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Many people still don’t recognize substance use disorder as a treatable mental illness. This is why some are still ashamed to admit when they have a problem with substance addiction because they fear the judgment of their friends, family, or community. For a spiritual person or someone belonging to a religious community, this can also be a problem. They may feel guilty about the situation they are in and feel that they will be judged.
When they find the courage to seek treatment, their decision on which treatment facility may also be influenced by their beliefs. The good news is they have several selections all over the country. In Florida alone, they have the option of going to a faith-based Fort Myers drug rehab center in addition to traditional options.
Both traditional and faith-based rehab facilities support healing patients and helping them achieve a substance-free life. These facilities offer programs that set structure and promote discipline while developing the interpersonal skills of patients. One main difference is that in a faith-based rehab, the fundamental values and teachings of a particular religion are integrated with the patients’ treatment program.
What Is Faith-Based Rehab?
Faith-based rehab caters to the medical and spiritual needs of an individual suffering from substance abuse. These centers follow a specific religious ideology, and the staff is often part of a religious community. Faith is at the center of most treatments.
One key advantage of faith-based rehab centers is that it is supported by a community of like-minded individuals. This can be a positive driving force in the patients’ recovery as it can make them feel accepted and encourage them to complete their treatments.
Faith-based rehab is also open to people who do not belong to the same religion. They may be interested in possibly converting to the faith or think that a faith-based approach to rehab treatment will suit their needs better. However, they may want to consider several things before they enter into faith-based rehab.
Patients Should Share Similar Spiritual Beliefs
Patients do not need to have the same religious beliefs that the program is founded on, but its basic principles should ideally align with their own. If not, they need to be open to learning about and allowing their treatment to include elements of a belief system that is different from theirs. Otherwise, they may not fully receive the benefits of the treatment.
Patients Should Agree to Faith-Based Treatments
Faith-based rehab facilities have different approaches depending on the needs of their patients. More spiritual individuals may find faith-based programs more appealing as it provides a more holistic approach to their recovery. As this kind of therapy also integrates religious practices into its programs, it is easier for patients to participate in activities and events that are normally practiced in their faith. This approach may help patients be more receptive to rehab treatment because the methods are already familiar.
Setting a structure is important for treating substance use disorder. Aside from a daily schedule, patients in faith-based rehab are encouraged to participate in religious rituals so they can get used to a disciplined lifestyle. Some faith-based programs patients may need to attend are:
- Prayer or church service – These events are communal expressions of faith and are often scheduled at a specific time every day.
- Bible study – In a Christian-based treatment program, patients study The Holy Bible and reflect on its teachings. In a traditional treatment facility, it substitutes the 12-step study.
- Counseling sessions with spiritual advisors – Patients attend one-on-one or group therapy sessions and are guided by spiritual advisors like pastors, priests, or chaplains. During these sessions, they discuss the patients’ challenges and how to overcome them with the help of spiritual values. Patients are also guided to find peace through their faith.
- Prayer-driven meditation –Meditation is a common patient activity in any substance addiction treatment program, but a faith-based rehab program may include prayers. The objective of meditating is to promote relaxation, clarity, and calm. Patients may also find inner peace during meditation.
- Journaling – Similar to meditation, journaling is done with a more faith-based approach. Patients may be asked to reflect on scriptures and to write their feelings and thoughts in their journals.
Patients Should Still Expect Medical-Based Treatments
Faith-based rehab centers also include traditional treatments to support the physical and psychological needs of every patient. Each patient undergoes a health assessment before entering rehab. During this time, medical professionals will recommend a treatment plan to rehabilitate their body and mind. Some of these may include:
- Medically-assisted detox – During the detoxification process, or detox for short, all traces of drugs or alcohol are removed from the patient’s body through abstinence. This process deals with the physical part of substance abuse before addressing the psychological aspects. When substances that individuals have become dependent on are removed from the body, the brain also adjusts. During this time, patients may experience symptoms of withdrawal. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, patients may be prescribed medications to help alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Individual or group therapy – Patients are guided by their counselors to explore and discover what drove them to their addiction. This could include addressing mental health issues or any past trauma.
- Life-skills training – Part of preparing the patients for life outside of rehab is training them how to manage stress and emotions. They are also taught how to develop healthy habits to help their new lifestyle.
Strong faith is not a requirement for individuals battling substance use disorder to enter a faith-based rehab program, but it can be helpful to consider these factors first. What’s more important is to seek treatment immediately.