Protestant Beliefs On Alcohol And Drug Addiction And Rehab

Protestantism is a denomination of the Christian faith. The first Protestants were European dissenters from the Roman Catholic Church who lived during the 16th century. Today, hundreds of millions of Christians throughout the world identify as Protestants, and almost half of Americans affiliate with a branch of Mainline or Evangelical Protestantism, according to the Pew Research Center. Protestant Christianity encompasses a variety of churches and sects, including Anglicans and Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Seventh-Day Adventists, the United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Pentecostals, Reformed Calvinists, and Quakers.

There are a variety of views and beliefs within Protestantism on almost every subject, including alcohol and drug addiction. While many Protestant Christians view addiction as a sin or a moral failing, many others believe that addiction is a disease or a harmful habit to which anyone can fall victim. Regardless of the cause of addiction, most Protestants agree that addiction may be overcome with help from God and from others. Billy Graham, John Piper, R.C. Sproul, Joel Osteen, and numerous other Protestant pastors have taught that anyone can build a new life with freedom from addiction by trusting and following the Lord. This message of hope can inspire a Christian to take the steps necessary to conquer drug abuse.

The Benefits Of Faith-Based Rehab For Protestant Christians

For Protestants and non-Protestants alike, rehab is necessary for breaking the cycle of withdrawal and relapse which perpetuates a typical addiction disorder. Most professional rehab centers offer supervised detox, inpatient and outpatient therapy, and medication. For Protestants who want to involve their faith into recovery, many rehab centers offer Christian-focused programs where patients can participate in prayer, Bible study, church services, fellowship, and counseling with a minister. Some faith-based rehab programs also offer relapse prevention and vocational training.

Several studies have shown that faith can play an important role in helping people handle stress and cravings as they fight addiction. A Christ-centered approach to rehab can make a tremendous impact on a Protestant Christian’s experience with recovery. In fact, Protestants who stay engaged in Scripture and involved in church or a ministry during rehab may find that the process strengthens their Christian convictions. Faith-based rehab may ultimately decrease the likelihood of relapse for a Protestant Christian by tethering recovery to their relationship with God. Additionally, a Protestant who enters a faith-based rehab can remain part of a Christian community as they navigate the challenges of treatment.

12-Step Support Groups For Protestants In Rehab

The classic 12-Step Program which serves as the foundation for Alcoholics Anonymous invokes the intercession of a Higher Power. A Protestant can choose to see this Higher Power as God, or may decide to join a church-based support group with a Bible-based 12-step approach. For example, Evangelical Protestants can join Celebrate Recovery® at one of over 35,000 participating churches, Episcopalians can contact their local chapter of Episcopal Recovery Ministries, and Protestants who consider themselves non-denominational can attend a meeting of Christians in Recovery, Alcoholics for Christ, Alcoholics Victorious, or a similar organization.

Learn More About Rehab Today

Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a major burden, but treatment is an opportunity to take control of your life. If you or someone you know is a Protestant Christian who struggles with substance abuse, take action today and contact a treatment provider to learn more about faith-based rehab programs that could make a difference in your life.