If you or a family member are considering a Jehovah’s Witness rehab, it may be helpful to understand what is involved in the treatment process. You will find many of the activities and treatments are the same as more traditional, evidence-based treatment programs.
Detox
In a detox program, patients will be monitored by medical professionals, such as a doctor or a nurse. They will take a person’s vitals, including their blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
During this period of time, patients will be able to socialize and interact with each other while allowing the chemicals to leave their system.
There are also medications for some addictions that help with the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in taking care of your physical self in order to overcome an addiction, including being in a detoxification program and what it includes.
Inpatient or Residential Treatment
After a person has successfully detoxed from the substance they were abusing, they can enter into an inpatient program. Inpatient programs provide more intense levels of care and treatment, such as frequent counseling sessions and support groups.
In a Jehovah’s Witness inpatient or residential treatment program, there will be:
- Bible studies
- Scriptural readings
- Peer-to-peer support groups
- Prayer
- Educational classes about addiction, counseling, and therapy
Chapel, Prayer, and Worship
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that substance abuse can be overcome by faith in Jehovah. Therefore, time in the chapel, prayer, and worship are integral parts of Jehovah’s Witness alcohol and drug rehab programs.
Including a person’s religious beliefs in their treatment can be a very powerful tool for lasting recovery. Access to spiritual advisors will also be given to patients in a Jehovah’s Witness substance abuse program.
Gender-Based Care
Jehovah’s Witnesses, like many religious groups, prefer to keep drug and alcohol addiction treatment gender-specific and to keep the genders separated.
This can be very helpful for people who need to feel safe and secure when they are being vulnerable about past trauma and addiction issues.
Fellowship
Fellowship is a very important part of the Jehovah’s Witness’s beliefs, so it is important for Jehovah’s Witness rehab programs to include time for fellowship. They believe that peer support from a fellow local congregation member who understands your struggles is available.
Fellowship can inspire hope for those who are in recovery, and it helps them to see that they can get through this, too.
Outpatient Treatment
After a person has successfully completed an inpatient program or detox program, they have the option of continuing their treatment in outpatient treatment programs. It is highly recommended that a person leaving an inpatient program enters an outpatient program.
Outpatient programs are developed in a step-down manner, lessening the amount of intensity with each step-down.
There are three levels of outpatient treatment: partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient programs.
Counseling and Therapy
Many people who struggle with substance abuse also have mental health problems. Having both a mental health issue and substance use disorder is called having co-occurring disorders. It is important to treat the underlying mental health issues in order to make sobriety successful.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in seeking professional help to assist in treating substance abuse, including professional counselors and therapists. There are also spiritual advisors and ministers available for counseling if a person prefers to have a religious leader help them.
Support Groups
Support groups are another important part of the substance abuse recovery process. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not endorse a particular support group. However, the 12-step program is a Biblically-influenced group that believes in surrendering yourself to a Higher Power.
As previously mentioned, fellowship and peer support are very important parts of the Jehovah’s Witness belief system. This makes a 12-step program and other types of support groups a natural option for those who identify with this faith.