It can be challenging for Christians to admit to an addiction. So often, we’re brought up with too many “Thou Shalt Nots” and not enough grace. If Christianity is just a checklist of things to do and not do, what is the point?
Christ came to Earth to make it possible for us to change. He also gave us reason to change, to be better, kinder, and more generous people. He offers hope beyond tomorrow, a future without pain or sorrow, a place of peace and love. He called us to serve and support each other, not tear each other down. He asked us to be like him and to call all people into the fold. That’s why if you’re looking for a drug or alcohol rehab center, you should consider the overall attitude of the center before you make a decision.
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Grace or Piety
When it comes to seeking faith-based drug rehab, you don’t want a bunch of pious staff members who look down on you for being broken. We are all broken and mortal. This attitude encourages shame, guilt, and isolation. These feelings make it difficult to heal. Christ said it best:
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5 KJV)
When seeking drug rehab, pay careful attention to the environment and attitude in the center before you sign on the dotted line.
- Do they talk about God’s justice at this critical juncture, or do they see the repentant soul and talk about God’s love and infinite grace?
- Do they say they can fix you or offer to guide you in developing a deeper relationship with the Lord so God can heal you?
- Do they blame you for your weakness as if they never had a weak day in their life, or do they acknowledge that they, too, are broken people doing their best to serve God? Humility compels us to admit we all need God’s grace.
Scripture
A truly Christian rehab center will delve into God’s word. They will use it as a guiding light in therapy, teaching principles that give you direction and providing words of strength, healing, and comfort.
They will also encourage you to read scripture on your own between organized sessions. Nothing brings you closer to God than diving deeply into scripture. It has been wisely said that when you want to talk to God, you pray. When you want God to talk to you, turn to scripture.
Starting scripture study for the first time, or after a long absence, is difficult but worth it. If you practice scripture study daily, it gets easier, and you learn to love those moments with God every day.
Prayer
Christian therapists can use prayer for insight into how to help individual patients make breakthroughs. They can lead you to pray for others in treatment, especially when a member of the group is struggling. They can teach you to access God’s power through earnest communication, complete transparency, and humility.
You can pray to call on the angelic cavalry when you’re in trouble. You can pray for comfort when you struggle with withdrawal, pain, frustration, anger, hopelessness, and fear. You can pray to confess the darkest secrets of your hearts, the desires you wish you didn’t have for substances that wreak havoc on your life.
Over time, prayer can change your heart, making you more forgiving of others, more lavish in praise, more likely to express love, more willing to serve, and more patient when people don’t meet your expectations. You can learn to see people the way God sees them, bit by bit, until your love for others is genuine and spontaneous.
Religious Service
A Christian center will encourage church attendance, either in or out of the center. They may have a pastor present or call in the local religious leaders of your choice. This connection to people who help your budding testimony can keep you grounded and provide a much-needed support system when you leave the center’s care and reenter the real world.
Conclusion
If you need a drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation center in Utah or Idaho, a center supported by Christian principles and led by humble servants of God can give you the most significant chance for lasting change. It can provide you with purpose moving forward. Yet, it has to be a center with staff who truly believe what they preach. Only those who know God’s love can help others find it. You should feel accepted, supported, and valued when you walk in.
If you’re ready for change, find a center built on solid Christian principles with earnest practitioners to help you find lasting sobriety.