Christian Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs

While many drug and alcohol rehabs embrace elements of Christianity in their programs, some rehabs utilize it as the core aspect of patients’ recovery. In this article, we will provide in-depth information about what to expect in Christian rehab, including the levels of care and evidence-based therapies that may be offered, if you can use insurance coverage for Christian rehab, and how to find a specialty program like this near you. 

What is a Christian Addiction Treatment Program?

A Christian addiction treatment program resembles standard addiction treatment, however it includes a strong emphasis on Christian faith and values across all aspects of care. This specialized offering can be a helpful way for Christians and other spiritually-rooted individuals to receive comprehensive, tailored care as they recover from a substance use disorder. 

Outside of guiding patients in their personal life, Christianity can also aid in the process of recovery. Therefore, Christian rehab for drug and alcohol addiction can be a desirable treatment option for patients for a variety of different reasons, such as:¹

• Improving their relationship with God.
• Acknowledging the important role faith plays in their lives.
• Tying Christian values into their recovery, such as purpose and forgiveness.
• Appreciating the integral way their faith can potentially assist with their recovery.

What Happens During Christian Addiction Treatment Programs?

During a Christian addiction treatment program, patients will explore and address the underlying causes of their addiction by integrating the Christian faith with standard treatment approaches. To do that effectively, a team of clinical professionals will assess each patient at the time of admission to determine a level of care that is most suitable for them and their overall treatment needs.

The potential levels of care that patients may be enrolled in can include the following:

• Medical detox – Provided in a 24/7 supervised setting, medical detox helps a person remain both safe and comfortable while withdrawing from drugs or alcohol. Medical professionals are available around-the-clock and can administer prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms.² Depending on several factors, the detox process can last for several days to a week, and sometimes longer.² 
• Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab – Also referred to as “residential treatment”, inpatient drug and alcohol rehab is a highly supportive level of care where the patient resides onsite and receives 24/7 monitoring, and support.² The length of time a patient remains in inpatient care depends on their own personal progress, however can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.²
• Partial hospitalization rehab programs (PHPs) – Partial hospitalization programs, or “PHPs”, are the most intensive level of outpatient addiction care available. Patients of a PHP partake in about 4 to 8 hours of treatment a day for most days of the week and includes participation in several evidence-based therapies.² 
• Intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs (IOPs) – Like PHPs, intensive outpatient treatment (IOPs) are offered in a non-residential setting where therapy for substance use disorders is offered. Patients typically spend 9 to 20 hours per week at the facility and can continue to live at home while they are treated.²
• Outpatient addiction treatment programs – Patients enrolled in an outpatient program often attend treatment in the evening or over the weekend. This allows them to uphold a job and/or family or household responsibilities while still receiving proper care for their addiction.² 

Treatment Approaches in Christian Rehab Programs

Once it is determined which level of care is the right match for the patient, the clinical team at the facility can begin building out a schedule that includes various treatments designed to promote the patient’s recovery. Christian rehab for alcohol or drugs typically uses evidence-based treatment and therapies that are not specific to Christian rehab, but instead are used across all treatment platforms. 

Some treatment approaches offered at Christian rehab can include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people replace maladaptive behaviors with positive coping skills, anticipate likely problems, and increase self control so they can engage in their daily lives in a more effective manner.³
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which can help reduce out-of-control and self-harming behaviors, build distress tolerance, improve relationships with others, and regulate emotions successfully.⁴
• Motivational interviewing, which aids patients in resolving their ambivalence about getting help and gets them actively participating in their recovery.³
• EMDR therapy, which is a specialized type of treatment designed to help people process distressing thoughts, behaviors, and emotions related to traumatic events and utilizes rapid eye movements to achieve these and other goals.⁵ 
• Contingency management, implements recreational, familial, vocational, and social reinforcers and material rewards to promote desired behavioral changes.³
• Individual counseling, where patients meet with a counselor on a 1-on-1 basis to work on issues and concerns specific to them and their experiences.²
• Group therapy, where patients gather to share experiences and gain support from each other during sessions led by a trained therapist.²
• 12-Step programs, which involve working through the 12 Steps of recovery with the assistance of a sponsor and reliance on God or a higher power.²

In addition to these therapies, patients may also participate in therapies and activities that are based solely in Christianity, such as group Bible studies, prayer and meditation, Christian peer counseling, and fellowship groups. 

What Happens After Completing a Christian Addiction Treatment Program?

Recovery is a lifelong process. Therefore, patients can benefit from some form of aftercare (or “continued care”), which is a less intense form of treatment that can support continued success in recovery.² Your aftercare plan may include different components determined by your personal needs and preferences.

Some common examples of aftercare at Christian rehab facilities include:

• Aftercare programs with a Christian focus.
• 12-Step meetings with Christian elements.⁶
• Sober living, which is a form of recovery housing that helps support people as they transition back to their daily lives.²
• Christian-based individual counseling.
• Support groups at your local church or house of worship.

Does Health Insurance Cover Christian Addiction Treatment Programs?

Health insurance should cover Christian addiction treatment programs, at least in part. Substance use and mental health treatment are considered essential health benefits (EHBs) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which means that Marketplace insurance providers are required to offer some type of coverage for these services.⁷

As plans vary, you should consult your insurance provider to check your specific benefits. Alternatively, you can call American Addiction Centers (AAC) at to speak to an admissions navigator who can instantly verify your health insurance coverage for rehab.

Finding a Christian Rehab Program Near You

AAC offers Christian programs at two of our rehab facilities: Oxford Treatment Center and Greenhouse Treatment Center. People seeking Christian rehab can benefit from these programs because we emphasize evidence-based treatment that is consistent with Biblical principles, offer Christ-focused activities to help restore or support your faith, and provide Christian counseling to guide your recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please call us at any time of day or night. Our admissions navigators are standing by to answer any questions you may have about rehab, help you find the right program for your needs, and verify your insurance coverage for Christian rehab.