Christian Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
The Need for Treatment
Addiction is a growing problem in America today, but only a small percentage of those in need of help actually get it. According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 22.5 million people (8.5 percent of the U.S. population) aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem in 2014. Only 4.2 million (18.5 percent of those who needed treatment) received any substance use treatment in the same year. Of these, about 2.6 million people received treatment at specialty treatment programs.
Those who do not receive treatment or don’t get the right treatment will continue on in their addiction, which disrupts entire families’ lives. Abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs is costly, exacting more than $400 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity, and health care, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Unfortunately, other complications often arise as drug and alcohol use continues, including overdose and overdose death. According to the CDC, drug overdoses killed 63,632 Americans in 2016. An estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually in the United States, and in 2014, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 9,967 deaths (NIH).
Christian rehab stops the addiction and helps people get their lives back. Success rates vary by rehab center and type of treatment, but those who become connected with a rehab program that is right for their needs find that sobriety is achievable. It takes time and dedication, but recovery is possible.
Recognizing an Addiction Problem
The first step to recovering is to admit there is a problem. This is the most difficult part of recovery for many people. Those who have been using drugs or drinking for a long period of time get good at hiding their problem, and some are even able to carry on with a fairly normal life. They maintain their job, pay their bills, interact with loved ones, and in general are able to cover up their addiction. However, over time, the person always begins to slip and will experience turmoil in their professional and personal life. They start to withdraw from loved ones and they start having to lie to cover up their addiction. They pull away from God and an active faith life, as they try to deal with the shame and embarrassment of addiction. As the person continues the downward trend, they become powerless to the addiction, and even if they try to stop, they wouldn’t be able to remain sober for very long. Treatment is necessary in these cases and can begin once the person or their loved ones recognize the problem and find help.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is categorized by the following:
- Inability to consistently Abstain;
- Impairment in Behavioral control;
- Craving; or increased “hunger” for drugs or rewarding experiences;
- Diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships; and
- A dysfunctional Emotional response.
Families and loved ones who are concerned someone they care about is addicted to drugs or alcohol should look for the following warning signs:
If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms above, you might have an addiction disorder. Self-evaluations are available online, or contact JC’s Recovery Center today for help.
Why Christian Rehab?
There are many different types of addiction rehab programs, but Christian rehab is effective and offers eternal benefits. The disease of addiction is so controlling it takes the number one spot in the person’s life, ahead of work, family, and even God. Christian rehab helps restore balance in the individual’s life, allowing them to enjoy freedom from guilt and the stress associated with trying to cover up their problem.
The best kind of Christian addiction rehab is one that utilizes clinically proven therapies as well as incorporates Christian counseling and mentoring. The field of addiction treatment has grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades, and therapies have been developed that help individuals heal better and recover more fully. It is important that an addiction program acknowledges the benefits of these therapies and uses them to their full potential.
A good Christian rehab program will use clinical treatment but will integrate a faith-based perspective, adding substance and effectiveness to the program. Recovery from a Christian perspective allows the individual to feel truly at peace with their past because of Christ’s forgiveness and command to forgive. A Christian program also helps those in recovery deal with the present by knowing God’s love and His will for their lives. Finally, a faith-based rehab gives hope for the future as the addict learns God’s promises for renewal, strengthened faith, and a closer walk with God.
Christian drug and alcohol rehab programs are becoming more and more common, so it is important to be selective when choosing one. You should find a program that meets your needs, ideally one that has been designed specifically for you. As you search for the right Christian treatment center, ask questions about programming and philosophy. Find out your options for inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient care. Ask what type of long-term care or support groups they can connect you with for sustained recovery.
Don’t let addiction control your life any longer. We are here to help. JC’s Recovery Center is a faith-based rehab facility that helps clients heal with proven clinical techniques and the timeless truths of God’s word. We believe that anyone can overcome an addiction if given the right kind of help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get on with your new life.