Christian and Faith-Based Rehabs in Massachusetts

What is Faith-Based Rehab?

The impact that faith and spirituality can have on substance use disorder recovery has been studied for decades.¹ And some studies indicate a positive correlation between spirituality and reduced relapse rates, a reduction in cravings, and overall success in treatment and recovery.^1,2 

Signs You May Need Faith-Based Rehab

While only a healthcare professional can diagnose a substance use disorder, it can be beneficial to know some of the criteria they use to help you recognize the signs of a substance use disorder in yourself or a loved one.

Clinicians use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5^th Edition, to diagnose a substance use disorder. While this is not a complete list, some of the criteria includes:³

• Taking a substance for longer or in higher doses than intended.
• Wanting to stop using the substance but being unable to do so.
• Spending substantial time acquiring, using, and recovering from substance use.
• Being unable to meet home, work, or school obligations due to substance use.
• Needing more of the substance to get the same desired effect.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when substance use stops or is drastically reduced.

What to Expect in Christian Rehab Centers in Massachusetts

Faith-based programs use a spiritual approach to addiction recovery. Participants in these programs are encouraged to lean on their faith to gain strength and guidance and to help them rebuild their lives—mind, body, and spirit.⁴

While no two faith-based rehab programs are identical, components may include:⁵

• Counseling done by clergy or counselors who incorporate spiritual beliefs into their practice.
• Mutual-help groups that focus on spirituality as part of the recovery process such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or other 12-Step program.
• Educational sessions and retreats focused on faith and recovery.
• Incorporating worship into the programming.
• Connecting with faith-based community organizations.

While faith-based rehab programs integrate spiritual and/or Christian components into treatment, evidence-based interventions are still utilized.

Addiction treatment looks different for everyone and may involve one or more levels of care, including:^6,7

Detoxification. Medically managed detox allows the body to rid itself of the substance under the supervision of healthcare professionals, who can keep patients safe and as comfortable as possible. Detox, which can take place in inpatient or outpatient settings, is often the first step in a more comprehensive treatment program.

Outpatient programs. Outpatient programs offer patients flexibility, allowing them to come to the facility for treatment—which generally includes a combination of psychoeducation, individual and group counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication (if necessary)—but return home or to a sober living environment at the end of each day. Options include traditional outpatient care, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), also called day treatment.

Inpatient or residential treatment. Inpatient and residential programs offer patients round-the-clock care as well as room and board for the duration of their treatment, which, like outpatient programs includes a combination of counseling, behavioral therapies, psychoeducation, and medication (if necessary).

Besides programming centered around faith, some rehab centers offer specialized treatment tracks for Veterans, older adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and more.

Cost of Faith-Based and Christian Rehabs in Massachusetts

Treatment costs vary from one program to another and even for individuals within the same program. The factors that affect your cost may include:⁸

• Level of care – inpatient options are generally higher cost than outpatient treatment. Additionally, detox care can add to the overall cost. Which level of care is recommended for a specific person is based on assessments that are completed with them to assess their needs, risk factors, and readiness for treatment.
• Length of stay – the duration of a person’s treatment can impact costs.
• Amenities and additional services – the extras that are offered typically have additional fees.
• Location – if you can live in your own home and avoid the costs of room and board, this will often decrease the cost of treatment.
• Individual insurance coverage – the amount your policy covers and whether or not the program you want to utilize is considered in-network can change how much a person is billed for their treatment. In-network providers have contracted with an insurance company to provide services. It is generally less expensive to utilize in-network services than out-of-network.

Does Insurance Cover Faith-Based Christian Rehabs in Massachusetts

Both state and private insurance often cover part or even all of an individual’s treatment for substance use. Healthcare Marketplace plans are required to cover treatment for substance use disorder, including when the substance misuse is a pre-existing condition.¹² Insurance companies are also not allowed to restrict coverage of treatment for substance use disorder more than they would for physical health conditions.¹⁵ It is a good idea to reach out to your insurance carrier to confirm if the treatment program you wish to use is covered if it is considered in-network, and what the estimated covered amount would be. It is also possible, in many cases, to arrange financing and private pay.

Finding Faith-Based and Christian Rehab in Massachusetts

If you are looking for a faith-based program, you may want to ask potential treatment programs for specific details of how they provide faith-based support, such as:

• Do they offer faith-based recovery groups?
• Are there clergy on staff?
• Is spirituality incorporated into counseling?
• Are participants encouraged to complete prayer or daily devotions as part of their recovery?

It is also important to know that a faith-based program might incorporate the concept of spirituality in general, while not specifically implementing a Christian framework. For example, AdCare Massachusetts offers faith-based and spiritual programming that includes AA and NA programs. It is not specifically a Christian-based program but instead focuses on supporting the individual faith of each patient. If it is important to you to center your recovery around your specific religious views, you may find it helpful to speak to your spiritual leader within your house of worship for suggestions.