Can The Church Replace A Christian Treatment Center?

Christian treatment centers have become a popular alternative for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. Recovering addicts are finding hope and peace in strengthening their relationship with God and knowing that they can rely on their faith to get them through the most difficult of days. 

Churches are often the first place an addict turns for help.  The hope offered through Christ is ultimately the solution to every problem.  Pastors and church leaders are able to offer excellent direction and support to an addict or alcoholic.  However, they are often baffled by the problem of addiction.  The addict seems to be unable to maintain a grasp on the hope being offered.  It seems on the surface that they are simply weak willed or uncommitted to recovery.  A Christian rehab is able to deal with the underlying physical and mental issues to free the person from the chains of addiction.  Only then is the person able to receive the message of Christ and maintain their sobriety.  

Inpatient substance addiction treatment with a Christian emphasis is effective and addicts successfully recover from the depths of their addiction. While participation in a church plays a significant role on the journey to sobriety, it cannot replace the role that Christian drug treatment has on an addict’s readiness to fight their addiction. Christian treatment centers encourage recovering drug and alcohol addicts to explore and develop their faith, through daily Bible study and intensive prayer groups, in the hopes that addicts will find strength in a higher power.  Patients are directed back to the local Church to continue their spiritual development.

Christian treatment centers want their patients to concentrate their efforts on restoring their physical, emotional and spiritual health. This holistic approach to recovery from addiction works simply because it recognizes that drug and alcohol addiction affects the whole person. Many people who participate in a Christian treatment center have never been exposed to a faith community, and many more surrender their lives for the first time to Jesus Christ.

 When recovering addicts know that their sins are accepted and forgiven, then they find it easier to forgive themselves for their mistakes. God accepts people where they are at the moment, not where He wants them to be. Working towards a mutually beneficial relationship with God is one of the benefits of both a Christian treatment center and of being part of a church – everyone wins!