Why do some people opt-in for a non-faith based drug rehab program?
When choosing a drug rehabilitation center, the main thing to keep in mind is that you feel comfortable. If a client feels comfortable, it will be easier for them to open up with their therapist and in groups. In order to achieve recovery, it is necessary for the client to learn to identify triggers and learn what makes them “crave” drugs or alcohol. Comfort in their environment is helpful with this process, easing the road to long-term sobriety.
Many rehabilitation programs around the country utilize the 12 step format of Alcoholics Anonymous, including their guide, the “Big Book”. This method has proven very successful for some, but can make others uncomfortable because the steps are so closely aligned with religious belief. Requiring clients to seek guidance from, as well as surrender to a “Higher Power” – as opposed to more independently-driven recovery – is not the best choice for every patient.
Are there quality non-religious alternative treatment options?
Numerous non-religious drug and alcohol treatment centers have formed around the nation, each offering its own unique approach to rehabilitation. Some centers incorporate the “12 Step” approach but remove the religious components, thereby offering an alternative to this proven treatment methodology. Professionals at rehabilitation facilities develop various ways to distinguish their treatment methods, and take great pride in honing these skills within their centers. Non-religious treatment professionals typically keep detailed records and prefer to have data to show evidence of their method’s effectiveness and patients’ rehabilitation success rate.
What happens if a client has a negative reaction to the treatment?
The only way recovery works for an addict is if they believe in the program and feel that it will work for them. They need to be comfortable in the group setting and want to open up with their peers. The moment they begin to feel uncomfortable they will stop attending groups and be resistant to therapy and all the benefits the program offers. If what is being said in these meetings makes sense to the individual, they will be able to relate and want to continue to attend, and to work to achieve long lasting sobriety.
Some studies show that religion is an underlying factor for many clients when stating whether they like or dislike a program’s format. Some clients have reported feeling uncomfortable at Alcoholics Anonymous’ meetings due to the focus on a “Higher Power”. Many of those people still continued to go to meetings, but some eventually stopped attending, resulting in cases of relapse.
Religion is not the only complaint from people in recovery, either. Certain hindrances have absolutely nothing to do with program format. Some clients come into treatment and it doesn’t matter what the layout of the program is, they just are not ready to get sober. They believe they don’t need help and don’t have a drug or alcohol problem, which causes outbursts of anger. Eventually the person leaves the program against medical advice. No one will make the intense effort to get sober until they are ready. It must be their choice to take their life back.
What are the benefits of non-faith based drug rehabilitation?
Here are some of the reasons people choose non-faith based programs:
- They have no spiritual desire and just want to try an alternative approach to recovery.
- A person wants to keep their spiritual life and recovery separate. They are satisfied with their spiritual life.
- Some clients have tried a spiritual approach previously and it just has not worked for them. This time they have decided to try a scientific methodology instead.
- The client may have heard of a specific non-religious and non-12 step program and they want to try it, specifically.
- Someone that is an atheist or who doesn’t believe in any religion would have a hard time with a spiritual or traditional 12 step program, so they would likely want to choose an alternative treatment option.