As the challenges of drug and alcohol addiction continue in
the US, there is hope. Individuals who recognize they need help and seek
treatment can enjoy a successful recovery from their addictive behaviors. The healing
power of faith has been shown to be a significant factor in recovery from
addiction. Faith-based recovery can mean the difference for your health and
your life.
The Substance Abuse Crisis
In the US, more than 20 million people over the age of 12
have a substance use disorder. Of those, at least 2 million have an opioid use
disorder, including those who use or abuse prescription pain relievers. The CDC
estimates that 88,000 people die each year from alcohol-related causes, making
alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the country. in
addition, suicide contributes to the death rates of those struggling with a
substance use disorder.
Impact of Faith on Healing
Multiple evidence-based research studies
confirm the positive impact of an individual’s faith on their health and
well-being. Among individuals who are suffering from substance abuse issues,
their addiction and faith-based recovery clearly demonstrate the healing power
of faith.
The research has
found that spiritual support and religious involvement can be integral to an
individual’s ability to deal with substance abuse. In one study, 84% of clients
in addiction counseling expressed a desire for a greater emphasis on
spirituality in their treatment program. Faith not only helps in treatment, but
people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol have shown a lower risk of relapse
in recovery when they are involved in spiritual programs that encourage
fellowship.
A person’s effective
use of the spiritual resources from their faith tradition, known as positive
religious coping, has been determined to contribute to more positive substance
abuse recovery outcomes. One study followed addiction treatment participants
who had been addicted to alcohol. During a period ranging from two weeks to six
months after enrolling in the program, the participants who relied on their
faith to help them cope were less likely to be tempted to drink than those who had
no such beliefs.
In addition, positive
religious coping has been found to be effective when an individual is dealing
with opioid dependence, which is an addiction with high rates of relapse. A research
study found that increased positive religious coping was associated with less
frequent opioid use and more frequent 12-step participation, which further
reinforced the desire to stay in recovery and to stay sober.
Faith-Based
Social Support
The Department of
Health and Human Services for Mental
Health and Substance Use has outlined the steps necessary to combat and
treat substance use disorders, including clinical care, social intervention,
and social support. Faith-based communities and organizations play a large and impactful
role in the necessary social intervention and support for individuals recovering
from an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Part of their effectiveness lies in
their ability to reach beyond the individual and engage the family and the
community in the recovery process.
Sustained Abstinence
in Recovery
Yet another study
points to the fact that religious and spiritual beliefs and practices lead to
lower levels of substance abuse in individuals. In fact, almost 82% of the
clients who experienced a spiritual awakening during their substance abuse
treatment and recovery were completely abstinent one year after completing
treatment, as compared with 55% of those clients who were not spiritually
awakened.
Substance
Abuse Prevention Impact
In addition to the
healing power of faith, it has been determined that faith can actually protect
individuals against developing a substance abuse issue. In a study of over
11,000 adult women, significant reductions in alcohol and drug use by more
religiously active women were found.
A separate
research project showed that both men and women who use prescription opioids
and who are rooted in their faith are less likely to engage in use of multiple medications
or to use medications in combination with alcohol. Of those who participate
actively in their faith, such as attending religious services regularly, a reduced
rate of alcoholism and an increase in subjective well-being has been discovered.
California
Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved
one struggles with a substance use disorder, please contact Celebrate
Hope to learn more about our faith-based addiction treatment program. Our team
helps men and women break the cycle of addiction and begin anew. We rely on the
teachings of Jesus Christ, along with evidence-based therapies to get
individuals on the path of recovery.
