for a long time and have a great track record.
  • Medical staff: It’s vital to look at the credentials of the medical team that will be overseeing your or your loved one’s care. Medical staff should have knowledge of the most recent treatment practices and evidence-based care.
  • Accreditations: The provider’s website should be clear in terms of the accreditation(s) its programs hold. Also, look out for endorsements by third-party organizations, associations, and agencies such as SAMHSA, CARF, and The Joint Commission.
  • Collaboration with religious entities: Christian treatment centers worth looking into should be in partnership with one or more religious entities, such as churches and religious colleges. The center should be involved in upholding the tenets of these religious entities and remain compliant with their standards and guidelines.

Does Insurance Cover Christian Addiction Recovery Programs?

The Affordable Care Act ensures that substance abuse will receive the attention it deserves with the passing of the mental health parity act in 2008. This law requires insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental and physical medical treatment, which means that they must have the same deductibles, maximums, and co-payments. Insurance companies can no longer discriminate against a person just because they have a pre-existing condition or chronic illness and the treatment itself is completely private and confidential.14

Christian rehab centers are therefore at least partially covered by insurance. Major providers within the AAC network include Aetna, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare Anthem Blue Cross, Amerigroup, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Furthermore, Christian rehab insurance programs funded by community donations such as Christian Healthcare Ministries may also help members struggling with drug addiction.1 If you are unsure whether your insurance provider can cover the cost of treatment, AAC admissions agents will check your coverage via one of their substance abuse hotlines.

How Can I Find Christian Drug Rehab Near Me?

If you or your loved one are in need of reputable Christian addiction recovery programs, you should consider checking with your insurance provider or contacting the SAMHSA helpline. Additionally, you can contact AAC directly and check if they have any facilities offering Christian drug rehab near you. You can reach the AAC team and gather all the necessary information via a phone call, live chat, or online form. The AAC admissions navigators can help check your insurance or offer additional payment options that might suit your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Christian Rehab Programs Free?

In general, treatment at a Christian rehab center may be free as long as the patient’s health insurance can cover it. Insurance companies typically cover individuals who are committed to undergoing treatment through either self-pay or employer-sponsored insurance. Additionally, you may be eligible for a free treatment including detox under Medicare or Medicaid.7

Free faith-based rehab may also be available in a number of areas, provided the patient qualifies for free care in one of the state-funded rehab centers. These free drug or alcohol rehab facilities are funded by donations, Catholic charities, federal grants for mental health, foundations offering rehab for veterans, and government health programs such as Medicaid.15

Does Christian Rehab Provide Mental Health Treatment?

Mental health treatment is an important aspect of the spiritual programs offered by most Christian addiction recovery programs.16 These programs combine traditional therapy methods with religious-based guidance, making them a good fit for many people who identify with their faith and struggle with any form of dual diagnosis.17

Do Christian Drug Treatment Centers Have Any Specific Requirements?

In the majority of cases, identifying as a Christian is the only requirement to join a Christian recovery center. However, you will still have to be covered by an insurance plan or prove that you are unable to pay for treatment.1

What Different Types of Addictions Are Treated in Catholic Treatment Centers?

Christian and Catholic rehab centers treat a wide range of drug and substance addictions, such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs, Methamphetamine, sedatives, and tranquilizers.18