Sikh Drug and Alcohol Rehabs

Sikhism is the fifth largest-religion in the world, with an estimated 500,000 Americans practicing the religion. For people who identify as Sikh and are battling substance abuse, there are many drug and alcohol addiction treatment options.

People who are religious or spiritual may find religious rehabs to be well-suited for their beliefs. Sikh addiction recovery programs incorporate faith-based practices like prayer and other Sikh tenants.

Keep reading to learn more about Sikh rehabilitation centers including treatment types, what happens after treatment, and where to find Sikh treatment centers near you.

Sikh rehab facilities emphasize the practices and beliefs of the religion throughout the recovery process. In other words, the religion is incorporated alongside traditional addiction treatment services.

Sikhism is a big proponent of:

• Equality
• Service to humanity
• Compassion
• Generosity

The religion started in Punjab, India. In Punjabi, Sikh means ‘disciple.’ People who practice Sikhism believe all people are equal and that all religions worship one divine being.

In a Sikh rehab center, you’ll likely encounter both inpatient and outpatient treatment methods that incorporate Sikh practices such as prayer, 12-step programs, and other services that uphold Sikh beliefs.

Key Facts on Sikh Rehab

• Benefits: an improved relationship with your faith and God, a sense of community during recovery, encouragement and comfort during recovery, connecting with other Sikhs in recovery, new coping skills, improved quality of life, and closer adherence to Sikh beliefs
• Types of addiction treated: Cocaine addiction, heroin addiction, opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, meth addiction, and prescription drug addiction
• Types of treatment: inpatient and outpatient rehab, 12-step meetings, medical detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), dual diagnosis treatment, counseling, behavioral therapy, prayer, and meditation
• How to pay for Sikh rehab: Out-of-pocket payments, insurance coverage, payment plans, limited scholarships
• Number of Sikhs in America: 500,000
• Percent of studies that show faith is effective in substance abuse treatment: 84%

Answer: Sikh rehab programs are most beneficial for people who already identify with the religion, as it is part of their lives and they are familiar with the beliefs and practices.

Seeking out and completing a drug and alcohol treatment program can be a challenging process, which is why Sikhs may find the incorporation of their beliefs to be comforting during this time.

Yet even people who do not already practice Sikhism can benefit from a Sikh substance abuse treatment program.

Anyone who wants to make Sikhism a part of their recovery journey could see the benefits of a Sikh-based program.

Overview: Although there are some similarities between Sikh rehab and non-faith-based rehab, there are some pretty big differences as well.

Faith-based rehabs, like Sikh programs, use evidence-based treatment methods as a foundation for recovery, but focus primarily on faith and spirituality. In the case of Sikh programs, that includes making sure treatment methods uphold Sikhism beliefs.

Non-faith-based rehabs are different in that they focus only on science-based treatment services. In other words, there are no religious practices worked into your treatment schedule.

That being said, some non-faith-based treatment centers offer religious treatment tracks, so you don’t necessarily have to choose a rehab facility that is solely dedicated to Sikhism.

Answer: Sikh treatment programs work both science-based and faith-based approaches into your treatment schedule. You may also have access to certain amenities during your treatment program.

Some examples of services, amenities, and activities you may encounter include:

• Inpatient and outpatient programs
• Dedicated time to pray and worship
• Approaches that uphold and respect the three duties and commandments
• 12-step programs adjusted to Sikh beliefs
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Individual and group counseling
• Medical detoxification services, either inpatient or outpatient
• Aftercare services
• Behavioral therapies
• MAT
• Sikh healthcare providers

Sikh addiction treatment centers offer a wide selection of treatment services. Many of them are science-based with opportunities to incorporate Sikh practices and beliefs, while others are faith-based.

Inpatient or Residential Treatment

Inpatient treatment requires individuals to live in a care facility for the duration of treatment in order to provide 24/7 care.

Residential rehab is very structured with a daily schedule. Your schedule will include all of your treatment services, including faith-based ones, and will also likely have scheduled free time during which you can practice any additional religious exercises.

Medical Detox

Medical detoxification is offered in both inpatient and outpatient Sikh rehab programs. The purpose of this treatment service is to help your body process and get rid of any addictive substances.

Detox is performed at the beginning of treatment to ensure you start treatment sober. It’s important to seek out medical detox, as detoxing on your own can be incredibly dangerous.

Your care team is trained to monitor your vitals, help you manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and administer necessary medications during the detoxification process.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

You may also encounter medication-assisted treatment during your Sikh rehab program. MAT is a very effective, evidence based treatment that uses specific medications to treat addiction.

MAT is typically used for opioid addiction and alcohol addiction.

Your care provider will determine a dosage of prescribed medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while decreasing the risk of relapse. Regular follow-ups are needed for MAT.

Outpatient Treatment

Many people enter an outpatient program after completing inpatient treatment or start in an outpatient program if they cannot live outside of their home for an extended period of time.

If you feel you need a higher level of care than outpatient but not quite as high as inpatient, you may opt for outpatient variations like intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) or partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is a special kind of addiction treatment offered at many facilities, including Sikh treatment centers.

In addiction, it is very common to also have a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Mental health issues can make addiction worse or even be the cause of addiction. That’s where dual diagnosis treatment comes in.

Dual diagnosis treats both the physical dependency of addiction and mental illness simultaneously through services like counseling and behavioral therapy.

Counseling and Behavioral Therapy

Counseling is a service that allows individuals to share their thoughts, emotions, and worries related to their journey either one-on-one or in a group. Behavioral therapy, on the other hand, is a type of talk therapy designed to adjust thought patterns and behavioral choices that worsen addiction and encourage drug or alcohol consumption.

Family therapy, which involves therapy between the individual and their family members, is also commonly offered.

Meditation, Prayer, and Other Sikh Practices

Sikh practices are a big focus in Sikh rehab programs. This includes meditation and prayer as practices but also involves upholding the three duties and Sikh commandments.

You may also have free time in your schedule which you can use for religious practices at your discretion.

There are many important beliefs associated with Sikhism, which is why it is vital that a recovery program respects and upholds them.

Important beliefs that treatment should follow includes the three duties:

• Nam Japna: devotion to God at all times
• Kirt Karna: live honestly, maintain integrity, and avoid gambling, begging, or
• working in the alcohol or tobacco industries
• Vand Chakna: charity and caring for others

There are also four commandments of Sikhism:

• Do not cut one’s hair
• Do not harm the body with tobacco or other intoxicants like drugs and alcohol
• Do not eat sacrificial meat
• Do not commit adultery

Sikh rehab programs follow the commandments and support the three duties throughout the recovery process.

Support Groups

Sikh recovery programs also often offer support groups, which are essentially group meetings for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) to discuss their experiences and journey.

A popular support group format is 12-step meetings. Though 12-step meetings were originally designed with Christianity in mind, modern 12-step groups can be adjusted to other faiths.

Support groups are a great opportunity to build a community among your peers and even provide a sense of accountability as you make new friendships.

The cost of Sikh rehab centers is not always straightforward, unfortunately. This is because there are several factors that are considered when determining cost.

The type of treatment offered can affect the cost. You may also find that certain amenities, locations, and treatment lengths are associated with different pricing.

In addition, whether the rehab center is a private rehab center vs a non-profit may play a role.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of a Sikh Rehab Program?

Answer: It’s possible to get insurance coverage for your Sikh substance abuse program. However, coverage is often contingent on several factors.

First, make sure to find a center that is in-network with your insurance plan to receive as much coverage as possible.

Your insurance company may also have some requirements you must meet before they will cover addiction treatment.

These can include an official diagnosis or referral from your primary care provider, receiving a specific treatment type, paying coinsurance or copays, and meeting your deductible prior to treatment.

Answer: After finishing a Sikh rehab program, the next step is often aftercare. Sometimes referred to as continuing care, this service involves any treatment methods you choose to continue after completing your recovery program.

Aftercare is usually tailored to individual needs, so you and your care provider will likely determine what services would be most beneficial for you.

For some people, aftercare includes 12-step meetings, counseling, behavioral therapy, MAT, or moving into sober housing temporarily.

There are countless resources that can help narrow your search for Sikh substance abuse treatment programs in your area.

Some resources for finding Sikh treatment centers include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous – Here, you’ll be able to find 12-step meetings for alcohol addiction near you.
• Narcotics Anonymous – Here, you’ll find 12-step meetings for other substance addictions in your area.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – This confidential and anonymous treatment locator developed by SAMHSA makes it easy to find addiction treatment anywhere in the country.
• RehabNet.com – Be sure to browse our treatment center lists by state. You’ll find important information like contact and insurance details, accreditations and certifications, and religious track options.

Sikhism is a very popular religion and, as such, there are widespread addiction treatment options for Sikh people. The benefits of a Sikh treatment program are countless and can apply even for those who are not already religious.

If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step in the journey toward recovery, give our helpline a call today.