A variety of studies show that an increased sense of faith, or spirituality, can significantly improve the odds for success in drug and alcohol treatment.
People enrolled in addiction treatment programs have had experiences that can affect their self-esteem, emotional stability and sense of community with others. These experiences can also erode any sense of faith in something beyond the predictable ups and downs of everyday life. A variety of studies show that an increased sense of faith, or spirituality, can significantly improve the odds for success in drug and alcohol treatment.
There are many reasons why people get involved in drug or alcohol abuse. One potential motivation is a sense of hopelessness or helplessness about specific situations or life in general. For people struggling with hopelessness or other profoundly negative emotional states, substance use can provide a conscious or unconscious point of focus. Instead of spending their time feeling bad, they can turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to fill the void[i].
In a real sense, faith provides an alternative to substance use. By identifying something greater than the self as a point of focus, it makes it possible to reduce or eliminate periods of personal despair. In a person who lacks nagging feelings of meaninglessness, there may be a reduced desire to consume drugs or alcohol in excessive amounts.
There are two main contexts for faith: a general sense of spirituality and adherence to the beliefs of a specific form of religion. While some people describe themselves as spiritual and others describe themselves as religious, there is no hard barrier between the two. Some experts view spirituality primarily as a personal experience that supports a feeling of self-identity[ii]. In contrast, religion adds a social dimension and moves faith from the personal realm into a larger network of beliefs and interpersonal actions. For many people, spirituality and religion go hand in hand.
Over the years, researchers have repeatedly explored the connection between faith and the odds of a successful, long-term recovery. One of the tools used for this purpose is a short questionnaire called the Spiritual Self-Rating Scale. This questionnaire has been administered to people undergoing substance treatment in many settings. Results show that, for at least some people going through drug and alcohol rehab, a faith-based identity[iii] plays an important role in the willingness to establish a substance-free lifestyle.
In substance addiction recovery, a classic model for faith-based programs is incorporating Christianity into a traditional 12-step program. People who join these groups frame the recovery process as part of an interaction with a higher power that plays an essential role in determining short- and long-term success. The most well-known 12-step group is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA describes itself as spiritual, but not explicitly religious.
In a study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, a team of American researchers sought to determine if spirituality/religiousness contributes to beneficial results for people who join Alcoholics Anonymous[iv]. This project included 1,726 participants diagnosed with alcohol abuse/alcoholism. The researchers focused on three main areas:
After 15 months of work, the research team concluded that an increased sense of spirituality/religiousness is an important factor in AA members’ ability to avoid drinking. This is true for people still enrolled in active substance treatment, as well as for people who have concluded treatment. People who embrace faith-based practices while taking part in Alcoholics Anonymous have an improved ability maintain alcohol abstinence. They also consume less alcohol during drinking episodes.
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Faith is not only useful in 12-step programs; it can also play an important part in active inpatient or outpatient substance use treatment. There are several general principles that help ensure positive outcomes in faith-based treatment programs[v]. They include:
Group therapy is the common format for faith-based drug and alcohol recovery. However, some programs also offer one-on-one therapy. Group therapy sessions are sometimes gender-based. This approach allows therapists to focus on issues and challenges unique to men and women.
Some faith-based programs encourage their participants to join a 12-step self-help group while enrolled in active treatment. In addition, these programs often provide time for participants to attend weekly religious services. This is important, since attendance of these services can help reinforce abstinence and reduce the risks for a relapse during the recovery process.
At Transformations Treatment Center, we support the spiritual and religious needs of our clients through our Christian/Faith-Based Treatment Program. Highlights of this full-service program include:
Participation is open to clients who receive treatment on an inpatient basis, as well as clients who receive intensive outpatient treatment. Each step of the way, we make sure that our faith-based approach supports the overall goals of the recovery process.