What’s So Special About Christian Rehab Centers?
Alcohol and drug addictions, in particular evolve out of the physical effects of ongoing substance abuse. While the substance and the physical effects it produces do account for the damage to a person’s life, the reasons that make him or her susceptible to addiction may very well lie at a deeper level.
Christian rehab centers help addicts overcome the physical damage caused by substance abuse much like any other type of rehab program. Where Christian rehab centers differ lies in the emphasis placed on addressing the emotional and spiritual issues that place a person at risk of addiction.
A Christian rehab center treatment approach works with the whole person as opposed to just the physical and behavioral issues that drive addiction. From this standpoint, motivations to get (and stay) well develop from the deepest parts of the person rather than from a rote formula for recovery.
Christian Principles in Action
Ideally, Christian principles, in and of themselves, require action to back up any words or truths implied. From a Christ-based standpoint, Christian rehab centers take this approach in the way they conduct their facilities as well as in the way they assist addicts throughout the recovery process.
Christian rehab centers exemplify these principles through the services and options offered to those struggling with the effects of addiction in their lives. According to the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, Christian rehab centers:
- Are twice as likely to offer halfway housing in cases where a recovering addict has nowhere to go
- Are three times more likely to provide treatment free-of-charge for someone unable to pay
As addicts are often left with little more than the clothes on their backs by the time they seek treatment, Christian rehab centers recognize the importance of treating the addiction as well as doing whatever is possible to support a person’s recovery needs.
Spiritual-Based Motivations to Get Well
Traditional addiction treatment approaches provide needed supports and medical care to help addicts recover from the damage done to their bodies and in their lives. Christian rehab centers do the same, while also strengthening a person’s inner or spiritual self in the process.
Motivation plays a critical role in determining a person’s success in recovery. Unfortunately, a person may not experience the benefits of traditional drug treatment for months or even years into recovery.
With Christian rehab, programs apply Bible-based principles throughout all aspects of the treatment process. In effect, recovering addicts learn to draw from an inner strength where the motivation to get well is based on a sense of purpose through a close relationship with God.
Faith-Based 12-Step Approach
Twelve-Step support group work plays a central role within any type of drug treatment program. Over time, addiction’s effects on the mind and will leave a shell of a person in its wake. The 12-Step approach provides guidelines for self-development as addicts progress along the recovery path.
Christian rehab centers use a “faith-centered” 12-Step approach that’s based on biblical teachings regarding faith and healing. In effect, the spiritual supports and guidance available through Christian rehab work to strengthen a person’s mind, heart and will, the three aspects of self that ultimately determine a person’s destiny.