Protestant addiction treatment centers offer a wide variety of treatment services including some evidence-based and some faith-based approaches. You’ll likely encounter several treatment methods throughout the duration of your treatment.
Inpatient or Residential Treatment
Inpatient rehabilitation is one of the two main addiction treatment categories. It offers the highest level of care through 24/7 surveillance and support.
Inpatient programs can be long-term care or short-term care. People who enroll in inpatient programs live in a care facility for the length of their program.
During an inpatient program, you’ll most likely have a very structured schedule with set days and times for each type of treatment. In Protestant rehab, inpatient programs will likely include times for worship and prayer.
Medical Detox
Medical detoxification is a very important treatment service many people encounter at the start of their recovery journey. Detoxing is the act of removing addictive substances from the body.
Trying to detox at home can be incredibly dangerous, which is why medical detox is such an important offering. Many people start with detox before starting their rehab program.
During medical detox, your care team will administer any necessary medications or treatments, monitor your vitals, and help you manage any withdrawal symptoms you experience. This is a great time to incorporate faith-based practices like prayer.
MAT
Another treatment service you may receive at a Protestant rehab center is medication-assisted treatment. MAT is an evidence-based treatment method often used in opioid addiction, though it can be used in other addictions.
MAT uses U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications to treat addiction, like methadone, Suboxone, and buprenorphine.
Your service provider will determine the appropriate medication dosage to help you manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and encourage sobriety.
Most people continue MAT for extended periods of time and eventually taper off the medication slowly.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient rehab is the other main treatment category next to inpatient rehabilitation. Outpatient treatment is very effective, but a little less intensive than inpatient treatment. This is because individuals travel to a treatment center rather than living in one.
During outpatient treatment, you can expect to go to your treatment center several days a week, often for several hours at a time. There are some variations of outpatient treatment such as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). These are great for people who may need something in-between inpatient and outpatient.
Outpatient programs are a good step down from inpatient treatment or people who cannot leave their home for an extended period of time.
Dual Diagnosis
Many people who have a substance addiction also have mental health disorders. This is referred to as a co-occurring disorder.
In order to address substance dependency and mental illness simultaneously, many addiction recovery centers use dual diagnosis treatment.
Dual diagnosis treatment uses methods such as counseling and therapy in addition to other treatment services to address mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Mental health issues can worsen and even cause addiction, so it’s important that they are addressed throughout recovery.
Worship, Prayer, and Bible Study
Faith-based practices are, of course, a very large part of Protestant addiction recovery programs.
There will likely be set times worked into your schedule for worship and prayer throughout your program. This can include chapel services and individual time for prayer.
Many Protestant rehab centers also have onsite pastors who can offer you spiritual guidance or counseling if you need it.
Bible study is also commonly offered at Protestant recovery facilities. This is a great opportunity to improve your relationship with your faith and God and learn more about Protestantism.
Counseling and Behavioral Therapy
Counseling and behavioral therapy are a big part of the mental and behavioral health aspects of addiction recovery.
Counseling is a treatment service that involves talking about your emotions, thoughts, and worries surrounding addiction and recovery. It can take place on an individual basis, in groups, or amongst your family, depending on your needs.
Behavioral therapy, on the other hand, is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing thought patterns and behavioral issues that may be worsening addiction.
It is often used in people with mental health disorders. You may encounter types of behavioral therapy like dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Support Groups
Support groups are group meetings for people going through similar struggles. In this case, other Protestant individuals who have substance addictions.
One popular support group option is 12-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
Support groups can be a great way to build a support system, find someone to hold you accountable, and connect with other Protestants who can relate to you.