Addiction comes with an entire spectrum of social, mental, and personal issues. Substance abuse among people with deeply religious values is often perpetuated by their feelings of guilt. This is because they may feel that not only have they let down themselves and their loved ones, but they have also strayed from God’s path. This shame hinders the recovery process and often makes the addict unable to seek or accept help. These feelings are best considered and countered at Christian rehabilitation centers. If you, or someone you love, needs help recovering from substance abuse in a Christian atmosphere, use this guide to get started.
What is different about a Christian treatment center?
Studies show that while the core values of both secular institutes and Christian treatment centers remain the same, there are some enormous differences in programs associated with spirituality. Secular institutions are modeled around medical and psychological methods of treatment, but faith-based rehabilitation centers incorporate the dimensions of religious beliefs to the standard recovery procedures. These centers focus on both a person’s mental and religious journey toward recovery. They employ methods that help victims of substance abuse to seek the forgiveness they thought they did not deserve, or would not get.
The recovery model at faith-based rehabilitation centers generally includes individual and group therapy, coping training, meditation, spiritual treatments, and bible study groups. These elements may vary in different programs, so it is essential for you to make the right choice when picking a center and program.
Why Faith-Based Rehabilitation Centers Work So Well
There are several reasons why the concept of faith-based treatment centers has been so well received. Here are some of the elements that make these centers such a success.
Community Support
Faith-based treatment centers are safe spaces where you meet other people in recovery who share your values. Group therapy sessions and discussions on faith and spirituality with likeminded people is very beneficial. Furthermore, you receive the support of a community as you open up about your fears and guilt, because those people have been there too.
Peace and self-fulfillment
After years of dealing with addiction, people often must deal with confusion and uncertainty about many aspects of themselves and their lives. There is a sense of emptiness and a lack of direction. Finding solace in faith help people find their purpose again. For example, some people believe God intends for them to help other addicts as they were helped. Others believe their path is to be a better person and contribute to society’s wellbeing. Whatever it may be, a spiritual cleanse can bring mental peace to your life.
Strengthened belief system
Christian treatment centers have treatment programs that help you connect with yourself and the world around you. Such programs restore your lost beliefs and strengthen the foundations of your faith once more. You begin to put your trust in yourself, other people, in a higher power and its guidance.
The right balance of psychological and spiritual healing
If you have any doubts about the effectiveness of faith-based programs, you can put them to rest. Along with spiritual methods, faith-based treatment centers also practice all the conventional methods that a secular institute uses. There are professional counselors, psychologists, and therapists specializing in addiction. Faith and belief, however essential, are not enough by themselves. Christian treatment centers acknowledge this and provide all the psychological help required for a complete recovery.
A list of the top faith-based rehab centers in the US
Here are some of the best treatment centers with faith-based programs. Visit their websites to find out more.
- Honey Lake Clinic, Florida
- Calvary Healing Center, Arizona
- Adult and Teen Challenge of the Greater South
- Life Center of Galax, Virginia
- Recovery Centers of America
- Stonegate Center, Texas
- Faith in Recovery, Florida
Things to remember as you pick a rehab center
It does not matter if you are looking for a secular or a faith-based institute. There are some common things you should keep in mind as you pick a center.
Compatibility with your needs
If you opt for a faith-based center, see if their values align with yours. Every rehabilitation center has its regulations and methods. Read up on them to find out if your medical needs, emotional needs, and philosophy is compatible with the services they offer.
Treatment options
Every program is a combination of multiple elements, such as group therapy, medical detox, and counseling. Some of these elements are obligatory, while some could be optional. Do some research to find a plan that works best for you.
Amenities
Find out what amenities the center in question offers. Some standard amenities include sports and recreation, art and music programs, and therapy treatments such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, etc. Find what things interest you and can ease your road to recovery.
Aftercare
Relapses can occur even after one is done with the program and settling back into their lives. Aftercare is essential in making sure this does not happen. Check out what aftercare options are offered at each center, and if you find them suitable for your needs.
Reviews
You cannot know the inner workings or the success rate of a rehabilitation center for sure unless you talk to people who have been there. Ask other people about their experience, read reviews, and see what kind of complaints and praises people have so you can make an informed decision.
Fear of judgment and the pain of withdrawal is why people are often intimidated by the concept of rehabilitation centers. However, seeking help is always the right choice. Whether you pick a faith-based center or a secular institute, accepting your addiction as a problem and looking to fix it is the first step in the right path, the path that God intended for you.