Christian Addiction Treatment

Faith based addiction treatment are not uncommon. Since one aspect of organized religion is to help a congregation, it is only natural to see ministries devoted to helping members who are addicted. The historical basis reaches at least as far back as hospitals set up by religious groups to serve their congregants as well as the public at large.

There’s a benefit which comes from leveraging your faith toward healing an addiction. Even secular treatment programs recognize the power of support – from both a community and family. The faith community fits this idea well. Christian addiction treatment then has the added benefit of tying a struggling addict into an existing network of caring people. The support provided can come in the form of encouragement as well as more practical things like help with damaged finances, legal problems and employment.

Even without the larger Christian community’s involvement, Christian addiction treatment can still be a good choice. This comes by way of a shared language and meaning. Prayer and surrender is to Jesus. There is no debate about who the higher power will be. Christians already recognize the life-changing role the Holy Spirit has in their lives. Accessing this can be a tremendous aid. Furthermore, the cost of treatment may be less – either because a particular program is free or because of church support.

For some Christians, the downside of seeking a Christian treatment program could be the loss of anonymity in a small community. Shame is also a real issue here. A proper program will steer clear of the judgmental aspects that might arise and focus on forgiveness along with behavioral change.

Treatment isn’t automatically made easier if you find a faith-based program which fits your spiritual understandings. This is simply because addiction treatment isn’t easy for any addict. Outside of a miraculous intervention, the same physical, emotional and mental struggles will emerge. But this is no different than the other problems life throws at us – every Christian prays, every person has needs. Finding support in the same community where you would seek help for any problem makes sense for most.