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Opting for a Non-Faith Based Drug Rehab Program Why Some Choose a Non-Religious Recovery Option One of the most important aspects for any drug rehabilitation program is the fact that it makes people feel comfortable. When a patient feels comfortable, the likelihood of the patient opening up during recovery, making lasting changes for the future, coming to terms with the addiction process and understanding how to keep destructive impulses and cravings at bay will all increase. Being in recovery can help forge connections with others and learn how to transition into ‘normal’ life when they leave the facility.
Many of the programs throughout the nation use the same format first used in Alcoholics Anonymous. All of the steps of this process are codified in the “Big Book” of recovery. Even though this method may prove successful for some, others have indicated that they are uncomfortable with the fact that these steps seem rather close to taking on a religious concept with not enough emphasis on actual recovery.Understanding the DiscomfortThere is no denying that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has a history of religious tradition. The initial founders emphasized “universal spiritual values in daily living.” Some have suggested that many of the 12-steps are religious in nature. Some of the values that have an overtly religious tone include:Spread the word Improve the connection to a Higher Power Turn your life to the control of a Higher Power Appeal to a Higher Power for help Get Help Now!800-536-1459FIND YOUR PERFECT METHOD Understand the different recovery methodologies available.EXPANSIVE OPTIONS
Each recovery option offered is first carefully reviewed & selected just for you.IT’S 100% SAFE & CONFIDENTIALWe safeguard any and all information and keep it 100% safe.Even though many proponents will point out the fact that these steps do not use the word “God” (rather opting for “Higher Power”), this is not likely to be enough for its detractors. For example, certain group meetings may begin with prayer and others may come in to provide testimony as to how the program has managed to change their lives. Anyone who grew up with the Evangelical Christian and Baptist movement will consider these elements rather familiar. As a result, it may make some people who do not share these beliefs quite uncomfortable. Non-Religious Alternative Options Because recovery options run on an independent basis, it means that they can approve their own methods as they establish themselves. This means customizing their program in such a way that it takes the use of a Higher Power out, perhaps not including prayer before or during meetings. This is one of the reasons that people opt for inpatient facilities for addiction that have a twelve-step element but do not contain overt religious messages.However, for many others, those seemingly minor adjustments are not enough to persuade them. Many find the entire twelve step process to be religious in nature and decide that they want an alternative format, opting for a non-faith based recovery program instead. Because AA and NA have such religious undertones, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California determined in 2008 that forcibly attending Alcoholics Anonymous would cross the separation between church and state.Affiliation IssuesCountless studies have proven that recovery options only work if a patient believes in it and feels compelled to continue with that particular treatment. If a person feels uncomfortable with the discussion, or feels uncomfortable with potential support groups, it may become uncomfortable for them to attend these types of meetings. Simply put, if a person feels as though the information presented is relevant to them, the odds of them continuing upon the same road to recovery, increase dramatically.Studies have shown that the issue of religion is the defining issue, something that makes patients either less likely or more likely to continue their process. A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol revealed that almost 36% of those participants who attended Alcoholic Anonymous meetings felt negatively about their attendance. The study stated that the appeal to a Higher Power made many people feel uncomfortable. Perhaps some of those patients continue to attend meetings, but with such cognitive dissonance about the actual treatment itself, it is safe to assume that their attendance will not continue indefinitely even if the results appear promising.Of course, it is important to note that religion is not the only complaint that keeps people from attending these programs. Some obstacles that patients face have nothing to do with religion. For example, those who resisted treatment were sometimes simply not ready for a change according to a study published in the journal Substance Abuse and Misuse. Sometimes patients do not take the program seriously or do not believe they need help.Benefits of Non-Faith Based RehabThere are several reasons why patients may choose a non
Source: Non-Faith Based Non-Religious Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program