From teenagers and adults, to celebrities and professional athletes, drug abuse continues to be a major problem that plagues countless individuals across our nation. Once the substance abuse problem gets out of control, these individuals find themselves caught in a web of addiction with freedom nowhere in sight. Fortunately, there are certain rehabilitation treatment options and programs for addicts to undergo in an effort to achieve and maintain sobriety in their lives. Admitting to the addiction and seeking help from rehab professionals are the first few steps on the path towards recovery. While many addicts opt for traditional methods of rehab to conquer their addiction, some find solace in Christian drug rehabilitation.
Christian Drug Rehab Philosophy
Contrary to popular belief, a Christian drug rehab program does not abandon the effective aspects of rehabilitation used in secular methods, including:
- Medical treatment
- Counseling
- Peer group sessions
- Cognitive behavioral modification therapy
However, the difference is the additional use of scriptures and the power of Jesus Christ, which Christian based rehab programs believe serve to heal the addict of their spiritual destruction. Christian drug rehab centers also focus on healing the individual’s spiritual absence, which they feel can manifest the addiction to occur in the first place. Therefore, the philosophy behind Christian drug rehab is as follows: although traditional methods of rehabilitation are both necessary and effective for successful recovery, they alone cannot get the job done. This is why there are several similarities, as well as a few differences between conventional and Christian drug rehabilitation programs.
The Christian Drug Rehabilitation Process
The process of Christian drug rehabilitation is in no way unusual or vastly different when compared to secular treatment strategies, although some distinctions do exist. The following break-down is illustrative of the treatment options that a typical Christian based drug rehab program offers:
Detoxification
Similar to other types of rehabilitation programs, patients entering a Christian rehab center may be physically dependent on drug and/or alcohol usage. This is why most Christian rehabilitation programs first require addicts to undergo a medically supervised period of detoxification. They base the act of beginning with detox as a means to begin spiritual healing, which can only take place once physical dependency has ended.
Education
All types of rehab programs generally incorporate the use of drug education to encourage knowledge and provide support to the addict, and a Christian drug rehab program is no exception. Educational seminars offered through Christian drug rehabilitation provides addicts with a better understanding of the dependency and what can happen to their body as a result. Basically, substance abuse education and knowledge not only empowers the addict, but also helps to prevent relapse.
Behavioral Therapies
The cognitive behavioral therapies which are promoted through Christian drug rehab are designed to change the addict’s behaviors, and decrease the likelihood of relapse. These sessions provide patients with the skill sets necessary to abstain from drug use for a longer period of time, while minimizing temptation.
Spiritual Recovery
In addition to the programs associated with traditional rehab centers such as family involvement, individual and peer group therapy, Christian drug rehab also uses prayer as a tool towards recovery. The use of scriptures is incorporated in classes, group study sessions and for the purpose of private reflection. Some of the major objectives of Christian drug rehabilitation include the following:
- Addicts take comfort in the word of God
- Addicts understand they are not alone and are loved by God
- By accepting God’s love and guidance, recovery is possible
In essence, Christian drug rehab facilities use the strength of faith, family and fellow addicts in the Christian community to provide individuals with the tools necessary to continually stay off drugs. Additionally, Christian drug rehabilitation also encourages the use of the Bible for resolutions against temptation that addicts may face in the future.
[page updated March 2009]