Why Is Christian Rehab so Important?

Why is Christian rehab so important? Addiction of any type changes the chemistry of the brain. Therefore, it is not just a habit that needs to be broken, but also a medical condition that needs to be treated.

That explains why rehab is so important. But why is CHRISTIAN rehab so important? Because it is the spiritual aspect that truly sets people free from their addictions.

The following is adapted from an article published by The Treatment Center of Palm Beaches. I have permission from Dane Peterson to use the article.

Christian Rehab: Addiction by the Numbers

In 2007, an estimated 22.3 million persons aged 12 or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse within the past year. This is equivalent to 9% of the entire population of the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, excessive alcohol use is the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death for people in the United States each year and is involved in 41% of all motor vehicle related deaths.

Drug and alcohol use is associated with a higher risk of suicide, homicide, criminal activity, transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis and diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis, hypertension, stroke and heart disease.

The costs related to substance abuse in the United States is an estimated half a trillion dollars per year.

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain involving "compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences" The continuous use of chemicals induces an alteration in the chemistry of the brain resulting in poor judgment and an inability to abstain from use despite its harmful effects. The brain is programmed to want more of what it considers to be beneficial and therefore works against the addict in this respect.

Although addicts have often been stigmatized, as the result of scientific research devoted to studying the disease of addiction, many advancements have been made in understanding and treating addiction. Addiction is now viewed by the medical community as a primary and treatable disease similar to diabetes, heart disease or asthma.

Who Needs Christian Rehab?

In 2007, the rate of substance abuse and dependence was highest among youths and young adults age 12-25. The use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol is also disproportionately higher in males than females, with an estimated twice as many males engaging in chemical use than females.

The driving forces behind the initial use of drugs or alcohol are often social influence or a crisis event. Though there are few initial adverse affects of use/abuse, the disease progresses slowly as it becomes more and more ingrained in a person’s life and lifestyle. As usage continues, the drug gradually becomes the driving force in one’s life. One becomes preoccupied with getting the next fix. As usage continues, one develops a tolerance for the substance. So it takes ever increasing amounts of the drug to get the desired result.

The user becomes so dependant on the drug that going without it has painful results, called withdrawal. At this point, the person has become so dependent on the drug that he or she can’t function without it. It rules their life.

Christian Rehab: The Consequences of Abuse

The result of increasing addiction is that the person can no longer function properly without the drug. Without it, the addict is less and less able to function. However, with the drug, a person sees his or her job performance suffer, family life is adversely affected – at times even ruined. When an employer, family member, or friend confront the addict the reaction is defensive and shows denial.

"As the result of continued use, serious negative consequences begin to surface - legal problems, loss of meaningful relationships, threatened or actual loss of employment, medical problems, etc. These consequences may shake the addict up temporarily and he or she may be able to stop using for a short period of time. However, most persons who are chemically dependent cannot stop for long on their own and will eventually return to using with the same fervor as before. The problems and consequences continue to pile up, perhaps even worsen. The addict cannot live using and cannot stop using and thus the vicious cycle of addiction continues. At this point the situation can appear hopeless as nothing can seemingly be done to keep the addict from falling along this downward spiral into oblivion."

Christian Rehab: Providing Hope

It would be great if we could say that there is a complete cure for addiction. But there isn't. There is no pill that can reverse the damage done by the progressive negative spiral that is drug or alcohol addiction. But that doesn't mean there is no hope. Many addicts can and do live full and fulfilled lives. Through various methods of treatment available today, recovering from addiction is not the unpromising and fruitless endeavor it once was.

Christian Rehab: The Process

"Once an addict is in a position to seek help, the first step is safely clearing the body of the chemical. This is best accomplished in a medically monitored detoxification setting where the symptoms of withdrawal can be safely and effectively managed. The length of detoxification varies, depending on the type and amount of drug used, severity of withdrawal symptoms and use history. However, once the body is free and clear of the drug, the mind still does not know how to live without it. Frequent and intense cravings will arise and will most likely lead the addict back to eventually using again if no additional treatment is implemented. Detoxification alone is not sufficient in promoting ongoing and lasting sobriety. It is common for those who have completed detox to enter into a residential treatment program. The need for a stable, structured environment to promote abstinence and to gain a strong footing in sobriety cannot be overemphasized. The length of a residential treatment program ranges from 30-90 days. The longer one stays in treatment the better his or her chances of maintaining sobriety upon leaving the facility and returning home."

Once treatment is over, an addict still needs continuing care. This can include involvement in self help or 12-step groups, cognitive-behavioral therapy, anti-craving medications or any combination thereof. In addition, any concurrent medical and/or mental health condition(s) should also be assessed and managed as part of an individual's ongoing recovery process.

Christian Rehab: Relapse

Relapse back into drug usage after treatment does not mean complete failure. It is a frequent consequence of the disease. However, it perhaps indicates that more intensive treatment is in order. A relapse can be a temporary occurrence provided there is an initiation of further and perhaps more intensive treatment. In some instances, a relapse can actually be a useful tool providing further insight into the severity of one's disease and may serve as a motivational factor to increase one's commitment to recovery. It is not uncommon for a recovering addict to undergo multiple treatment episodes before they are able to maintain lasting sobriety. The prevalence of relapse also underscores the importance of aftercare and developing and utilizing various support persons and/or groups.

Christian Rehab: There Is Hope

"Today, there is significant hope that a person suffering from addiction can be released from its deadly grasp. Recovery from addiction is indeed possible with appropriate treatment and continued support. With continued research and available treatment options, the future of addiction treatment is vastly improving. If you or someone you know and love is suffering from the disease of addiction, it is important to know that help does exist. Although reluctant or unable to admit it, most addicts are in desperate need of assistance from an outside source as they are most likely unable to quit using on their own. Hope does exist, recovery is possible and addiction does not have to be a lifelong condemnation to misery and pain."

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My thanks to Dane Peterson of The Treatment Center of Palm Beaches for allowing me to share this information with you.

You can also read an article by Susan Roy – Public and Professional Relations of The Treatment Center: Christian Based Drug Rehab and the Church .