Religious (Faith-Based) Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on September 7, 2022

People with substance use disorders often turn to religious faith for help recovering from addiction. Religious rehab programs are available throughout the country for people of all faiths.

Religious Drug And Alcohol Rehab Programs

Rehab centers based on religious beliefs may be a viable option for people who want to include the role of spirituality in the addiction recovery process.

People may benefit from faith-based recovery programs if they feel that a higher power will help them fill the void of drug and alcohol use and achieve sobriety.

Why People Want To Include Spirituality In Addiction Treatment

Most rehab programs centered on religious beliefs encourage people to admit powerlessness over their substance abuse and ask God for help.

This strategy may be attractive to people who believe that their lives are unmanageable without the intervention of a higher power, or people who have not seen success with other methods of recovery.

How Religion Is Incorporated Into Addiction Treatment

Many rehab centers embrace the philosophy of the 12 steps to recovery touted by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups, regardless of whether their program is considered religious.

This type of program requires people to admit powerlessness over their substance use. A 12-step approach to treatment can be effective and has helped many people reach long-term sobriety.

While 12-step programs are a common feature of religious rehab facilities, there are several other ways religion may be incorporated into the healing process.

Other ways faith-based programs include religion:

  • support groups
  • devotional reading from the bible or other faith-based text
  • church services that encourage you to strengthen your faith
  • prayer services
  • youth ministries
  • meditation
  • family and individual counseling based on spiritual principles

Types Of Religious Programs

While Christian rehab facilities are the most common type of faith-based drug rehab program in the United States, there are several other religious programs for people of all belief systems.

Christian Rehab Centers

At a Christian drug rehab center, you’ll likely find work therapy programs, residential treatment, gender-separate treatment, prayer, devotional studies, chapel, and other faith-based services.

Christian addiction treatment follows Christian-based principles, which integrate the teachings of Jesus Christ into all aspects of life, including addiction recovery.

Buddhist Rehab Centers

Buddhist rehab programs emphasize the use of the Buddhist Eightfold path to help people consumed by addiction.

Addiction recovery at a Buddhist rehab center will typically include group therapy, mindfulness meditation classes, and spiritual guidance.

Catholic Rehab Programs

Rehab programs centered around the Catholic faith usually follow a 12-step treatment program, which promotes surrendering to a higher power for addiction recovery.

When enrolled in a Catholic drug and alcohol rehab program, people may be expected to attend worship services, engage in daily prayer, and receive faith-based counseling.

Greek Orthodox Drug Addiction Recovery Programs

People of the Greek Orthodox faith also have a variety of options when it comes to addiction treatment services.

Some of the most common Greek Orthodox-based addiction treatment services include scripture-based guidance and counseling, prayer, and anointing with oil.

Hebrew Rehab Programs

Treatment centers that offer Hebrew-based drug rehab programs guide people using the 12 principles of the Jewish faith.

Activities for people with substance use disorders may include worship services, daily and guided prayers, healing workshops, and more.

Islamic Drug Rehab Centers

Rehab facilities that embrace the Islamic tradition are guided by the teachings in the Holy Quran and are encouraged to adopt behavior that only brings praise to Allah.

Some Islamic rehab programs use the 12-step approach to addiction recovery coupled with the Islamic belief that the body is a gift from Allah and should be cherished.

Islamic rehab centers may incorporate prayer and meditation to promote abstinence from substance abuse.

Jewish Drug Rehab Programs

A major component of Jewish addiction treatment programs is individual therapy and group therapy. Twelve-step programs are also commonly integrated into Jewish treatment centers.

Lutheran Addiction Treatment Centers

Lutheran-based drug and alcohol rehab centers typically promote many different forms of therapy in their recovery programs coupled with bible teachings.

Working with a therapist at a Lutheran addiction treatment facility will help clients discover why they’ve been abusing substances and will help people learn a variety of coping skills.

Mormon Rehab Facilities

Mormon rehab centers adhere to the principles of the Mormon faith. These principles include the belief in God, man must let God speak through him, and the law should be followed.

In a Mormon drug rehab program, treatment services often include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), 12-step programs, and individual therapy for alcohol addiction.

Protestant Drug Rehab Programs

Protestant drug rehab programs utilize principles of the Protestant faith to help people recover from addiction.

A Protestant drug and alcohol rehab center may include religious-based treatment options such as worship service, bible study, and faith-based counseling sessions.

Seventh-Day Adventist Rehab Centers

The Seventh-Day Adventist church has a total of 28 fundamental truths that followers of the faith adhere to. These principles are integral to people attempting to overcome substance abuse.

In Seventh-Day Adventist treatment programs, clients often have access to faith-based counseling sessions, bible study, and prayer services.

Non-Religious Drug And Alcohol Rehab Programs

Some people may not want to include spirituality in their recovery journey, or prefer to incorporate more holistic and evidence-based methods into their treatment plan.

For these people, non-religious drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers may provide the most beneficial services.

Atheist Drug Rehab Centers

An atheist addiction recovery program will focus on taking personal responsibility for one’s actions instead of admitting powerlessness in the face of addiction.

During treatment, atheistic clients can expect science-based tools and psychological resources such as CBT, detox, and dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.

Non-12-Step Addiction Recovery Programs

Similar to an atheist program, non-12-step addiction treatment centers will offer evidence-based and holistic services to treat substance use disorders.

Treatment options may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), sober living homes, opioid treatment, and aftercare services.

FAQs On Religious Addiction Treatment Programs

The frequently asked questions listed below may help you or your loved one narrow the search for a faith-based rehab program.

No, religious rehab centers will not discriminate against people based on their religious beliefs or lack thereof.

Marks of quality may include Google ratings, client testimonials, and Joint Commission or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited facilities.

Many people have touted the effectiveness of 12-step addiction treatment programs. Faith-based treatment centers often use this approach to help people achieve sobriety.

Yes. Any reputable treatment facility will not discriminate against people due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT-friendly rehab centers are located throughout the U.S.

Find A Substance Abuse Treatment Center Today

Call our helpline today for more information about religious rehab programs. Our team can assist you in finding an inpatient or outpatient drug treatment center that works for you.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on September 7, 2022
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