Christian & Faith-Based Rehab Programs: Which Is Right? + Free Quiz

Published: 09/30/2025
using faith based therapy to overcome addiction

Christian counseling and Christian recovery centers offer an option for faith-based therapy and rehab. This type of program integrates Christian beliefs to achieve recovery from a biblically-informed perspective.

While the programs may offer evidence-based techniques, faith-based rehab programs include spiritual counseling, rather than solely focusing on psychological principles. The counseling involved is also usually called Biblical counseling or pastoral counseling.


Is this type of program right for you?

Use this resource to find out: Take the “Is Faith-Based Therapy Right for You?” Quiz


In this article:

  • Types of Christian rehab centers
  • What’s included in faith-based rehab programs
  • Christian addiction treatment options
  • How to choose the right treatment for you

What Is Faith-Based Therapy in Addiction Recovery?

Faith-based counseling adds a spiritual component to addiction recovery. Typically, offering a blend of psychology, spirituality, and scripture.

During Christian counseling, you and your therapist approach addiction and its related challenges from a Biblical counseling perspective. This means you look to scriptures for guidance on how to overcome addiction and find healing.

You may also learn coping mechanisms and recovery strategies that are used in non-faith-based counseling. For example, methods such as behavioral therapy may be incorporated into treatment alongside pastoral counseling.

Spiritual Counseling vs. Secular Counseling

Secular counseling may focus on mental, physical, and emotional aspects of addiction. It applies various psychological or holistic treatment methods to recovery. In other words, it approaches addiction from a purely clinical perspective.

However, spiritual counseling emphasizes that these methods fall short of providing everything you need for recovery. Instead, through faith-based counseling you may also learn about Christian or other religious principles, developing a relationship with Christ, or truths from scripture that lead to freedom from addiction.

In other words, faith-based counseling approaches addiction from a spiritual perspective.

Call now to find recovery programs that offer faith based therapy.

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Christian Counseling for Addiction

Christian counseling for addiction involves Biblical counseling and pastoral counseling approaches. What does this look like?

You may meet with a psychologist or psychiatrist as part of your treatment, but you may also meet with a pastor or other spiritual mentor. It is also possible that your qualified psychologist or psychiatrist is also a Christian.

You’ll examine the root causes of addiction and related issues in your life, looking to Biblical principles to address these problems and overcome them.

Types of Faith-Based Therapy and Rehab Programs

For those who want to incorporate faith in their recovery program, many faith-based rehab programs are available.

Some are designed as overtly Christian rehabilitation programs. Others offer some spiritual components or optional services that address faith-related concerns.

These faith basedfaith-based rehab programs can be long or short term and offer care at various levels of intensity.

Options include:

  • Detox
  • Inpatient faith-based rehab
  • Outpatient faith-based rehab
  • Faith-based sober living homes
  • Aftercare Christian rehabilitation programs

Christian Rehab Centers

Christian rehab centers may offer services that are provided at non-faith-based rehabs, such as detox and therapy. The main difference is that Christian recovery centers also focus on your spiritual growth.

They place an emphasis on finding healing and freedom through Jesus. You are encouraged to learn about Jesus and apply His teachings to your life. At Christian rehab centers, it is through the application of these biblical principles that recovery is achieved.

Faith-Based Inpatient Rehab Programs

Faith-based inpatient rehab provides 24/7 care and support. You live at the facility while receiving a combination of medical and spiritual care.

Daily routines are structured and typically include therapy alongside personal devotional/spiritual development times. You may also participate in Bible studies or other group worship or study sessions.

While these activities focus on spiritual growth, medical professionals address any physical needs you have during or after withdrawal. Clinicians may also be available to prescribe or manage medications while you attend faith-based rehab.

Faith Based Sober Living Homes

Faith based sober living provides a substance-free home environment. It offers a safe space where you can transition from treatment to independent living.

When you complete a Christian based recovery program, you may not have a healthy home environment to return to, or you may need additional support.

Faith based sober living homes are the opportunity to live with others who are in recovery and working toward similar goals. This provides peer support and accountability.

Residents at a faith based sober living home are typically required to contribute to household responsibilities and abide by a curfew and other house rules.

Residents are encouraged to continue spiritual growth through involvement in a local church and daily Bible devotionals. Onsite Bible studies may also be offered.

Addiction Types Treated at Christian & Faith-Based Rehab Centers

Faith-based rehab centers treat the same addictions as traditional rehab. The difference? Faith-based rehabs integrate spiritual counseling, Biblical counseling, and prayer into treatment.

Another potential difference is specialization. Some secular programs target certain addictions or populations. Larger Christian rehab centers, however, may treat a wide range of addictions.

Popular faith-based rehab centers include:

  • Adult & Teen Challenge
  • Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers
  • Calvary Healing Center
  • Mirror Lake Recovery Center

Christian Alcohol Rehab Programs

Christian alcohol rehab offers healing from alcohol addiction through faith-based therapeutic methods. Participants are encouraged to invite God into the healing process.

Treatment at a faith-based alcohol rehab may include:

  • Christian counseling
  • Behavioral therapy – individual and group sessions
  • Bible study
  • Discipleship training
  • Vocational/work readiness programs
  • Aftercare

Christian Drug Rehab Programs

Christian drug rehab can encompass all levels of care. It can provide evidence-based treatment for individuals who want to also include spiritual elements of recovery.

This type of faith-based drug rehab may include:

  • Drug detox
  • Relapse prevention
  • Life skills development
  • Behavioral counseling
  • Worship services
  • Prayer
  • 12 Step programs
  • Pastoral counseling

Christian Detox Programs

Detox is the process of cleansing the body from addictive substances. Christian detox programs offer a safe place to detox, combined with prayer and spiritual counseling support.

Christian detox programs may offer:

  • Alcohol detox
  • Drug detox
  • Medication assisted detox
  • Relapse prevention
  • Group and individual Christian counseling
  • Prayer support

Considering a Christian rehab program?

Find Out if Faith-Based Therapy Fits Your Recovery Journey


Religious Recovery Programs & Support

Faith-based recovery is available through a variety of religious recovery programs. These range from Christian support groups for addiction to AA groups and beyond.

The common denominator? A focus on spiritual aspects of a person’s life and recovery.

Some popular religious recovery programs include:

  • AA
  • Celebrate Recovery
  • Alcoholics for Christ
  • Catholics in Recovery

Christian Support Groups for Addiction

A variety of Christian support groups for addiction are available. These groups offer spiritual accountability among peers who share similar faiths. Group members meet together regularly to share challenges and encouragement. Participants learn together, support one another, and pray for one another.

Popular faith basedfaith-based recovery groups include 12 Step groups such as AA and Celebrate Recovery. Some groups are Christian support groups for addiction, while others are not.

What’s the difference?

Christian support groups for addiction are Christ-centered and faith-based. They specifically identify Jesus as our higher power.

Participation includes Bible study and prayer. Strictly faith-based groups recognize a higher power but do not take a position on heaven, hell and salvation.

AA GroupsChristian 12 Step Groups
Follow 12 Steps of RecoveryFollow 12 Steps of Recovery
Acknowledge a higher powerIdentify Jesus as our Higher Power
Meet in community centers/churches/office buildings/treatment centersMeet in community centers/churches/office buildings/treatment centers
Important literature: Alcoholics Anonymous (The Big Book)Important literature: The Bible
Take no position on eternal salvation/heaven/hellHold strong positions on eternal salvation/heaven/hell

Pastoral & Biblical Counseling in Recovery

Biblical counseling involves one-on-one guidance from clergy. Also called pastoral counseling, this personalized support focuses on spiritual growth and discipleship.

A pastor or other clergy member offers scripturally based counsel and prayer support. The goal is to help the individual grow spiritually and overcome addiction-related challenges.

Participants are encouraged to study the Bible and apply its principles to their lives.

Spiritual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used treatments for addiction. It is a form of talk therapy that helps individuals identify and change problematic thinking and behaviors.

Spiritual cognitive behavioral therapy blends scripture and evidence-based CBT.

Strategies to change thinking and behaviors may include meditation, memorizing scripture, and prayer. The goal is to apply spiritual practices to resolve addiction issues.

Benefits of Christian Addiction Treatment Programs

Research indicates that Christian addiction treatment programs can be highly beneficial both short and long term.

One study revealed that individuals who participate in faith-based recovery programs were less likely to relapse, and 82% who experienced a spiritual awakening were abstinent one year, later compared to 55% who were abstinent one year later but did not experience a spiritual awakening.

These positive results may be from the unique benefits that Christian addiction treatment offers.

Spiritual Healing & Transformation

Faith based recovery goes beyond mental and physical healing. The spiritual healing and transformation that is involved fills in gaps left by other programs.

Participants are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with God, through which this healing is made possible. Through forgiveness and spiritual transformation, individuals can be made whole.

Community Support & Fellowship

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. Religious recovery programs understand this. They offer crucial support and fellowship.

Through Christian support groups for addiction, individuals receive the necessary encouragement and accountability for success in recovery. Individuals are able to walk through the challenges of addiction with others who share their faith and have been where they are.

Long-Term Faith Based Recovery

Completing a treatment program is only the beginning. Long-term support is crucial for continued success in recovery. Christian based recovery programs provide this ongoing care.

Faith based recovery provides structure after treatment to keep participants on the right track.

Practical and spiritual extended care may include:

  • Sober living arrangements/Housing support
  • Christian counseling
  • Christian 12 Step support groups
  • Discipleship programs
  • Bible studies
  • Employment programs

How to Choose the Right Christian Rehab Program

As you consider faith-based rehab programs, it’s important to ensure the programs offer quality services and meet your needs.

Questions to Ask

  • Is this program licensed/credentialed?
  • Does it integrate Biblical counseling or pastoral counseling?
  • Is medical detox offered (Christian detox programs)?
  • Are there Christian support groups for addiction post-treatment?.

Matching Programs to Recovery Needs

What are your short-term and long-term recovery goals?

Consider these goals and your recovery needs to choose the right Christian rehabilitation program:

  • Inpatient faith-based recovery: This is designed for individuals who need 24/7 supervision and care. It typically lasts from 30 to 90 days, although some programs offer longer-term options.
  • Outpatient treatment: These programs are ideal for individuals who have less severe symptoms and have a strong support system outside of treatment. You’ll attend treatment sessions during the day or evening while living at home.
  • Sober living: These living arrangements provide a structured, sober-free setting that offers support and accountability. Sober living homes can be helpful for those who need support as they transition to independent living in recovery.

Finding Christian Recovery Centers Near You

To find Christian rehab centers, search for faith-based inpatient rehab or Christian drug/alcohol rehab locally on Detox.com. You can filter by state, city, type of program, and treatments offered.

Nationwide Christian organizations such as The Salvation Army, Adult & Teen Challenge, and Celebrate Recovery offer resources in most areas. Other smaller Christian recovery centers operate independent programs that can also provide quality faith based rehab.


Still not sure if Christian drug rehab will meet your needs? Try this:

2 Minute Quiz, Learn If Faith-Based Addiction Treatment Is a Fit


Final Thoughts: Is Faith-Based Therapy or Rehab Right for You?

Faith based addiction treatment is a beneficial option for those who want to include spiritual growth and healing in their recovery. It integrates spiritual strength, scripture, and professional care.

Faith based addiction treatment offers:

  • Spiritual healing and transformation
  • Faith-based community and fellowship
  • Evidence-based methods
  • Christian counseling for addiction
  • Proven results
  • Long-term, life-changing support

These religious recovery programs are available to meet you wherever you are on your recovery journey. Explore Christian rehab centers, Christian detox programs, and faith-based sober living options today. Find a faith-based rehab program near you.

You don’t need to recover alone. Call now to find faith-based rehab near you.

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Written by: Kerry Nenn

BSW

Kerry Nenn is a full-time freelance writer and prize-winning author. She contributes regularly to addiction-recovery sites, international journal publications, and Christian ministries. Her published works include 10 books and myriad articles. Her work has received recognition both locally and nationally.

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Medically Reviewed by: Sylvie Stacy

MD, MPH

Sylvie Stacy, MD, MPH, is an addiction medicine specialist with over a decade of experience treating individuals with addictions in diverse clinical settings. Dr. Stacy holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Massachusetts, and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She completed her residency at Johns Hopkins and is dually board certified in addiction medicine and preventive medicine.

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