why do some people become super religious after substance abuse rehab?

Many people suffering from addiction blame their higher power for their disease and suffering. These religious doubts can cause a deep spiritual scar. In order to truly heal, you will need to work through your spiritual doubts and reconnect with God.

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Does religion play a role in substance addiction?

Feb 25, 2009 · Because the underlying need/cumpulsion to do drugs has not been addressed. Not only do ex-users/addicts become addicted to religion but they also become addicted to other drugs (prescription), caffeine, sugar, tobacco, exercise, eating, shopping…the list goes on and on.

Do spiritual recovery programs for addiction work?

Mar 10, 2022 · Perhaps because religious belief and substance addiction have surprisingly similar neurological mechanisms, the risk factors that compel a person toward drug and alcohol use might overcome, or play into, the function of faith and spirituality. In “God Forbid!

What is a faith-based addiction and religion recovery center?

Besides the fact that one of the most successful drug rehabilitation programs include admitting powerlessness and giving over authority to a higher power - The experience of a believer in Christianity is in some ways a lot like the experience of escaping drug addiction. It is about repenting and leaving one's own sins while God does the work.

How can religious leaders address the problem of substance abuse?

Feb 11, 2002 · The one-third of prison inmates who participate in religious activities exhibit lower rates of recidivismand recidivism is due almost entirely …

What are the three most common triggers for relapse for substance abuse?

What Are the Most Common Relapse Triggers?Exposure to drugs or alcohol. ... Emotional highs or lows. ... Rekindling old relationships. ... Places you used to use drugs and/or alcohol. ... Special events. ... Certain objects.Oct 20, 2020

How does substance abuse change the brain?

After repeated drug use, the brain starts to adjust to the surges of dopamine. Neurons may begin to reduce the number of dopamine receptors or simply make less dopamine. The result is less dopamine signaling in the brain—like turning down the volume on the dopamine signal.

How does God deal with addiction?

He promises to support his children and deliver them from all the obstacles that aim to defeat them. Your addiction is an obstacle, not a brick wall. It is a bump in the road, not the end of your journey. God loves you no matter what you do, even through your addiction.Aug 8, 2018

How does religion influence substance abuse?

Faith's Relationship with Substance Abuse Among Adults. The 2001 National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse study found that the adults who do not consider religious beliefs important are more than three times more likely to binge on drinks and almost four times more likely to take illicit drugs.Jul 29, 2019

How long does it take for brain chemistry to return to normal?

Generally, though, it may take up to two weeks for the brain's chemistry to return to normal after experiencing extended periods of alcoholic blackout.

What drugs can cause permanent brain damage?

Different drugs can have neurotoxic and destructive effects on brain cells. Substances that are associated with neurological damage include but are not limited to alcohol, heroin, amphetamines, marijuana, opioids, inhalants, and cocaine.Jan 7, 2022

What the Bible says about overcoming addiction?

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." "Be sober-minded; be watchful.Jun 5, 2020

What does the Bible say about addiction recovery?

Thessalonians5:6-8. “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”Oct 1, 2020

What the Bible Says About Recovery?

"Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." "And the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all." "'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord."Mar 27, 2020

Does spirituality serve as a protective factor against substance use?

The most significant aspect of spirituality is that it counteracts self-rejection and derogation, creating a positive sense of self. It permits creating personal norms that decrease or inhibit substance use (Hodge, Cardenas, & Montoya, 2001).

What does God say about drugs?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 These lines speak to taking care of your body. You should not harm that which was created by God in His image. Substance abuse of any kind certainly harms the body and the mind. It can also lead to self-harming and even death.Jul 25, 2020

Why is faith important in recovery?

When you have faith in something, it can be a powerful and reassuring feeling that is difficult for negative feelings to take over. It means that regardless of what happens, you have confidence that it will work out—that your faith will lead you to your desired outcome.Feb 20, 2020

How long do addicts stay sober?

Some statistics for inpatient treatment plans show that: Out of 73% of addicts who completed treatment, 21% remain sober after 5 years. Out of 51% of addicts who completed residential treatment, 21% remained sober after 5 years. Out of 43% of addicts who completed outpatient drug-free treatment, 18% remained sober after five years.

How many religious congregations are there in the US?

Religion is an important matter and in the matters of addiction, recovery, and relapse it is very relevant; as there are more than 350,000 religious congregations in the United States, a total of 95% of Americans have some religious faith, and research has shown that spiritual persons are less likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs.

What is Christianity based on?

Christianity is based on relieving oneself of one’s sins, by confessing and repenting for them. Some verses from the Bible that could be studied, or prayed upon, which might free one from the sins of addiction include: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.

Which religion is the oldest?

Another Eastern religion is Hinduism, with billions of followers the world over, it is the third largest religion and is in fact recognized as the oldest known religion. One of the pieces of this religion is so successful that people in all walks of life practice it to the degree that is has become a health and self-improvement fad, yoga.

What does the Bible say about temptation?

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. “. [1 Corinthians 10:13] Whoredom, wine, and new wine, which take away the understanding. “.

How many followers does Judaism have?

Judaism began as early as 2000 BCE, and today has approximately 14 million followers, and 3.5 billion others follow religious beliefs that are directly influenced by Judaism, such as Christianity and Islam. In Judaism, like Islam, they believe that there is only one God.

Is alcohol a sin in Islam?

In the Islamic religion, the use of drugs and alcohol is forbidden, addiction is viewed as a sin. The Quran is the Book they turn to for guidance in life and through addiction, the “ Six Articles of Faith ” summarizes Islamic beliefs about God, angels, prophets, the afterlife, and predestination. The purpose of life is to live in a way pleasing ...

Why do religious people use drugs?

Why do religious people use drugs? At an extreme end of the spectrum, people who have left their respective religions consider spiritual devotion to be a form of addiction in and of itself. The language used to describe the feeling of enjoying the effects of drug and alcohol – pleasure, joy, security, happiness, comfort – is the same used when talking about the benefits of corporate religious worship. People distancing themselves from their religious communities discuss experiencing withdrawal in the same way that discontinuing drug use induces distressing psychological effects. Pacific Standard magazine notes one person who writes of anxiety and mood disorders as a result of separating from “years of being obsessed with finding the assurance of personal salvation.” [6]

Why is religion important in counseling?

Religious belief has often been a topic of discussion in counseling and therapy, as to whether it can provide patients with a foundation for better mental health. The same dynamic has been examined in substance abuse rehabilitation, and many faith systems have models for providing patients with a structure for healing and self-improvement.

Who is Mohamed Ghilan?

Mohamed Ghilan, a Canadian Muslim, wrote that the idea of a Muslim who maintains a practice of the Islamic faith while still struggling with substance abuse can seem so unfathomable to members of their community, that those who do suffer with addiction can feel pushed to the margins by other friends and family members.

Why do Jews drink wine?

Drinking wine as part of religious rituals begins early in life for many Jews, a symbol of the long history of wine in Judaism. For 5,000 years, faithful Jews have been making and drinking wine as part of their sacred and traditional meals.

Is alcohol a moral failing?

In the past, most traditions considered chronic alcohol abuse or drug addiction to be a moral failing or a sin. Some of the central sociological concepts of a religious tradition, such as meaning and righteousness, predate the modern scientific understanding of addiction.

Why is religion important in recovery?

Religion and spirituality can be important, sometimes determinative, companions to the treatment and recovery process. Many recovering alcoholics and addicts attribute their motivation to seek treatment and their ability to maintain sobriety to their religious beliefs and the support of a community of believers.

What percentage of the clergy are concerned about substance abuse?

Of the priests, ministers and rabbis surveyed, 94 percent of front-line clergy and 98 percent of theology school presidents consider substance abuse and addiction an important problem in their congregations. Yet only 12.5 percent of clergy received any training about substance abuse during their theological studies. Only 36 percent said they preach a sermon addressing the issue more than once a year. (I have attended Mass more than 4,000 times during my life and I can remember only once hearing a priest discuss the subject in a sermon, the Rev. Thomas Bennett of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Washington Depot, Conn.) These survey responses are deplorable, since alcohol and drug abuse are so tied to child and spousal abuse, violent crime, rape, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, family breakup and divorce, school dropout and failure, debilitating accidents and job lossall problems that clergy confront every day among their congregations.

What is the CASA report?

The CASA report, which includes unprecedented surveys of clergy and heads of schools of theology, documents the enormous power of God, religion and spirituality in preventing and treating substance abuse. Adults who do not consider religious beliefs important are more than one-and-a-half times more likely to smoke, ...

Do college students binge drink?

College students with no religious affiliation are more likely to binge-drink than those who identify themselves as Catholics or Protestants. The one-third of prison inmates who participate in religious activities exhibit lower rates of recidivismand recidivism is due almost entirely to drug and alcohol abuse.

What percentage of psychiatrists believe in God?

Only 40 percent to 45 percent of mental health practitioners believe in God. Only 37 percent of psychiatrists responded affirmatively to the question, If it were scientifically demonstrated that the use of a spiritual intervention (e.g., prayer) improved patient progress, would you perform that intervention? Only 57 percent of psychiatrists would recommend that a patient consult a member of the clergy. Sixty-five percent of psychiatrists report that religion and spiritual issues were rarely or never included in their training.

Can a psychiatrist be an atheist?

Psychiatrists and other mental health providers are of course free to hold agnostic and atheistic beliefs, but all should be better informed of the potential for God, spirituality and religion to help prevent and treat substance abuse and addiction.

Is alcoholism a gene?

12 years 3 months ago. Alcoholism is a disease, a gene passed on from one generation to the next, not a character defect that can be cured with a pill or by attending Mass. I went to a pastor when first becoming sober and was told that AA used a "generic God," and that I would have to choose the "right" God soon.

How does religion help with addiction?

Religion will play a big role in addiction recovery for those who choose to incorporate a faith component, but it is often paired with other, traditional forms of treatment. Some of these treatment methods include counseling, therapy, and medication.

How does addiction affect your faith?

Addiction will put your faith in jeopardy and make you question your relationship with a higher power. Many people suffering from addiction blame their higher power for their disease and suffering. These religious doubts can cause a deep spiritual scar.

How to become an alcoholic?

The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are meant to be completed in order. You cannot move on to the next step until you have fully grasped the one before it. The 12 Steps are completed in the following order: 1 Admit that you are powerless over alcohol. 2 Believe that a higher power can restore you to sanity. 3 Turn your will and your lives over to the care of God. 4 Take a fearless moral inventory of yourself. 5 Admit your mistakes to God and yourself. 6 Be ready for God to remove all these defects of character. 7 Ask God to remove your shortcomings. 8 Make a list of all the people you harmed in active addiction and be willing to make amends with them. 9 Make direct amends with the people on your list. 10 Continue to take personal inventory and admit when you are wrong. 11 Use prayer and meditation to continually improve your relationship with God. 12 Have a spiritual awakening.

How to make spiritual progress?

meditation. sharing faith with others. remaining teachable. cherishing the little things. giving thanks. reading religious works. These small daily practices will help you make spiritual progress while keeping you grounded in your recovery. “Religion is a day-by-day relationship,” he says.

Is religion good for recovery?

While religion isn’t right for everyone , those who do incorporate spirituality into their recovery display lower levels of anxiety, higher stress tolerance, more optimism and greater perceived levels of social support than others, according to a study by the Center for the Study of Addictions and Recovery.

What is the purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous?

The primary purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous is to help those struggling with alcohol addiction remain sober by guiding them through a series of 12 steps, each designed to help those in recovery grows spiritually and emotionally. The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are meant to be completed in order.

How to move on to the next step?

You cannot move on to the next step until you have fully grasped the one before it. The 12 Steps are completed in the following order: Admit that you are powerless over alcohol. Believe that a higher power can restore you to sanity. Turn your will and your lives over to the care of God.

The Benefits of the Christian Religion for Addiction Recovery

In this post, we discuss religion’s role to assist you with your recovery goals. Religion gives you a sense of purpose, allows you access to a loving and caring community and helps you establish new habits. It’s not surprising to learn that many people who have truly mastered recovery award some of the credit to their religion.

A quick caveat

This discussion praises the role of religion when it comes to addiction recovery. However, this absolutely does not mean religious beliefs are a pre-requisite to succeeding in recovery. Countless people who identify as either atheist or not belonging to any religious group have succeeded in their recovery.

How addiction can weaken your relationship with God

Addiction has a detrimental effect on all your loving relationships. This includes your relationship with your spouse, parents, children, friends, colleagues and of course God. You may even blame God for your illness and associated suffering. Addiction and religious doubts may sometimes go hand-in-hand.

How to practice faith in recovery?

Below, we outline some practical spiritual exercises you may incorporate into your daily life. The below activities will assist your spiritual progression. Remember, religion is as much about what you practice as it is what you believe:

Bible verses that offer guidance and encouragement for your recovery

We now look at some specific Bible verses that may serve to assist you with your recovery. The urge to use drugs and alcohol is clearly temptation. Overcoming temptation is a central theme of all Abrahamic religions.

Some final thoughts

We hope you enjoyed this discussion about the positive role religion may play in your recovery. Whilst faith does play an important role in your recovery, you may still require medical treatment. This is particularly the case if you are addicted to a physically addictive substance such as opiates or alcohol.

What is spontaneous recovery?

The Spontaneous Recovery Studies suffer from differences in the definitions of important terms such as “addiction,” “treatment” and “recovery.”. The use of reports of past behavior and relatively short follow-up periods are problematic as well.

Who is rehab counselor?

Rehab counseling at some centers is often practiced by “veteran counselors” who overcame substance abuse problems of their own. These counselors may fervently believe in their methodology, even as state governments (like Oregon) have started to cast a skeptical eye on some in the industry.

Is there a standard metric for rehabilitation?

The answer is not very straightforward. According to TIME magazine, there is no standard definition of “rehab,” so there is no standard metric of success for rehabilitation centers. Some facilities simply measure how many of their patients complete their programs; others consider sobriety in the follow-up months and years after “graduation” as the threshold for success.

Why are alumni programs important?

Alumni programs provide accountability and allow individuals to remain actively involved in a supportive recovery community. A good rehab will help the individual to cultivate or connect with this type of community during treatment because that gives the individual the best chance for continuity upon leaving rehab.

Is there a 12-step program?

Joining Johnson’s voice, many who object to the rigid principles of 12-Step programs (for example surrendering to a higher power), point to cases of “spontaneous recovery,” as evidence that 12-Step is only one approach in the mix. Many cite a small 1985 Journal of Studies on Alcohol study in which drinkers were able to walk away from their behavior of their own volition via a combination of willpower, developing a physical aversion to alcohol after bottoming out, and experiencing some kind of life-changing experience to support the idea that 12-Step or rehab in general isn’t a must in every case.

What is CARF accreditation?

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, known as CARF, is a nonprofit organization that offers accreditation of rehabilitation and behavioral health centers. In order to receive a CARF accreditation, facilities must meet a variety of requirements.

Is there a cure for addiction?

As addiction is a relapsing, chronic disease, per NIDA, there is no cure. The condition can be managed, and lifetime recovery is possible, but there is no magic treatment that will make addiction disappear.

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Judaism Faith and Addiction Treatment Through Spirituality

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• One doesn’t even have to have a specific religious belief to be accepted at most religious-based rehabs, some are more devout while others are looser in their religious application. The main aspect is that most major religions view addiction as a problem to be overcome, and recovery not only as possible but as achievable.

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