- Dec 25
- AddictionAlcohol Addiction TreatmentDrug Addiction TreatmentRecovery
There’s a growing body of evidence demonstrating the power of a faith-based approach for preventing and treating substance abuse. When substance abuse wreaks havoc on someone’s life, they often look to a higher power to grant them the strength to recover. A faith-inclined treatment process helps thousands of people each year find the inspiration they need to seek out recovery and follow through with aftercare treatment programs.
Faith-Based Recovery Practices
Some substance abuse treatment programs may focus on faith and its underlying principles. Religion and spirituality represent the backbone of many people’s lives, and can be a powerful catalyst for change, especially for those battling alcohol and drug addiction. Since 1992, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has provided several faith-based community initiatives to support effective partnerships between federal programs and faith-based organizations.
Faith-based organizations across the United States carry out additional treatments for citizens at national, state and local levels. Examples of faith-based programs include Alcoholics Anonymous, Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, Catholic Charities and The Adult and Teen Challenge centers.
How Faith Reduces Risk of Substance Use
Faith, spirituality and religion have an enormous potential to reduce the risk of substance abuse among teens and adults. At any given time, 20 million people are suffering from a substance use disorder in the United States. Each year, approximately 158,000 Americans die from drug or alcohol-related deaths.
When it comes to long-term recovery, faith-based programs are crucial. According to a new study conducted by Dr. Brian Grim of Baylor University, 84 percent of surveys show that faith decreases the risk of substance use disorders in the U.S.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University conducted a two-year study on the number of adults who reported attending religious services and how this correlated with substance use in the U.S. The study found that adults who never participate in religious ceremonies are:
- Three times more likely to smoke
- Almost seven times more likely to binge drink
- Nearly eight times more likely to use marijuana
- Twice as likely to drink
Get Help With Recovery
The 12 steps of a drug and alcohol abuse recovery program began as a component of Alcoholics Anonymous. These steps incorporate faith into its main principles. At Gateway, we utilize a 12-step addiction treatment program as a component of your treatment.
We believe everyone has the power to choose their own path forward on the journey to recovery, and that’s why we offer individualized care options. Although faith, spirituality and religion can help sustain long-term recovery, it’s up to you to decide how you will embrace your journey forward.
If you or a loved one feels overwhelmed by addiction, you are not alone. We offer a 12-step addiction treatment program that involves following the 12-Step Facilitation model and have trained professionals ready to help you in the recovery process. Contact us today to learn more about the role of faith in recovery and how we can help you.
