Pros and Cons: Christian-Based Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs

There are many individuals who were raised in the Christian faith who many have lost their way and become addicted to a substance of some kind whether it is a prescription drug, an illicit substance, or alcohol. This does not necessarily mean that they are any less a part of the Christian faith, nor that they do not still have Christ in their heart. It also does not mean that they are inherently evil individuals, but that they have fallen ill, and are experiencing the symptoms of that illness, and they need the power of Christ more than ever in order to alleviate the pains of this sickness.

Some addicts may not have ever declared themselves to be Christian; however, these addicts may need the help of a faith-based treatment center the most. When an addict is feeling so morally bankrupt after a long run with addiction they need a power greater than themselves to help them feel whole again, and sometimes the power of Christ may hold the strength that is required to make this transformation back to sanity.

Other times this type of treatment may not be the right fit. Here are some pros and cons to Christian-Based Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs:

Pros

• Joining a group of individuals with a common goal of staying clean through the power of Christ
• It is a chance to become born again
• It is a chance to find yourself again as a Christian
• Meeting others who are struggling through the same trials and tribulations and see how they are using the faith to work through them

Cons

• If one does not believe in the Christian faith they would struggle; they would fight the process and not want to believe
• If they had no faith they would find it difficult to recover; however it would not be entirely impossible
• If they are not entirely ready and willing to recover they will rebel

Overall, choosing to attend a rehabilitation program for any addiction is a potentially life changing decision that requires careful thought. The decision of which type of facility to attend will greatly help contribute to the success of the addict’s recovery. If they are comfortable with the treatment plan, program, the facility, the staff, and their peers, they have a very good chance of success; however, ultimately, the most important piece of the plan is what the addict themselves has to contribute to their own treatment process. Are they willing? Are they ready? Are they going into the process open-minded? Do they want it? If all of these elements are in place, whether the addict is attending a Christian-based treatment program, a program of another faith, a 12-step, or any other of the number of styles of programs an addict who is ready, willing, and able will be able to stop using, break old habits, and develop a new way of living that is free of the self-imprisonment that goes along with being addicted to substances.