Christian and Faith-Based Rehab in Mississippi

What Is Faith-Based Rehab?

A faith-based rehab  is a treatment program that focuses on spirituality or religion as a fundamental aspect of treatment.² Traditional treatment programs often utilize a combination of evidence-based practices to treat substance use disorders, including various types of therapy, counseling, medications, and more.³ While most faith-based programs employ similar treatment approaches, they also supplement care with spiritual or religious practices and/or philosophies. Treatment with faith-based components integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Some programs may focus on a specific religion, such as Christianity, while others might encourage reflection on the spirit .²

While not everyone benefits from faith-based rehab, several studies show that religious involvement and spiritual support can aid in addiction prevention and recovery.² Research suggests that people who participate in faith-based treatment usually have lower levels of anxiety as well as enhanced resilience, optimism, coping, and social support.¹

Many inpatient and outpatient facilities offer faith-based programs as part of their treatment approach. Following treatment, you can often find faith-based support groups and 12-Step programs hosted by religious and community organizations. One such faith-based group is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which uses its 12-Step program to encourage a “spiritual awakening” that aids in treating addiction.⁴

Although AA promotes belief in a higher power, the faith aspect is more about having trust or confidence in someone or something other than yourself versus a specific religion.⁵ People in recovery gather via AA to connect with and learn from others with similar struggles. As people go through the steps, they learn to remain sober while growing personally and spiritually.

In addition to inpatient and outpatient rehab centers and AA, faith-focused recovery groups are also available through Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Marijuana Anonymous (MA), and many other organizations.

Signs You May Need Rehab

Deciding whether to seek treatment—be it at a secular or faith-based rehab—can be difficult. It’s helpful to reach out to your primary care physician or an addiction specialist to aid your decision-making. These professionals are the only individuals qualified to assess whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for addiction. That said, it can be helpful to understand the criteria they use to identify substance use disorders.

While some substances have unique diagnostic criteria, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines the following criteria for substance use disorders:⁶

• Taking the substance for longer periods of time or in larger amounts than intended.
• Being unable to cut down or stop substance use.
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of the substance.
• Experiencing cravings or intense desires or urges for the substance.
• Failing to fulfill obligations at home, work, or school due to substance use.
• Continuing substance use despite having interpersonal or social problems that are caused or worsened by substance use.
• Giving up social, recreational, or occupational activities due to substance use.
• Using the substance in risky or dangerous situations.
• Continuing substance use despite having a physical or mental problem that is probably due to substance use.
• Tolerance or needing more of the substance to achieve previous effects.
• Withdrawal, meaning that unpleasant symptoms occur when some stops or drastically reduces use of the substance.

What to Expect in Faith-Based Rehabs in Mississippi

At its core, faith-based alcohol and drug rehab in Mississippi and elsewhere is similar to traditional treatment programs, and it incorporates the typical levels of care as described below. However, depending on the program, it may also include potentially mandatory religious services, prayer groups, time devoted to the study of religious texts, or other activities designed to strengthen patients’ relationships with their faith.⁷

Addiction recovery looks different for everyone, but the following levels of care are common components of most rehab programs:³

• Detox. Medically managed detox, which is available in both inpatient and outpatient settings, is often the first step in treatment, as it helps patients to withdraw from substances as safely and as comfortably as possible under the supervision of medical professionals.
• Inpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab involves 24/7 care and support for patients who live in the facility for this portion of treatment. Patients often participate in individual counseling, behavioral therapies, pharmacotherapy, support groups, and more.
• Outpatient rehab. With outpatient rehab, patients receive care similar to that of inpatient rehab, just at a lower intensity and while living at home. Outpatient options include traditional outpatient care, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).
• Aftercare. Aftercare can help people stay focused on recovery while promoting long-term sobriety. Sober living homes, ongoing therapy, and support groups are some aftercare options.
• Telehealth. Telehealth allows patients to receive treatment from doctors, therapists, and other mental health professionals via phone or computer communications.

Does Insurance Cover Faith-Based Rehab in Mississippi?

Insurance typically covers faith-based rehabs in Mississippi—as well as secular and nonsecular treatment throughout the U.S.—at least to some extent. Your coverage and out-of-pocket expenses can vary based on multiple factors, such as your plan type, deductible, co-pays, etc. However, laws such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) protect your access to quality substance use disorder and mental health services.^8,9

The ACA requires insurance companies to cover essential health benefits such as mental health and substance use disorder treatment.⁸ And under the MHPAEA, insurance companies must offer equal access to both physical health services and mental health and SUD benefits at fair prices.⁹

Cost of Faith-Based Rehabs in Mississippi

The cost of faith-based rehabs in Mississippi can differ based on many factors unique to your situation, such as:

• Level of care.
• Duration of treatment.
• Facility amenities.
• Location.
• Type of payment (e.g., private insurance, self-pay, financing, sliding-fee scales, grants, etc.).

Finding Faith-Based Rehab in Mississippi

Several options for faith-based rehab are available throughout Mississippi. Among them, Oxford Treatment Center in Etta, MS, is a fully accredited, leading provider of evidence-based care.

Nestled on 110 acres of wooded land, Oxford Treatment Center provides various levels of care—including an optional faith-based track. To learn more about Oxford, visit its website and/or contact an admissions navigator at to discuss everything from treatment types and therapies to faith-based drug and alcohol rehab, payment options, and more. If you have insurance, you can also verify your benefits online.

To find additional drug and alcohol treatment centers in Mississippi and throughout the country, visit FindTreatment.gov, a tool offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It allows users to filter by a host of criteria, including special programs, location, payment types, age groups, and more.