Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Christian Counseling For Alcohol Addiction

What Is A Christian Drug Rehab

Alcohol/Drug Addiction, Treatment & Recovery | David Streem, MD

A Christian alcohol and drug rehab focuses on faith in God as the primary resource for addiction recovery. They offer a social support network with a spiritual perspective on addiction treatment and the recovery process. Good Christian addiction treatment programs have a multidisciplinary team of certified addiction physicians, psychiatrists, nurses and substance abuse counselors who specialize in Christian counseling.

Christian addiction treatment in the United States has its roots from the late 1700s as a way to address alcohol addiction. Christian-centered substance abuse treatment comes in many forms. Some programs are focused solely on biblical teachings and God as the path to recovery. Others might include some combination of behavioral and cognitive therapy, life skills training, psychological evaluation or medication management.

A Christian drug and alcohol rehab that works with faith alongside a psychologically and medically based recovery plan is most effective. They combine clinical best practices with spirituality to help you identify addictive behaviors, triggers, stressors and the tools to handle cravings.

Accept The Things You Cannot Change

Family members often unwittingly take responsibility for things that are not their responsibility. Heres whos really responsible for what

The family is NOT responsible for:

  • Shielding the substance user from the natural consequences of his or her actions
  • The emotions or hardships of the substance user
  • Feeding and sheltering adult children, especially when they lie, steal and disrupt family life

The family IS responsible for:

  • No longer enabling their loved one to be comfortable in addiction
  • Arranging professional intervention and addiction services for their loved one
  • Setting clear boundaries
  • Attending to their own needs and healing

The addict or alcoholic is responsible for:

  • Admitting he or she has a problem
  • Accepting help when it is offered
  • Doing the hard work to overcome addiction
  • Committing to long-term recovery

Two Types Of Christian Rehab

In order for you to make an informed decision, it is essential that you understand there are two different types of Christian rehabs. The first type, which we will call traditional, is the more common of the two. Youll recognise it when you see it.

The traditional Christian rehab is staffed by a group of medical professionals, psychologists and psychotherapists, registered nurses, and support staff. They offer everything you would expect to find in a secular rehab clinic including medicated detox and cognitive behavioural therapy. The one main difference is that everything is approached from the Christian worldview.

These traditional Christian rehab clinics stress the importance of faith in the Christian God. With that faith comes the need for personal responsibility over ones past, present and future. The traditional Christian rehab essentially takes the 12-step programme originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous to the next level of spirituality.

A second kind of Christian rehab exists in a much different setting. It is a rehab clinic that relies more on the spiritual aspects of recovery than the medical or psychological. Many of these clinics are associated with local, regional, or international church groups with established ministries within the communities where the clinics are located.

Recommended Reading: How Can You Get Addicted To Alcohol

Emotional Problems In Alcoholic Families

Its common for loved ones of alcoholics to deal with fear every day. You may worry that the alcoholic will overdose, become unemployed, become injured, get arrested, lose driving privileges, act out sexually, become violent, or hurt someone else when drunk.

As an alcoholic spouse, you may fear that your children will follow in the footsteps of their alcoholic parent. You may dread others in your church or community finding out the truth about your family problems. These fears can feel overwhelming and paralyzing. You may feel as if you are carrying a heavy load around each day.

However, healing is possible if you seek help from a caring Christian counselor. You can find freedom from your fears when you take the right steps toward alcohol recovery. Even if your alcoholic loved one refuses to get treatment, you can find freedom from your fears by attending regular counseling appointments. Your treatment program will offer practical strategies for transforming your thoughts and behaviors, even if the addict resists change.

Find A Christian Drug And Alcohol Rehab Today

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Intervention

Christian addiction treatment can help people rediscover their faith in God while also helping them build a life free of substance abuse. If youre an individual of the Christian faith and struggling with addiction, you may find that a Christian recovery plan works better for you than other treatments options. Contact a treatment provider today to talk about rehab options.

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Reviewed by Certified Addiction Professional: January 15, 2020

David Hampton

  • David embarked on his journey into sobriety in June of 2005, which led him to his current career path as a Certified Professional Addiction Recovery Coach in private practice in Greater Nashville. David is also a public speaker and the author of two books. David is cohost of the weekly Positive Sobriety Podcast, as well as being a frequent contributor to various articles and recovery based materials. As a member of the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors , David works closely with area treatment centers, recovery orientated nonprofit organizations, as well as being a keynote speaker for various recovery-focused events.

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How Does Christian Counseling And Addiction Relate

Addiction to substances can result in intense fear and shame in an individual. Isolation and secrecy are often part and parcel of drug addiction and substance abuse. There are a lot of reasons why addiction victims might hide their addiction struggles from their friends and family. In most cases, its because of the shame and embarrassment associated with drug abuse. At times, addiction patients are in denial and are reluctant to admit that their addiction problem is out of control. They find it difficult to talk to others about their addiction lives in fear of losing access to the substance.

The Benefits Of A Christian Drug Rehab

If you are Christian and looking for a comprehensive rehab program, then Christian addiction treatment might be the next step. Use Gods word to examine the deep seated issues holding you back from long-term recovery.

Community support helps you work through shame, guilt and self-destructive thoughts while you are in rehab. Building healthy, social bonds that can last long after leaving substance abuse treatment and being part of a like-minded support group sharing the Christian faith can be the community that so many addicts need.

After you leave the treatment program, a Christian aftercare program can diminish the risk of relapse.

Good aftercare programs follow up with an addict through:

Recommended Reading: How To Get Over Sugar Addiction

Addiction Is Sometimes A Chronic Disease

A chronic disease is defined as a long-lasting condition that can be controlled, but not cured. About 25-50% of people who have a drug or alcohol problem appear to have a severe, chronic disorder. For them, addiction is a progressive, relapsing disease that requires a lot of hard work and help from their family.

Luckily and thankfully, even the most severe, chronic forms of addiction can be manageable and reversible.

Importance Of Spiritual Support In Alcoholism Rehabilitation

How to Overcome Your Addictions | Tony Evans Sermon

Spirituality can fill in the gaps in a lifes voids. Religious affiliations and spiritual support can help a patient achieve spiritual awakening. Support groups can help one acknowledge a high power of powers controlling ones life and reminds patients that there are loving forces bigger than themselves who can help them in their recovery, new life, and continued sobriety.

Social support, spirituality, and religiousness have the potential of contributing to the overall recovery experience and therefore, should be made an integral part of the many services being offered to recovering patients.

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From A Curriculum User

At Life Christian University, we firmly believe that Jesus is the answer to every problem of life. Because of this, we have chosen Dr. Troy Reiners Faith Therapy program as the basis of our counseling program. His books are wonderful! They carefully lay a biblical foundation for complete recovery for every believer. Taking the truth that salvation works, he trains Christian counselors to help individuals remove the blockages in their minds and hearts that prevent them from experiencing the fullness of what Jesus purchased for them on the cross. Feedbackfrom both our students and our faculty has been overwhelmingly positive. I heartily recommend these books!

Dr. LeAnna Eldridge

Explore Faith And Addiction With Expert Guidance

Pastor Zack is a spiritual advisor for RCA. He is dedicated to love and encourages every person he comes in contact with because he believes every life can be transformed.

With addiction come feelings of embarrassment, guilt, shame even though this is a disease. God can remove your embarrassment, guilt and shame. You can come as you are because God will help put the broken pieces back together Pastor Zack

Pastor Jason Krail is another one of the incredible team members who works with our patients in the Christian faith-based program. If youd like to call Pastor Jason directly to discuss your recovery and/or treatment options, call . He welcomes calls every day of the week, dont hesitate to reach out.

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Overcoming Addiction & Enabling With Gods Help

Remember, it is out of a well-intentioned heart that families enable the addictions of their loved ones you dont desire someone you love or care about to suffer.

The reality is, consequences and suffering itself is an intervention by God.

Galatians 6:7 states, Dont be misledyou cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

Loving discipline involves letting your loved one feel the consequences of their actions. For the addict or alcoholic to see the results of their behavior absent of your help and support. By letting go you are allowing them the opportunity to be held accountable. Enabling disables Gods work.

Enabling tells an addict that its okay to harm themselves and those around them and allows the addiction on its best day to remain the same and on its worst day to strengthen in destruction. Addiction is progressive, chronic, and fatal. Enabling expedites this and puts the family in the drivers sit after kicking God out. The acronym for EGO is Edging God Out.

Addicts, Alcoholics and their families do not change their behavior when things are going well. They only consider something different when things are going unwell. Letting your loved one experience the consequences of their addiction is allowing them to hear God without distraction:

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happeningits painful! But afterward, there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained this way. Hebrews 12:11

Onsite And Online Addiction Counseling

Alcohol Abuse Among Young Women on the Rise

With todays busy schedules, limited resources, anonymity concerns, minimal providers in some communities and for various other reasons, many are finding online services more than merely a convenience, but a necessity enabling them to receive the help they wouldnt normally be able to. e-Therapy allows an extra level of privacy. This approach has become very popular among Professionals concerned about being seen entering or leaving a treatment facility by their employer or the clients they serve.

My approach is a Spirit led process that takes each client on a personal journey to find the rooted issues housed within their heart. There are reasons why people do what they do and these reasons need to be properly addressed in order to experience any level of true change. Clients are treated through a 6-Step Christian intervention process that focuses on the physical body, relationships, families, addiction, spiritual warfare and the essential nature of Gods redemptive formulas. This includes:

  • Equip Life skills teach men and women how to walk out the Christian life practically. Goals, planning and other tools allow men and women to leave prepared with practical, real ways to walk out a life of sobriety. Spiritual growth and intimacy with God is encouraged through the structure of devotional and worship time.
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    What Is A Christian Rehab Center

    A Christian rehab center offers addiction treatment from a Christian perspective. This may include Christian counselors, Bible studies, or other Biblically-based services so that you can continue to practice your faith while receiving treatment.

    Formal substance addiction treatment programs can help you move through the recovery process with support and may help you achieve long-term abstinence. Research has shown that people who attend addiction treatment programs and remain in them are more likely to stop using alcohol and drugs, involved in less criminal activity, and improve their psychological, occupational, and social functioning.1

    Some research has shown that faith-based treatment programs may help prevent people from substance misuse and/or support them through their recovery.2 Researchers studied two 12-month substance misuse treatment programs and found that people who completed all components of treatment that had faith-based elements reported less substance use at successive follow-ups.2

    The 12-step group Alcoholics Anonymous has been an important part of the recovery process for many people and it incorporates a belief in a higher power. While it is not exclusively a Christian rehab center or treatment program, the focus on a higher power combined with social support may help aid in addiction recovery.3

    How Addiction Affects Your Overall Health

    Addiction can have far-reaching effects on every aspect of your being, from damaging your body and mind to damaging to your relationship with God.

    What addiction can do to your body:

    • Alter your brain, creating mood swings and erratic behavior.
    • Damage the heart,high blood pressure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat.
    • Damage liver, kidney, and lungs.
    • Cause greater susceptibility to some types of cancers.
    • Produce high risk of infection, skin conditions, and weight loss.
    • Bring about coma, seizures, and death.

    What addiction can do to your non-physical self:

    • Cause anxiety, depression, paranoia, or psychosis.
    • Bring on anger issues.
    • Isolate you from those you love and from God.
    • Cause you to struggle with faith and morality.
    • Make you think you are having a spiritual experience when you are really just high.

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    Recovery From Alcohol Dependence

    Alcohol counseling is essential for an alcoholics recovery. Every alcoholic keeps drinking for a reason, and typically this is due to unresolved hurt, fears, frustrations, or injustices. By addressing the roots of the behavior with a counselors help, the alcoholic can recover. However, this is only effective if the alcoholic is ready to fully engage in treatment. You cannot force someone to receive treatment, but you can make it available.

    If your loved one is ready to accept treatment, we offer several treatment programs. Again, we recommend that you first get help for yourself as a family member, then watch and wait to see what differences occur in your relationship to the alcoholic. If you see signs that the alcoholic is ready and willing, we will accommodate his or her needs.

    Its important for you to understand that full recovery for an alcoholic normally looks like a life overhaul. The alcoholic must establish different patterns for social activities and place fail-safes for drinking triggers. He or she must also find healthier ways to deal with the guilt, shame, and negative emotions in the family. It can take years of starting and stopping before an alcoholic becomes fully sober. Thats why its so important for you to get help yourself.

    Are you ready to take the first step in your own recovery journey? Contact us at Seattle Christian Counseling. Our caring Christian counselors are ready to help you form new, hopeful paths.

    Christian Rehab In Florida At All In Solutions

    Faith Therapy 1: Christian Counseling

    When men and women begin to experience the consequences that often accompany addiction to drugs and alcohol, seeking recovery often begins with entering a treatment program. For some individuals, choosing a Christian rehab or Faith-Based recovery program can be the first step toward getting life back on track.

    All In Solutions Christian rehab in Florida offers a unique combination of spiritually grounded guidance and clinically-focused therapy. At our drug and alcohol treatment centers in Florida, clients develop a meaningful connection with a higher power that forms the basis of their sobriety. The search for a Christian rehab near me ends here.

    Under the guidance of Pastor Daniel Cornide, the Florida faith-based drug and alcohol recovery program embraces a comprehensive treatment approach based on the bio/psycho/social/spiritual model of addiction treatment. Research has proven the effectiveness of faith based treatment is partly due to the important role of spirituality in recovery. For this reason, we offer a Christian approach to rehab that introduces the transformative power of Biblical truth in a welcoming modern setting.

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    Pros And Cons Of Faith

    Many participants find that faith-based rehab programs provide them with a sense of purpose and meaning.

    In addition, faith-based rehab programs emphasize the importance of community and support.

    Many people struggling with addiction lack support from friends and family. They find that Christian programs provide them with the personal, faith-based connections they need to overcome addiction.

    Despite the benefits, there are some drawbacks to faith-based rehab programs. These programs arent effective for everyone.

    The downsides of Christian rehab programs include:

    • Discomfort with the religious aspect of treatment
    • Feeling pressure to actively participate in the Christian religion
    • Often more expensive than non-faith-based programs
    • Insurance might not cover Christian programs
    • Not all programs are reputable

    The Best Christian Rehab For Alcohol Addiction

    More Americans than ever are struggling with alcohol addiction. In a 2015 study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, researchers found that over15 million adults suffered from alcohol use disorder. Even worse, many of these individuals had tried to quit drinking and attended rehab without any long-term results. Most modern alcohol and drug rehab centers provide evidence-based treatment. However, for some individuals, this isnt enough. They need something more, specifically, a connection to God. Faith-based treatment programs provide a spiritual foundation alongside clinical care to help people recover from addiction in mind, body, and soul. To find the best Christian rehab center for alcohol, you should look out for these qualities.

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