Christian-Based Alcohol Abuse Treatment Vs Traditional 12-Step Programs

Christian-Based Alcohol Abuse Treatment Vs Traditional 12-Step Programs

Alcoholism and drug addiction can afflict anyone. It knows no discrimination when it comes to age, gender, social status, or location. Most people have experienced it in some form or another, whether directly going through treatment on their own or by helping someone else deal with their own indiscretion. For the devout Christian, though, this can be a very difficult process because it can often feel a bit like failing to live in God's word. However, it is important to remember that mortals are fallible and can receive God's forgiveness by making things right. For the Christian dealing with alcoholism, though, getting Christian-based alcohol abuse treatment can be very effective.

Christian-based alcohol abuse treatment works, first of all, because addiction is often considered a spiritual disease. Regardless of the program, it is very common for counselors to describe that addiction is a deficiency of spirit or a lack of soul. This seems to be something that many people who deal with addiction can relate to. The process of recovery is indeed a spiritual awakening of sorts, helping people to find a spiritual base where they can lay their personal problems and shortcomings. As the old adage goes, everyone has their cross to bear, but in a Christian recovery program, Jesus becomes the bearer, allowing a patient to be fully filled with the Holy Spirit.

It is very easy for alcohol abuse treatment in the Christian vein to follow this spiritual program because the original 12 step program, Alcoholics Anonymous, is based in the understanding that faith is the key to successful recovery. In fact, the main principle to success in AA is found in the second of the twelve steps, which states that "only a Power greater than ourselves will restore us to sanity." Indeed, this concept of faith is what allows alcoholics and addicts to continue progressing through the steps on their way to full recovery.

While the 12 step program is indeed very well suited for Christian-based alcohol abuse treatment, many treatment centers utilize every treatment method that is at their disposal. While all of their patients may have religion in common, though, not all of them will respond equally to 12 step programs. There are several other disciplines that can be implemented along with or in place of the traditional 12 step program, which equips counselors and practitioners with as many tools as possible to help everyone who walks through their days to the best of their ability.

Christian-based alcohol abuse treatment is not only appropriate for people who follow the Western religion, but for people of many different persuasions. Indeed, classes and counseling can cater to patients of any religion or to those who have no religious affiliation at all. Addiction happens to people of all races, creeds, and familial background. It does not discriminate against gender or age or religious affiliation, and neither does recovery, so why should a good recovery program discriminateall The truth is, it doesn't have to if it is done the right way.