The Benefits of Catholic Drug Rehab

 

The decision to seek treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is an important first step, but not all drug users and alcoholics are the same. Although the treatment of a chemical addiction is important, there are mental and even spiritually based problems that need to be addressed.

Basics of Catholic Drug Rehab

Catholic drug rehab facilities and programs take patients through the detox and rehab process, but add faith-based principles of the Catholic religion for a more well-rounded treatment. A patient who checks into one of these rehab programs can expect to attend:

  • Regular Bible study sessions
  • One-on-one counseling sessions with pastors or other ministers of the Catholic faith
  • Church services of the Catholic church
  • Sermons and lectures based on the Catholic faith
  • Candlelit prayer and meditation services
  • Faith-guided 12-step programs

Methods of Treatment

Most drug and alcohol addiction stems from psychological and mental issues that have not been addressed. There is no faster avenue to get to the heart of these issues than faith-based treatment. When patients enter into Catholic drug rehab programs, they understand that they will have to address the deeper issues that have caused their addiction. This is the hardest part of recovery for most. The problem is addressed in a few different ways.

Spiritual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological therapy that sets goals for self improvement by changing the way a patient thinks and leading them to different, healthier behavior patterns.

One of the negative aspects of most rehab programs is the insistence on referring to patients as addicts or alcoholics with an incurable disease that they will have to manage for the rest of their lives. Catholic drug rehab programs empower the individual with the ability to change their own lives with the support of their higher power. Patients are encouraged not to see themselves as sick or diseased, but fully capable of turning their lives around.

When patients check into a Catholic drug rehab facility, they are given assessments in order to diagnose their drug and alcohol use along with any mental issues associated with them. The results are used to tailor the patient’s treatment to their individual needs.

Family Involvement

While most rehab centers tend to alienate the patient from the outside world, Catholic programs acknowledge the family as the second source of support after God. The patient is encouraged to recover and better themselves in order to bring joy and relief to family members, friends or significant others who care about them. Some Catholic rehab programs have a time set aside for family members to visit and support loved ones going through the struggle to overcome their addictions.

Continued Support

Continued support is critical after checking out of a Catholic rehabilitation program. There is a high probability of relapse during the recovery process, and a strong support network can help a great deal. This is why patients leaving recovery programs are often enrolled in Intensive outpatient programs (IOP). Patients will attend on certain days of the week for further counseling and to complete their 12-step programs.