Non-Religious Rehab Centers: Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Atheists

Table of Contents

Finding Non-Religious Drug & Alcohol Recovery Programs Near Me

Non-religious drug rehab programs are those that do not require people to acknowledge a higher power as part of the healing process. While spirituality and faith play an important role in aiding recovery from addiction, not everyone shares the same inclination. In fact, 26% of US citizens have no religious affiliations nor faith in God.1 The path to recovery is unique for each individual, depending on the type of cultural values they hold, their mental care needs, and socio-demographic status.2

With a high number of treatment options being offered by spiritual rehab centers, those who do not share these beliefs may fear that their choices are limited by their lack of belief in a higher power or a spiritual doctrine.3

However, drug addiction can be treated in much the same way as any other chronic illness, using scientific methods and a holistic approach. There are many non-religious rehabilitation centers to choose from. In fact, cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT is used by 94% of treatment centers nationwide. This scientific and behavioral approach to therapy boasts incredibly high success rates in terms of treating substance abuse disorders.3

Therefore, if you or your loved one need non-faith-based recovery programs to deal with drug or alcohol abuse, there are many scientific and secular options to choose from.

What Do Non-Religious Recovery Programs Include?

Non-religious rehab from addiction is becoming more popular because it sees addiction as a medical condition instead of being attributed to weak willpower or morals.4 This means that non-faith-based centers use many research-based methods for helping those who don’t believe in any type of higher power.5

Examples of this type of treatment include residential/inpatient facilities and treatment centers with detox services alongside various forms of holistic therapy. In general, the treatment offered in these facilities is not too different from conventional SUD treatment options.3

Some examples of non-religious addiction recovery programs include:5

Medicinal treatment: Using pharmaceuticals to manage pain and withdrawal symptoms or address co-occurring mental conditions.
Cognitive behavioral Ttherapy: CBT is a method of helping people with SUDs manage their emotional responses and learn how to avoid situations that may lead to relapse. This treatment approach aims to help patients identify their triggers and avoid them in the future.
Motivational interviewing: The therapist helps the patient acknowledge a need for change through a series of questions open to individual interpretation. This strategy motivates people to develop a positive attitude and make the necessary changes in their environment.
Dialectical behavioral therapy: This evidence-based treatment approach promotes mindfulness and emotional intelligence. It can be very effective at helping people treat their addiction because it improves the social skills necessary for effective and lasting SUD treatment.

What’s the Approach to Addiction Treatment at Non-Religious Inpatient Treatment Centers?

A non-religious drug rehabilitation program is personalized for each patient. It’s based on a scientific and medical approach to treating addiction and laying the foundation for long-term recovery without involving faith or spirituality.6 These treatment facilities use common practices like psychotherapy and behavioral therapy, establishing healthy routines and accountability for one’s actions.7

What Type of Benefits Does Non-Faith-Based Recovery Offer?

Non-religious addiction recovery programs offer a secular approach to substance abuse treatment. They can help people struggling with drugs and alcohol in a few different ways:8

They offer a viable scientific alternative: Science-based addiction treatment has been methodically tested, improved on, and perfected to offer a dependable solution for patients with SUDs.
They are highly individual: A non-religious drug rehabilitation program asserts people can recover fully with the right, individualized treatment. This is especially important if struggling individuals experience issues deeper than just addiction itself such as co-occurring mental health disorders or other psychological conditions which may lead to addiction.
They put faith in family: To fully comprehend the effect that the closest environment can have on one’s recovery, non-faith-based addiction recovery pays close attention not just to supporting patients but also their families throughout the treatment.
They encourage patients to take responsibility: The difference between faith-based rehabilitation and non-religious care can be seen in the way they handle individual responsibility. While many spiritual programs purport that only God has the ability to save someone, patients are empowered with a sense of responsibility through non-religious drug rehab programs.

Are There Different Types of Non-Faith-Based Addiction Recovery Programs?

Apart from cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmaceutical treatment, patients may benefit from various alternative treatment options. The range of holistic treatment approaches some non-faith-based treatment centers may offer include:9

Reiki
Acupuncture
Massage
Yoga
Taichi
Mindfulness
Stress management

What’s the Duration of Non-Religious Addiction Recovery?

When it comes to program length, non-religious drug rehab is individual and determined according to the severity of addiction and the level of care a patient requires.10 In this regard, non-faith-based alcohol and drug rehab is the same as a religious rehab program. Non-religious inpatient treatment centers usually feature program lengths ranging from a month up to 12 months. Additionally, outpatient programs typically last 6 weeks.10

What Happens After Non-Spiritual Drug Rehabilitation?

Without an aftercare plan, the risk of relapse increases significantly in individuals who have just finished rehab.11 Aftercare typically includes activities to help someone cope with triggers and cravings when they are no longer undergoing treatment. Aftercare can prevent a slippery slope back into addiction or other problems that might arise due to various stressors and triggers.11

Some options for non-religious treatment aftercare support groups may include:

How to Choose a Non-Religious Recovery Center?

Some of the traits of a reliable non-religious recovery center may include:11

Proven track record in achieving long-term recovery.
A psychiatric and medical team with vast experience and necessary qualifications.
Accreditation held by CARF, SAMHSA, the Joint Commission, and other reputable institutions.
Aftercare and sober living programs to choose from following treatment.

Are Non-Faith-Based & Non-Religious Treatment Centers Covered by Insurance?

Non-faith-based rehab programs are at least partially covered by the majority of insurance providers. Insurance providers are obligated to cover treatment for SUD according to the Affordable Care Act. American Addiction Centers, one of the recognized leaders in the field of addiction treatment, cooperates with multiple insurance companies, including:12

Medicaid.
Medicare.
Magellan Health.
Amerigroup Insurance.
Connecticare.

For more information on insurance coverage and additional payment options, make sure to contact AAC and check your benefits while on the phone with a trusted admission navigator.

How Can I Find Non-Faith-Based Treatment Near Me?

Whether you’re researching options for yourself or a loved one struggling with addiction, SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a good place to start if you are seeking an alternative addiction treatment option. You can use their online locator to browse through some of the facilities available in your area.

Alternatively, you can directly contact one of AAC centers via their substance abuse hotline. The AAC team will adjust and personalize your treatment program to suit your needs so that it may offer the best chance at complete recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Non-Faith-Based Rehab Centers Free?

For those who cannot afford non-religious rehabilitation centers, there are a number of free rehab centers nationwide. Women For Sobriety, LifeRing Secular Recovery, and SMART Recovery are just a few organizations where you can find mutual support and information on addiction, as well as other services.13,14,15

Does AA Work if You Don’t Believe in God?

While the original Alcoholics Anonymous’ main text, “The Big Book” first published in 1939, purports recovery through spiritual and religious means, this could only apply to a minority with the most severe addiction levels. Even then, they were more likely to experience positive effects from social mechanisms rather than spiritual practices such as “spiritual awakening”.16

Do Non-Spiritual Rehab Programs Treat Anxiety?

It’s not uncommon for patients struggling with addiction to deal with anxiety or some other co-occurring disorder. In fact, 20% of patients diagnosed with anxiety also struggle with a substance use disorder. As a result, many non-religious rehab centers offer programs that provide integrated treatment plans for anxiety in addition to addiction.17

Do Non-Faith-Based Rehab Centers Offer Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Over 50% of all rehab centers nationwide offer co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis treatment.3 Research-based approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and contingency management are often offered at these centers. Non-faith-based rehab centers provide support to individuals struggling with addiction by determining the underlying causes and resolving them through the use of evidence-based treatment.3

Will Medicare Coverage Apply to Non-Religious Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs?

Addiction treatment costs can be covered in part or in full by Medicare, federal, and state-sponsored healthcare insurance.18 Eligibility for coverage varies from state to state, depending on income levels.18

However, there are some exceptions such as those over 65 as well as patients with diabetes. Both may apply for a 190-day coverage for residential inpatient addiction treatment and care in their lifetime, at both non-religious and faith-based centers.18 Co-occurring disorder therapy, necessary medications, and outpatient care may also be covered by Medicare.18

What Types of Addiction Do Non-Religious Rehab Centers Treat?

Non-faith-based rehabilitation centers offer treatment for a number of different SUDs including addiction to cocaine, heroin, alcohol, and prescription drugs.19 Additionally, some treatment centers support people dealing with food or gambling addiction.20

Can a Non-Religious Program Help a Religious Individual?

Anyone can attend non-religious rehab centers, regardless of their beliefs. Atheists and agnostics can find support at non-faith-based rehab centers, as can those who believe in God. However, those with strong beliefs may not fully benefit from the care and content offered in non-religious rehabs due to their lack of religious practices or spiritual guidance some people find empowering.21