Christian Treatment – Adult
In a Christian treatment for adults, your healing will begin with the compassionate care of those Christians who, in servitude to God, simply want to help. The rest is up to you and how you open yourself up to His mercy and grace, learning to trust in the power of forgiveness and faith that is available to all.
Taking the First Step
As a Christian, your spirit is telling you that your addiction has separated you from God and the blessings He wants to give you. Your mind is often more occupied with getting your next fix, or dose, or drink and you may even be blaming God for all of your heartaches, wondering where He is in all of this.
You may have forgotten His promise to never leave you, or you may feel that you have stumbled so far away from Him, that you are unworthy of His help and love. Nothing could be further from the truth! Step into a Christian treatment program and find out that He has been there all along just waiting for you to come “home”.
Christian treatment for adults is not only for those who are already Christians and who believe in the power of God to heal them, but, it is an open door to anyone suffering from an addiction. You see, as Christians, there are no judgments that make one person less desirable than another when it comes to doing God’s work nor are there any preconceived notions that Christian treatment won’t work unless you are a Christian.
Types of Christian Treatment for Adults
Christian-based rehab centers incorporate Bible study and other religious elements into treatment.
Traditionally, Christian treatment for adults have been provided in church affiliated programs that may or may not have been limited in the types of treatments they offer or the resources they have available to them. Today, Christian treatment for adults can be found in many private centers that are integrated with detox programs, 12 step recovery support, outpatient, inpatient, or holistic programs.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Matching treatment settings, interventions, and services to an individual’s particular problems and needs is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and society.” So, while some people may benefit from recovery in a traditional church affiliated program, others may need more formal recovery options that have greater access to doctors, psychiatrists, and other resources at hand.
Detox is always the beginning of substance abuse recovery, but, many individuals have an understandable fear of what the process may entail. Although they have experienced shame, guilt, anger, or many negative circumstances before readily admitting their addiction and seeking help the fear of withdrawals can be overwhelming.
There are two ways to detox in a Christian treatment for adults. The first is oriented toward natural detox, relying on God, prayer, the principles of faith, and the compassionate care of those in the recovery center, to keep the person safe, comfortable, and hopeful during their detox recovery efforts.
However, there is a highly recognized and acceptable need to provide medication assistance for those who experience overwhelming withdrawals conditions, have co-existing physical or mental health problems, and who may be at risk of complications or prematurely leaving before detox is complete. Christian detox programs integrating medically supervised detox are increasingly available and the fear of withdrawal should not be a reason for anyone to deter treatment.
Faith Based Recovery
The most effective treatments for addiction recovery involve a mixture of comprehensive services that support physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. In a Christian treatment for adults, the person is supported through pastoral counseling, prayer, and guidance of the clergy members wherever they need it.
With empathy and compassion, centers provide the physical and psychological support to motivate recovery efforts combined with individual, group, and family counseling to address their spiritual well being as well as the other concerning issues in their lives.
Finding Grace to Heal
Helping the person to embrace life with spiritual learning and practicing healthy, positive skills and behaviors can strengthen their relationships with others and God. In a faith based recovery, letting God’s grace cover you has tremendous power to heal as referenced in the Biblical verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Biblical teachings are beneficial and supportive as the addict shifts their focus from addiction and pain to hope and recovery. They realize that they are not alone and they will be better able to appreciate the values of caring about others, doing the right things, and understanding their importance, relying on God to give them the courage to overcome obstacles.
12-Step Recovery
Christian treatment for adults often combines the 12-step recovery approach based on principles adopted from Alcoholics Anonymous to augment the recovery process. Relying on a higher power for strength, the 12-step principles are practical guidelines for addiction recovery and enhance the spiritual recovery through faith.
Alternative Therapy Options
Many Christian treatment centers are integrating biblical principles with complementary therapies such as pet-therapy, meditation therapies, nature or eco-therapies, acupuncture, massage therapy, art therapy, or yoga. Helping the person to get in touch with their inner being and promoting healthy lifestyles enhances their ability to remain on the right paths.
