Rehab Centers That Offer Faith-Based Programs

More than 80% of Americans believe in God or a universal spirit, according to the Pew Research Center, and a study published in the National Library of Medicine found that 73% of substance use treatment programs have some type of spirituality-based element. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a deeper meaning to life or have enjoyed being part of a spiritual community in the past, a faith-based rehab center may be worth exploring.

In addition to providing guidance and community, these centers offer evidence-based treatment services combined with faith-based services, often specific to a particular religion. Faith-based programs can also be useful for those who don’t follow a specific religion but consider themselves spiritual or welcome having a higher power in their recovery plans. Learning more about faith-based recovery centers, what treatment looks like and how much they cost can help you determine if this option is right for you.

Faith-based rehab centers have a spiritual component that can focus on a specific religion or on spirituality in general. Religious or spiritual beliefs and practices are crucial to the recovery process in these programs, but the faith aspects within each center or program vary by group. 

In some cases, rehab clients may participate in scheduled religious services, while other programs may let you choose the level to which you want to be involved. Faith-based practices can include worship, prayer, meditation, fasting and the study of religious texts.

Faith-based rehab treatment can be part of every level of care, but it may be more common in residential and outpatient treatment. Aftercare services for these programs often offer spirituality-based support groups and 12-step programs.

Religion and spirituality can be helpful for all kinds of substance use disorders, including alcohol, illicit drugs and prescription medications. It can also be a part of treatment for behavioral addictions, such as gambling, shopping or pornography. Those who participate often find greater community and social support and a sense of purpose and meaning during recovery through a combination of faith-based and evidence-based therapies.

If you’re already a member of a religion, it may be possible to find a faith-based rehab program tailored to that practice. However, it’s more common to find an optional religious track or program within a larger substance use treatment facility that’s directed toward a specific religion. While what counts as a religion continues to be debated, estimates suggest there are more than 10,000 religions worldwide. Below are some of the most common religions and spiritual practices you may find in faith-based rehab facilities.

Christian Rehab

Christian drug rehab programs keep Christ as part of the Triune God at the center of recovery and include Orthodox, Anglican, Catholic and Protestant treatment centers. Accepting that you’re powerless over your addiction and surrendering your life to God are key pillars of these programs. 

Christian rehab centers also frequently use the 12 steps, as established by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), as a foundation for many of the practices and treatment options they offer. These principles are based on Protestant Christian teachings and ideas, and Christian rehab programs may offer Sunday religious services, fellowship, worship and dedicated time for Bible study and prayer.

Jewish Rehab

Substance abuse and addiction are heavily stigmatized within the Jewish religion and community, and Jewish people may be hesitant to seek treatment for this reason. 

Jewish rehab centers and programs provide a way to incorporate your faith and core tenets, such as repentance and free will, into substance use treatment. These programs also often include daily prayer and Torah study and observe Jewish cultural practices like Shabbat and Yom Kippur.

Catholic Rehab

Catholic rehab programs are often affiliated with a Catholic church and can be residential, outpatient or located within parish support groups. Treatment services located within a Catholic rehab program are similar to those in a Christian program and usually include worship, prayer and Bible study.

Reconciliation with God and accepting the grace that comes with Christ’s sacrifice are major pillars of Catholic rehab programs. These treatment centers may offer Mass and incorporate spiritual practices like penance, the rosary and specific prayers to patron saints for addiction and recovery, such as Saint Maximillian Mary Kolbe.

Islam Rehab

Both drugs and alcohol are completely forbidden in the religion of Islam, which means that those with substance use disorders can face a lot of stigma and judgment. It can be incredibly difficult for muslims struggling with addiction to come forward, and finding an Islamic rehab center can make seeking help easier. 

Islamic rehab programs generally focus on an overall reliance on and submission to Allah and strong support systems within the Islamic community. The daily rehab schedule at these centers is often built around salah, which can help establish structure and meaning in recovery. 

Hindu Rehab

Hindu communities and people are generally supportive of individuals with a substance abuse problem and encourage treatments that bring about harmony and balance within. The focus is on understanding the connection between addiction and attachment and taking responsibility for past and present actions.

In addition to standard treatments that may involve detox, medication and therapy, rehab programs for Hindus may also focus heavily on meditation and other spiritual exercises. Yoga, breathwork, fasting and Ayurvedic treatments are also common.

Seventh-day Adventist Rehab

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a denomination of the Adventist Protestant Christian Church. This religion is characterized by belief in Saturday as the Sabbath and in the imminent second coming of Jesus.

In the Seventh-day Adventist church, members are to abstain from alcohol, tobacco and any “irresponsible use” of drugs. While the church may be okay with some prescription medications for specific issues, any illicit use is prohibited. However, this religion also emphasizes the power of salvation and redemption, which can be a powerful message for those struggling with substance use.

These programs integrate a strong sense of community support and are likely to include holistic treatments, such as nutritional counseling and nature therapy, along with evidence-based treatments. One significant difference you would likely find in a Seventh-day Adventist rehab program compared to other Christian denominations is scheduled prayer services on Saturdays rather than Sundays.

Presbyterian Rehab

Presbyterians believe in God as the ultimate authority figure and live by strict ethical standards that include a limited use of drugs and alcohol. However, they acknowledge that addiction can happen to anyone and believe in treating those with alcohol or drug addiction with compassion and grace. 

Treatments in Presbyterian rehab centers or programs are similar to those in other Christian rehabs, often incorporating the 12 steps and taking a Christ-centered approach. Prayer, hymns, church services and pastoral counseling are common offerings.

Pentecostal Rehab

Pentecostals, also called Charismatics, are a Protestant Christian group that believes a direct, personal relationship with God is the pillar of salvation and transformation after accepting Christ. Pentecostal rehab programs encourage participants to build recovery on this relationship through prayer, worship and Bible study. Church services may include practices centered on the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, such as anointing and speaking in tongues.

Buddhist Rehab

Buddhist rehab centers often focus substance use treatment around the Four Noble Truths, which describe craving and attachment as the root of suffering. In Buddhism, suffering is seen as an inherent part of the human existence, which can be helpful for those who try to deal with stress, anxiety or trauma by self-medicating through substance use. 

Buddhist treatment programs help people find inner peace through meditation, mindfulness and intentionality. These centers may also incorporate time in nature, breathwork and evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to help clients stay focused on the present.

Orthodox Rehab

The Eastern Orthodox Church believes humans are naturally inclined toward passions, which is the term the church uses for anything valued above God, including substances. Members believe that a belief in and reliance on God can help you overcome these temptations, find renewed strength and create a foundation for a better life.

Repetitive prayer and fasting are central tenets of the Eastern Orthodox Church’s approach to substance use treatment. Other Christian practices likely to be included are the Eucharist and the sacrament of Confession. These churches are generally organized by ethnic background, such as the Greek Orthodox Church or the Russian Orthodox Church, and may also include specific cultural practices.

Baptist Rehab

The Baptist denomination is one of the largest Protestant denominations, and it has a strong presence in the United States. There are numerous inpatient and outpatient rehab programs available to Baptists that combine salvation and a personal relationship with God with evidence-based treatments. 

These centers incorporate Christian spiritual practices like prayer, worship and Bible study. Many also provide 12-step support groups.

Methodist Rehab

Methodism is another Protestant Christian denomination, and it’s based on Wesleyan theology. One of the major pillars of the Methodist church is the idea of sanctification, which is the process of becoming more like God. Members view this as a lifelong process, which parallels the journey of long-term recovery. 

The Methodist church acknowledges that substance misuse and addiction can have a devastating effect on people’s lives and encourages those who are struggling to seek help. Methodist rehab programs are likely to focus on salvation through faith, regular prayer and worship, discipleship and community support with the assistance of treatments like detox, medication-assisted treatment and therapy.

Jehovah’s Witnesses Rehab

Jehovah’s Witnesses is a restorationist Christian denomination, which means they focus on evangelism, mission work and pursuing the New Testament model of the church. They encourage complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol, but acknowledge that it’s hard to resist temptation in the modern world.

Treatments and services at a Jehovah’s Witnesses rehab center may include supervision by medical professionals, prayer, Bible study and counseling by authorities in the congregation. The treatment schedule at these rehab programs generally includes time for daily spiritual practices, fellowship and nature activities that help connect clients with God’s creation.

Episcopal Rehab

The Episcopal Church is another Protestant Christian denomination, and members believe in a God who is loving, merciful and life-giving. Because of this view, Episcopals are known for being one of the more socially liberal sects of the Christian religion and for their compassionate perspective on addiction. They view substance use disorder as a highly treatable disease and believe that faith is one of the most valuable treatment tools for addiction.

Christian addiction treatments in an Episcopal rehab are likely to combine faith-based, evidence-based and holistic methods. The Episcopal church is known for its ties to Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-step programs, and peer support groups are highly encouraged as part of treatment and long-term recovery.

Evangelical Rehab

Evangelicalism is an overall approach to Christianity instead of a separate denomination or religion. Evangelicals preach salvation as something attained through being “born again” in the Holy Spirit and through forming a personal relationship with God. As such, repentance, personal renewal and reconnection with God are core tenets of Evangelical rehab centers.

These programs focus on helping participants achieve sobriety so they lead better, more fulfilling lives. While attending traditional church services may be part of an Evangelical rehab program, these centers often focus more on the individual relationship with Christ through prayer, scripture readings and small-group fellowship, which may take the form of 12-step groups.

Sikh Rehab

Sikhism is an Indian religion and is considered one of the world’s youngest religions. It views substance use as an unhealthy attachment that can distract people from their true spiritual path. 

During the initiation ceremony, new Sikhs promise to follow the Code of Conduct, which includes a prohibition on all intoxicants. This strict perspective may make it more difficult for members to seek substance use treatment because they feel shame or are worried they’ll be kicked out of their Gurdwara.

Rehab programs for Sikhs can be especially helpful for followers of this religion because they emphasize helping people find their way back to God. These facilities are likely to incorporate a renewed pledge of abstinence against substance use and encourage activities that promote compassion, generosity and service.

Jain Rehab

The Jain religion doesn’t believe in a single higher power or God or view the universe as having been created. Instead of centering on a god or gods, the Jain religion preaches non-violence, peace and renunciation and achieving a spiritual awakening.

Jainism rehab programs combine holistic practices like fasting, meditation and mindfulness with evidence-based therapies. While support groups can be part of treatment, these programs shy away from the traditional 12-step model because there is no belief in a higher power. Alternatives like SMART recovery may be used instead.

Baha’i Rehab

Baha’i Faith is based on oneness and unity among all humanity. Members believe in pursuing harmony in all areas, and this includes the combination of the scientific and spiritual worlds. Rehab centers for the Baha’i Faith put these beliefs into practice, with both evidence-based and alternative therapies being part of substance use treatment. 

Activities are designed to help clients reconnect with the world around them and regain meaning within their faith and lives. This happens through daily prayer, reading the spiritual teachings and having an attitude of service toward others.

Rastafarian Rehab

Rastafari is a religious and political movement founded in the 1930s in Jamaica that combines elements of Protestant Christianity and mysticism. Rastas are typically against the use of drugs and alcohol, with the exception of cannabis, which is regularly used for sacramental purposes.

Rastas tend to prefer natural healing methods, so Rastafarian rehab centers may offer treatment services that are homeopathic and holistic as opposed to medication-based. Yoga and meditation are common, as are sound baths, drumming and other therapies that combine the body and mind. Rastafarian rehab programs may also focus on nutrition, with many practitioners being vegan.

Wicca Rehab

Wicca is an earth-centered religion that’s a modern form of Paganism. Practitioners emphasize doing no harm to others and believe that the energy you put out into the world will come back to you threefold. 

Some Wiccans may be opposed to the use of Christian prayers or the traditional 12-step model in recovery. However, there are pagan-friendly support groups that still use an adapted 12-step model, such as Pagans in Recovery (PIR). Wiccan rehab programs often include meditation, energy work and a connection with nature in addition to traditional therapy modalities.

What happens in a faith-based recovery program largely depends on the specific religion or faith within that program. There’s a lot of variation among faith-based recovery programs, but they all share the ultimate goal of supporting addiction recovery through spiritual guidance, teachings and practices.

Treatments and services you can expect in faith-based recovery programs include:

• Meetings and support groups that may or may not be based on the 12-step program of addiction recovery
• Activities and events that promote a sense of community and belonging among participants
• Access to on-site spiritual leaders or authority figures who can provide guidance and leadership
• Customized treatment plans to meet the individual needs and spiritual beliefs of each participant
• Daily prayer, worship and meditation services
• One-on-one therapy sessions with the option to be joined by family members or intimate partners
• Dual-diagnosis treatment to address co-occurring mental health or behavioral health disorders
• Access to on-site religious facilities, such as a chapel or small mosque
• Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy 
• Detox that can be medical, observational or social, depending on a religion’s beliefs on abstinence from all substances

Religious rehab centers provide different levels of care and services. Many will include:

• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment, including intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Detoxification
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Dual-diagnosis treatment
• Behavioral therapy
• Spiritual services
• Case management
• Medication management
• Aftercare and relapse prevention support
• Sober living and transitional homes

Finances can be a significant barrier to substance use treatment, and the cost of faith-based rehab programs varies significantly. Factors that can impact the cost of a faith-based substance use treatment center include:

• Whether the facility is private, nonprofit or state-funded
• The types of payments the facility accepts
• Whether the facility offers financial assistance, such as sliding-scale fees
• Where the facility is located
• The length of the program

Nonprofit and state-funded rehab centers may cost less and accept Medicaid and/or Medicare coverage in addition to commercial insurance. Private options may be more expensive, but they often offer scholarship programs or financial assistance through donors and partnerships with churches and other organizations. Many faith-based rehab centers are willing to work with people to help them get treatment.

Does Insurance Cover Faith-Based Rehab Centers?

It’s possible to find healthcare insurance plans that cover the cost of faith-based rehab centers, as long as the facility accepts insurance as payment and is in network with your provider. Certain services, such as medical detox or an inpatient or residential stay, may need prior authorization or a referral from your primary care physician for insurance to pay.

If you’re looking for a religious or spiritual addiction treatment center, local religious organizations or support groups can be excellent resources. You can also speak with your primary care physician or another medical professional that you trust to ask for a referral or recommendation.

Additional resources for finding religious and spiritual rehab centers include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): This well-known alcohol addiction treatment program is free and confidential and hosts 12-step support meetings across thousands of cities in the United States.
• Christians in Crisis Hotline: This hotline for Christians and Christian Ministers experiencing a crisis provides a listening ear and points people toward local resources.
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA): This program offers a directory to find 12-step meetings available to people with any substance use disorder.
• Pagans in Recovery: This fellowship program is modeled after those of AA and NA and offers an alternative for people who worship multiple gods or a female god.
• Samaritans 24/7 Helpline: This 24/7 hotline is free and confidential for anyone of faith to call during times of crisis, including while having thoughts of suicide or when seeking other forms of help.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): This government-sponsored organization provides a directory of mental health, behavioral health and addiction treatment programs searchable by location and other factors.
• The Upper Room Hotline: This faith-based hotline for people in crisis, created in the Catholic tradition, is open to anyone of any faith. It’s also available to those who aren’t spiritual but still seeking guidance and help.

Faith-based treatment isn’t the right choice for every person, but for many people facing substance abuse, it can be just what they need to find the right path. Browse the comprehensive directory of treatment centers on RehabNet.com any time, or contact us any time for assistance in locating an accredited faith-based drug and alcohol rehab in your state.