Religion-based therapy is a type of therapy that is based on religion. While some people might find Christian concepts difficult to grasp, others find that they are a straightforward way to maintain a sense of self-acceptance. In the process of reconciling with their past, Christians can achieve a sense of happiness and inner peace if they are open to accepting grace and forgiveness to achieve sobriety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular therapy for depression and anxiety that helps people re-evaluate their thoughts and behaviors. It’s a highly effective treatment for mental illnesses, but there’s still much to learn about the service. Now Christian therapists have combined it with theological beliefs to create a new modality that they call “RCBT,” or religiously integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (RCBT).
How RCBT Therapy Works
RCBT helps people with anxiety, depression, and other mental conditions by tackling the root causes of these negative thoughts to help them improve their mental well-being and overall happiness. This therapy concurs with the goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, which is to help people recognize and change patterns of negative thinking that lead to anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders. Although CBT has been popularized as a treatment for depression and anxiety, it can also be used to help people struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues.
However, RCBT adds another layer to CBT by contextualizing everything based on religious texts or everyday faith-based experiences. For instance, if a rehab patient has just shared their challenging personal story about their addiction, then the therapist might remind them that In the Bible, Job is referred to as a man who “held fast his integrity even though he suffered terrible losses” (Job 1:1).
Studies on the Efficacy of Christian Rehab
Several studies found that RCBT has benefited those who identify themselves as Christians. Faith-based and spiritual practices have a long history of having a therapeutic impact. There are many benefits to maintaining a religious practice. These can include feelings of peace and security, joy, and hope. Also, for many people with mental health issues, it can be challenging to find acceptance among friends and family who don’t share a Christian perspective.
In one study, researchers found that participants reported higher levels of happiness and satisfaction when they had the same religious beliefs as others in their group. Participants in the study reported that achieving long-term sobriety and staying away from drugs appeared easier to do because so many people who shared their religious convictions were on the road to recovery. Another study, examining the role of spirituality and religion in the cases of several recovering addicts, found that maintaining a higher power in conjunction with other positive factors significantly increased success. Researchers estimated that faith-based recovery programs reduced the chance of relapse by 40%.
12-Step Programs
The precedent for the success of religion-based therapy was set by 12-step recovery programs, therapy, and organizations that exist for a variety of faiths, including Christianity. As the name implies, these programs and organizations teach the essential steps to recovery by providing support after an individual has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder or other addiction.
Alcoholics Anonymous, originally based on Christian teachings, has been able to reach successful encourage sobriety in millions of people since it was founded in the 1930’s. This is one of the most popular 12-step programs for alcohol addiction. An anonymous group of people who have been affected by alcoholism, AA focuses on spiritual development and treatment. It encourages members to give up their old lives and replace them with a new life under the guidance of God, or a Higher Power.
Christian Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab
Christian inpatient drug rehabs are designed with a specific population of patients in mind. These centers focus on the spiritual needs of their patients, since the majority of those seeking rehabilitation are deeply religious people. These patients believe that Christ is instrumental in their recovery because He is the only sincere hope for healing.
Christian Outpatient rehab continues the process of emotional healing and coping skills learned during an inpatient rehab program. The benefits of inpatient healing are reinforced in outpatient rehab programs through 12-step treatment options. Christian rehabilitation programs help those struggling with addiction to avoid relapse. Many people choose this route because it offers them a supportive environment where they can continue their recovery journey.
We would love to hear from you! If there’s anything we can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to hear Christians who want to achieve sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call us at 844-844-3463. We can help you find a Christian-oriented and faith-based rehab treatment program for you.