Rehabs with Religious Affiliations

A person's environment can be a heavily influential factor in the development of an addiction or alcoholism (Read Alcoholism: What Are the Signs?). Along the same lines, environment is an equally critical component of treatment, and choosing the right rehab facility can be crucial to a successful recovery process (Read Recovery Statistics: What Works? and What to Ask a Rehab Facility). Although rehabs vary tremendously in terms of location, services, staff, and amenities, almost all will offer help with detox and therapy to address the root causes (Read Substance Abuse Treatment Options, Rehab: Stay Local or Go Out-of-State?, Withdrawal and Detox: Get the Facts, and Talk It Out: Is Therapy Right for You?). Some rehabs specialize in treating individuals with specific needs like adolescents, pregnant women, and business professionals (Read Teen Addiction and Rehab, Methadone and Suboxone During Pregnancy: Risks and Benefits, Executive Rehab: What to Expect). Another type of specialized alcohol and drug treatment option that is growing in popularity is rehabs that are affiliated with specific religious traditions.

Why do some people opt for a rehab affiliated with Christianity, Judaism, or other major religions?

Many people find spirituality to be an important part of treatment for addictions (Read The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention). Even Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous incorporate the concept of a higher power into their programs, asking the person in recovery to recognize that they are not solely in control of their lives and need additional, supernatural help to maintain sobriety (Read The History of the 12-Step Program). Individuals who subscribe to certain faith traditions may feel more comfortable in a treatment environment that emphasizes values that are advocated by their sacred scriptures.  A Christian rehab, for example, may place special importance on grace and forgiveness (Read Choosing to Forgive an Addict).

How are religious drug and alcohol rehab facilities different from secular ones?

Almost all aspects of treatment are identical (e.g., the detox process, individual therapy, group therapy, teaching accountability and life skills); the primary difference is the emphasis on religious perspectives, traditions, and practices.  Religiously affiliated treatment centers may hold worship services, say grace before meals, or incorporate spiritual facets directly into therapy or other aspects of recovery.

Do I have to be a member of the faith tradition before I can go to a religious rehab?

The rules for admission vary depending on the rehab.  However, many welcome individuals of any background who are willing to participate in their programs.  Keep in mind that you may be expected to comply with certain traditions; for example, men and women would not be treated together at an Islamic rehab, and you may be asked to respect the Sabbath at a Jewish rehab.

Will a religious rehab accept my insurance coverage?

Again, the answer to this question will depend on the facility in question.  Some rehabs will accept a variety of insurance providers whereas others are small, private institutions that function exclusively on out-of-pocket payments (Read Health Insurance and Rehab).  But, remember, there are often many options for paying for rehab so you should not necessarily rule out an option that seems too expensive initially (Read Common Excuses for Not Seeking Treatment and Paying for Rehab).