Faith in Recovery

Addiction Epidemic Together

With over 48 million people struggling with substance use disorders in the United States, culminating in over 250,000 annual deaths due to alcohol and drugs, we are in a crisis of epidemic proportions. This crisis must be handled comprehensively and collaboratively among healthcare providers, the church, community health organizations, recovery centers, government agencies, and families. Most in the treatment and recovery areas are saying and doing the right things and have compassion for those struggling.

Evidence-Based and Christ-Centered:
A Better Path to Recovery

Why Faith Matters in Addiction Recovery

We need to address the whole person collectively. Instead, with every passing month, statistical analysis, or research report, we create new focal points that become the new “buzz” terms or phrases within the recovery industry.

Organizations shift focus to these new elements until the next “new” best practices emerge. Perhaps we are chasing a trend over a real solution. Is it the problem, the treatment, or the root cause? Indeed, many of the new treatments and methodologies are positive (although some still need more longitudinal data analysis). However, as we interact with the people suffering from alcohol/substance use disorder (A/SUD) and hear from tens of thousands over the years, we begin to understand that critical to the success of sobriety is the ability to address six major areas (questions) in the life of every person struggling. These areas are not unique to those who suffer but are amplified when we do.

We must address the whole person to be as influential as possible using successful evidence-based practices (yes, Christ-centered programs can be evidence-based). This requires a biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual approach, all four comprehensive elements of a human being. The emphasis on spirituality is missing from much of the governmental or healthcare approaches to the treatment and recovery of an AUD or SUD.

What the Studies and Research Reveal

A study conducted by the White House, which evaluated 138 federally administered programs and identified 35 program areas, found that only 11% of federally funded grants went to faith-based programs. Faith-based programs do matter and do make a difference in recovery.

Another study shows that up to 82% of clients who experienced a spiritual awakening during substance abuse treatment and recovery were completely abstinent at a 1-year follow-up compared with 55% of non-spiritually awakened clients. Another study reveals that in an evaluation of 278 quantitative studies, 86% found that faith reduced the risks associated with alcohol use, abuse, or dependence.

Research shows that individuals in recovery often seek out programs that offer a spiritual focus. Still another study states that 84% of the clients in addiction counseling expressed a desire for a greater emphasis on spirituality in treatment. Adults who attend a religious service weekly are five times less likely to take illicit drugs and seven times less likely to binge drink.

Teens who do not participate in religious services weekly are four times more likely to use illicit drugs and three times more likely to binge drink.

To put it simply, the data shows faith does matter in the lives of those struggling with alcohol or substance use disorders. But why? We believe the answer lies in the biblical worldview to 6 core questions people struggling with substance abuse commonly have.