How Christian Recovery Programs Differ From Other Rehabs
There are many options available to those seeking recovery from addiction. But for those who either have a spiritual foundation in Christ, or have not had success with traditional drug rehabs, a faith based Christian drug rehab may be the right choice.
Christian addiction recovery combines traditional rehabilitation techniques with spiritually related services and therapeutic exercises. The counselors at these centers are certified through state boards, but as practicing Christians, they offer client’s a clinical perspective along with Christian insights.
Must Program Participants be Christian Before Entering a Christ Based Rehab Program?
It is very helpful to understand the fundamental beliefs of Christianity before entering a faith based program, but it is not a requirement to gaining admittance. This is why it’s of the utmost importance to evaluate all of your recovery choices and select the center that aligns with your predispositions or beliefs.
That said, many times people who consider themselves “non-believers” find that after gaining a more intimate knowledge of God in a safe and non-judgmental environment that they start to understand that strengthening one’s belief and relationship with God is a process, not a destination. Once this is achieved they become more open to receiving forgiveness, forgiving others, and allowing God’s healing powers to work within and through them.
Note.: Most recovery curriculums lead the addict to the acceptance of a higher power. At a Christian center, that higher power is Jesus Christ, and it is faith in Him that helps people get over the hump of achieving long-term clean time and recovery.
How to Find a Faith Based Rehabilitation Program
Researching faith-based drug and alcohol rehab centers is a critical first step in this process. One of the first places most people will look to is the Internet. There are also many good review sites in which graduates and program participants leave feedback to enable those seeking more information to make a more informative decision.
A second way to go about finding a good Christian recovery center is to ask local pastors and church leaders. Confidentiality can usually be assured when speaking to these spiritual professionals in a church or office setting, much like with a counselor.
A third option is to find past program participants and ask them about their experience. Because of the nature of social media, many program graduates often celebrate their success online and are very accessible in the right circumstance.
Of course you will not be able to get any graduate information from the programs themselves outside of the form of a public testimonial.
Many of the core services offered by non-religions alcohol and drug recovery centers are very similar to those offered in faith based ones. This includes:
- Detox
- Life Skills Education
- Counseling
- Addictive Substances Education
- Group Therapy
- Relapse Prevention Training
- Exit Plan Strategy
The spiritual components of a faith-based center will include:
- Biblical Studies Foundational
- Biblical Studies as Related to Recovery
- Church Attendance and you will
- Faith Based 12 Steps
- Group Prayer
- Personal Prayer Time
Faith-Based rehabilitation programs not only offer help with substances abuse or addiction issues, they also tend to deal with behavior addictions like sex addiction, gambling addiction, pornography addiction, binge eating and eating disorders, anger addiction, emotional issues, and lust.
Continuing Support After The Primary Phase of Addiction Recovery
Developing your exit strategy is an important part of rehab because once you leave the safety of the facility, you will have to deal with many of the same temptations and triggers that you faced before entering the program. Continuing success in recovery is often related to continuing to engage in some form of recovery related activities such as 12 step meetings, church attendance, and developing an accountability group that shares your faith.
For many graduates it may be a good idea to continue seeing a Christian counselor. Christian halfway houses also offer a great opportunity to start over in a new area, but with the guiding assistance of a fellowship of believers.
Utilizing the support group within the religious community that was developed while attending church and other spiritual functions is a huge benefit that ties positive likeminded Christian people together long after leaving residential programs.
One sign of a good church fit will be their receptiveness to helping you continue your biblical education, and their ability to not condemn you or judge you from your past.
A foundational truth of Christianity is that as a believer, you are a new creature. This is true while things are going good, and they are true even after a relapse or other disappointment. The continual renewing of your mind, heart, and soul is a never ending source of power and strength in your life.
Some Tips on Selecting a Program
While you go through your selection process, one sign of a good center will be their availability to speak with you and answer questions. While addiction professionals undoubtedly have busy schedules, if they aren’t available to help guide you these crucial early first steps that may be a warning sign.
Have plenty of conversations and ask about things such as graduation rates, what they determine success to be, and spend a little time getting to know the administrators of the program. Research their reputation on websites that offer nonbiased opinions.
Make sure the person seeking recovery is available as often times it is the loved ones that do much of the research and groundwork.
Also, and possibly most important, make sure that you as well as friends and family are praying over the situation and resolution. Having a body of believers who are interceding spiritually on your behalf is very powerful.
Check to see if the program offers any sort of scholarships or payment plans, and have a good idea of the overall cost of the entire program, and that there are no hidden fees or other expenses you need to know about. Check with your insurance as well to see what type of program they will cover, and what expenses they will cover.