Faith-Based Treatments approach Addiction from a spiritual perspective.

There are few families in America or the world that are not affected by drugs or alcohol. To make matters worse, there are more instances of dual addiction now than ever before. Very rarely do I meet someone who has just learned I am a recovering alcoholic that they don't tell me a story about a family member who is in trouble with drugs,alcohol or both.I always assure them with the proper treatment their loved one can again enjoy a happy, healthy, and productive life.

Today let me say a few words about recovery focusing on faith-based treatment programs.

Faith-based treatment programs are almost the same as any traditional recovery program, except a faith-based treatment program will include more instruction on spiritual activities, beliefs, and rituals. There is very little difference when it comes to the overall treatment program of providing a safe and supportive environment, where your loved one will discover why he or she has become an addict and learn how to cope with life without the use of drugs or alcohol.

The first obstacle that most addicts face is admitting they are actually addicts or alcoholics. If a person is not convinced he or she has a problem their chances of full recovery are not good. Let us assume that your loved one has admitted they are in trouble and asks for your help.

Some questions to answer before you choose a rehabilitation facility. Number one does your loved one require detoxification, the process of taking addicts off their drug of choice and then nursing them through their first few days of sobriety. If detoxification is indicated it will eliminate a number of treatment facilities. The process of detoxification can be very dangerous to the patient and requires a facility that has the proper knowledge and staff to monitor this procedure.

Once you have admitted your loved one into a faith-based treatment facility they are well on their way to recovery. The first step, admitting you are addicted and seeking help, is always the hardest one.

Treatment facilities all operate basically the same, so it makes little difference what recovery model they are following, a so-called traditional program or a faith-based model. The day will usually begin early with a substantial breakfast and a few minutes to get ready for the day ahead. A faith-based treatment facility will have a prayer or spiritual guidance session to begin the day.

The rest of the day will include group instruction, private meetings with their personal counselor, meals, free time, more group meetings and finally an evening prayer or spiritual guidance session. I don't mean to gloss over the daily routine but suffice it to say the days are often long, filled with valuable insight, almost always punctuated with laughter and good fellowship.