Presbyterian Drug and Alcohol Rehabs

Presbyterian drug and alcohol rehabs can be directed by a Presbyterian approach, or they can include optional treatment services that follow a Presbyterian denomination, like prayers, worship services, and communion.

As a Presbyterian seeking drug rehab, you might find comfort in the organization of services as part of your treatment program.

Know that the belief systems among Presbyterian denominations can differ significantly, which may affect the message of services and who can participate.

Make sure that the Presbyterian rehab you choose aligns with your personal belief system for the best chance of success.

Religious components in rehab can decrease the chances of relapse, so finding a treatment center that offers faith-based services in addition to medical ones may help you throughout recovery.

Learn more about what Presbyterian drug and alcohol rehab programs should offer and how they might differ from rehab services offered by other Protestant Christian religions.

Presbyterian rehab centers can be:

• A part of a larger medical system, many of which carry “Presbyterian” in their name
• A standalone rehab facility
• A rehab center that offers Presbyterian-style services that align with a specific
• Presbyterian denomination

Some Presbyterian rehab programs may be social detox and rehab-focused, which means they’ll focus on improving wellness and quality of life from a more religious perspective and may not include standard medical practices in recovery.

While Presbyterian belief systems vary by denomination, alcohol use in moderation is generally accepted, and sacraments like communion may include red wine instead of or in addition to grape juice.

However, rehabilitation services will not offer alcohol. That will be a battle for later in your recovery as you rejoin society and connect with a local Presbyterian congregation.

Whether you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, most Presbyterian rehabs should offer the same services as a standard medical facility.

In addition, they may offer worship services that align with a specific Presbyterian denomination or at least follow the Presbyterian order of service.

Key Facts on Presbyterian Rehab

• Types of addiction treated: Drug, alcohol, and some behavioral addictions.
  Presbyterian denominations align in their beliefs against drunkenness and recreational drug use but differ on alcohol consumption in general, as some promote abstinence while others encourage moderation.
• Benefits: The creation of a recovery community, reconnecting with your church or faith, growing as a Christian during recovery.
• 41% of people who attend Protestant churches consume alcohol.
• Payment/cost information: Many Presbyterian rehabs may be covered under insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. If you’re self-pay, you may find assistance through a denominational charity.
• Treatments offered: Standard treatments, like detox, counseling, medication management, group therapy, and religious aspects, like worship and pastoral care.

Answer: People who will most benefit from a Presbyterian rehab program will be those who are part of a Presbyterian denomination.

Presbyterian denominations include the:

• Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)
• Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (PCUSA)
• Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC)
• Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC)

However, there are opportunities for those who do not consider themselves Presbyterian to benefit from a more spiritual-based treatment program. You may find that building a closer connection to God during recovery helps to keep you focused.

Being connected to a Presbyterian church in your community can help you maintain your sobriety.

Overview: Unlike non-faith-based rehab, Presbyterian rehab will include faith-based services.

Presbyterian rehab faith-based services may include communion, songs from the Presbyterian hymnal, recitations of confessions, and more.

Non-faith-based rehab may include some spiritual approach or acknowledgment, but it will not focus on a specific religion, deity, or denomination.

If you prefer a faith-based approach to rehabilitative services, a Presbyterian-based rehabilitation program may be the right choice for you or your loved one.

Answer: Much of the treatment in a Presbyterian rehab program will resemble traditional care practices administered by qualified medical professionals. There may be additional elements that wouldn’t be present in non-religious rehab.

Depending on your treatment plan and level of addiction, you may be treated at inpatient rehabilitation programs initially, then move to a follow-up component at a residential treatment facility.

If these programs are sponsored by a Presbyterian denomination, they may have specific components that speak to that. Those portions of treatment may be required or optional.

Inpatient or Residential Treatment

If inpatient or residential treatment is part of your drug rehab treatment plan, medical services should resemble that of standard rehab care practices. However, mental health services may be handled by an ordained pastor who is qualified to counsel you.

Inpatient treatment is often short-term rehabilitation followed by long-term outpatient treatment, but some programs can last for several months.

Chapel, Prayer, and Worship

Presbyterian services include hymns, prayers, confessions, scripture readings, and a sermon. They may also include communion on a regular basis.

Gender-Based Care

Men and women may be separated during rehab. The Presbyterian denomination that guides the rehab facility may affect how much different genders interact and who is leading and participating in services.

Presbyterian Fellowship

Some services in Presbyterian churches include a fellowship component, where attendees greet one another. This may be a part of worship in rehab.
Offering refreshments after service is also commonly done in some Presbyterian denominations, and this may be more prevalent post-rehab.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment can include an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and you may go straight into that for Presbyterian rehab instead of starting with an inpatient rehabilitation center.

Counseling and Therapy

As part of your behavioral health treatment at a Presbyterian rehab center, you might receive counseling or behavioral therapy that leans toward spirituality.

It might be designed to match your Presbyterian belief system and, therefore, directed in a way that encourages your religious growth as part of your addiction recovery.

Detox

Presbyterian denominations are generally unopposed to medication as part of treatment, so if you need medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as part of detoxification or other therapy services, you should expect that it will align with standard healthcare practices.

Support Groups

Support groups can be for you as a recovery drug or alcohol addict as well as your family members. The main goal for these groups is to connect you with a community of like-minded people who will help you improve your well-being.

Keep in mind that a support group from a different Presbyterian denomination than yours may have different beliefs and, therefore, different approaches to how the support group is designed.

Also, know that support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) may meet in a Presbyterian church but not be associated with a Presbyterian denomination outside of using that space to hold meetings.

Rehabilitation services can be expensive, but it’s important to care for your well-being. Additionally, many factors will affect the final cost to you.

Factors that affect the cost of Presbyterian rehab include:

• Location
• Age
• Level of addiction
• Health
• Private facility
• Type of addiction
• Insurance coverage
• Financial assistance programs

If your preferred facility is part of a larger hospital system, the total cost and insurance coverage will differ from that of a standalone rehab center.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of a Presbyterian Rehab Program?

Answer: Yes, insurance covers the cost of Presbyterian rehab.

Many hospitals and rehabilitation facilities are Presbyterian-associated, and they may offer substance use disorder treatment programs in your area.

Additionally, even if a rehab program is not fully Presbyterian-focused, it may include prayers, worship services, and spiritual guidance that align with your preferred denomination.

You may also choose a Presbyterian-sponsored rehab or one that includes services that follow a Presbyterian style but are not specifically Presbyterian.

What medical services are included in the rehab program, whether it’s accredited, and what healthcare professionals are offering treatment services can affect insurance coverage.

You’ll have to contact your insurance provider or company specifically about your plan to find out if a program is covered under your insurance.

Answer: It depends on you. If you feel ready to rejoin society, you might find a Presbyterian church nearby that matches your personal belief system.

If you feel like you need a little more help, you can consider residential treatment like a sober-living community. Aftercare, like support groups, behavioral therapy, and any maintenance medications, should always be a part of your continuing treatment plan.

It’s important to locate health care providers for the substance abuse treatment you or your family members need. Your doctor may provide a referral with contact information for rehab centers near you.

If you can’t locate a Presbyterian rehab center on your own, these top resources may help:

• Samaritans 24/7 Helpline — A faith-based helpline that is free and volunteer-led that may direct you to additional resources during times of crisis when you call or text.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Through SAMHSA’s website, findtreatment.gov, you can locate rehab facilities near you.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 via phone call, text message, or online chat for anyone who is a veteran or who is concerned about a veteran.

Seeking treatment for your drug or alcohol addiction can feel daunting. It takes a lot to reach the decision to begin treatment, and there’s no reason to add to your stress by trying to find an appropriate Presbyterian-associated rehab center near you.

If you need help locating a Presbyterian treatment center, contact RehabNet by calling our helpline 24/7. You can also visit our website for a searchable list of high-quality rehab centers.