Christian and Faith-Based Rehab Programs in California
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What Is Faith-Based Rehab?
A faith-based rehab program incorporates a spirituality-based element or religious components as part of treatment.2 These programs still utilize evidence-based interventions—such as individual and group counseling, behavioral therapies, and medications—but by incorporating “meaning and purpose in life” as part of a formal treatment program through peer-based, mutual-help groups or other spiritual and religious practices, individuals may be able to sustain recovery.3 In fact, hundreds of evidence-based studies demonstrate the positive impact of faith on overall health and well-being.2
Treating the whole person—mind, body, and soul—which is at the core of spiritual and religious treatment programs, differ in execution.2 Some encourage spirituality but not religion. These include 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)—both of which are set on spiritual principles and the belief in a higher power—but not linked to any specific religion.4 Other programs are both religious and spiritual, so along with AA or NA, they may also offer worship or prayer based on a specific religion such as Christianity.2
In California, there are 849 substance use treatment centers offering 12-Step programs as part of the addiction treatment approach.5 One of them is American Addiction Centers’ (AAC) Laguna Treatment Hospital in Orange County.
Signs You May Need Faith-Based Rehab
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) lists 11 diagnostic criteria that clinicians use to diagnose the likelihood and severity of a substance use disorder. While only your primary care physician, mental healthcare provider, or other addiction treatment specialist can diagnose a substance use disorder, it can be beneficial to know the criteria, some of which includes:6
- Consuming the substance in larger amounts and for a longer period of time than intended.
- Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of substance use.
- Reducing or discontinuing recreational, social, or occupational activities because of substance use.
- Being unable to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home due to substance use.
- Continuing to use the substance despite knowing that it may cause or exacerbate physical or psychological problems.
- Needing higher doses of the substance to achieve the desired effect, or the usual dose has a reduced effect. This is known as developing tolerance.
What to Expect in Christian Rehab Centers in California
As previously mentioned, Christian rehabs or other faith-based programs typically offer the same services provided in a traditional substance use treatment facility, including behavioral therapies and medications (if necessary).
Where faith-based programs differ is in the additional services provided. These may involve daily prayer, worship, 12-Step mutual-help groups, meditation, and more.
Cost of Faith-Based and Christian Rehabs in California
Since everyone has a unique recovery journey, the cost of a faith-based or Christian rehab in California depends on a number of factors, including:7
- Individual coverage. Your health insurance may cover all or at least a portion of the costs of a faith-based rehab. However, coverage depends on the details in your specific policy.
- How you pay for treatment. If you’re not using insurance to pay for treatment, there may be other options available that determine the cost. For instance, committing to a payment plan, where you pay fixed monthly payments until the balance is paid off may mean that you pay slightly more than if you paid for services in full up front.
- Level of care. An inpatient program, where you receive round-the-clock care, typically costs more than an outpatient program that allows you to return home at the end of treatment each day.
- Duration of treatment. The more time you spend in treatment, which research shows can be hugely beneficial, tends to impact the price.
- Amenities/additional services. Some faith-based rehabs offer exclusive amenities, like yoga classes, access to a pool or fitness center, or an in-house chef. Attending a facility that provides additional services may cost more.
Does Insurance Cover Faith-Based Christian Rehabs in California
Insurance may cover all or at least part of faith-based and Christian rehabs in California, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA protects your rights to proper care for essential health benefits, including substance use and mental health disorder treatment—and requires insurance companies to offer mental health and substance use disorder benefits similar to the coverage provided for medical and surgical benefits.8
Still, your coverage will depend on the details in your plan. Additionally whether the provider you choose is within your network may also impact your coverage.
Finding Faith-Based and Christian Rehabs in California
After a thorough assessment, your healthcare provider can help create an individualized treatment plan and recommend the best level of care for you, which you’ll need when searching for a substance use treatment program.
Besides asking about levels of care, treatment approaches, and amenities, if spirituality or faith is an important component to you, you’ll want to understand how the program incorporates religion into treatment.
Our Laguna Treatment Hospital provides individualized services, like inpatient residential treatment, addiction-focused healthcare, medical detox, and addiction aftercare as well as faith-based and spiritual programming that associates substance use disorder recovery with a higher power through AA and NA mutual-help groups. While Laguna incorporates a 12-Step approach to treatment, it isn’t a Christian-based program. Contact AAC at to learn more about faith-based treatment and other recovery options that might be right for you.
Laguna Treatment Hospital Reviews
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