Addiction Treatment: Is Faith Based Therapy Right For Me?
Quality addiction treatment provides a variety of approaches to address all facets of a person: body, mind, and spirit. Substance abuse and dependency both profoundly impact all three of these areas. Therefore, all these areas need treatment for addiction and counseling to heal. Faith based therapy is an important element in this approach.
What Is Faith Based Therapy?
Faith based therapy addresses the spiritual component of addiction. One study defined faith based substance abuse programs as those with “spiritual activities, beliefs, and rituals” as the most important components.
Does Faith Based Therapy Work?
An example of using faith in therapy that works is the core principle of Alcoholics Anonymous of the belief in a higher power. Members of AA can interpret the term higher power as they decide how it fits into their life, and they can also be of any religious persuasion.
Also, a study from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) revealed that 21% of participants reported that “faith in a higher power” was the main path in their roads to recovery.
A Blended Approach Is Best
Treatment programs at a facility will have secular (non-religious) components. However, high-quality treatment centers will also recognize the powerful implications of using faith based addiction rehab for our clients as well. The best addiction specialists understand that, for many, addiction comes from attempts to fill a spiritual void through using drugs or alcohol.
By recognizing the need to address clients’ spiritual voids, it’s then possible to incorporate faith into therapies. Recovery through redemption, and committing to a long-term relationship with God, provides a clear-cut model upon which the core, non-secular treatments are built upon.
Faith based therapy uses exploring addiction in practical terms, relying on improving decision-making skills and examining beliefs. One core concept you’ll discover is what you believe drives what you feel, think and want. In other words, your behavior comes from your choices.
Faith based addiction therapists help you change your beliefs based on truth and reality. An example of this would be the truth of the harmful effects of substance abuse, and the reality that addiction ruins a life. When therapists challenge you to believe in a higher power, you become empowered with life-changing choices. Your faith increases and results in changes by the grace of God and from your new-found skills and knowledge.
Recovery Through Faith Begins In Treatment
Keep a few things in mind when researching treatment centers that offer Christian addiction counseling. Look for a facility licensed for all phases of treatment, from detox through outpatient levels of care. Additionally, seek a treatment center that also incorporates non-secular and alternative therapies. These include the following:
- Workouts
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Recreational activities
These come together for a well-rounded approach to your mind, body, and spirit. When you find a facility that makes you feel safe and comfortable, start your journey. You won’t regret it.
