Christian Tip of the Day from our Christian Program Director

The “Serenity Prayer” is one of the most well-known prayers of our time.  Did you know that the Serenity Prayer is believed to have been composed by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr in the late1930s to early 1940s? It is thought that Niebuhr wrote the prayer as part of a sermon he was giving.

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

(Although known most widely in its abbreviated form above,

the entire prayer reads as follows:)

The Full Original Copy of the Serenity Prayer

by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

God, give us grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Christian Tip of the Day from our Christian Program Director

Why encourage church attendance as part of comprehensive substance abuse treatment?  According to the recent research of Kendler, M.D., and Myers, M.S. from the American Psychiatric Association, church attendance is one of the most consistent predictors of abstinence from substance use.  The 2009 study compared nearly 2,000 sets of twins for over six years and found that there was an inverse relationship between church attendance and substance abuse.  They also found that the inverse relationship grew stronger over time.  In other words, as a persons church attendance became more consistent the less likely they were to abuse substances.  Encouraging our clients to become a part of a church home can be one of the best ways a clinician can support their client’s sobriety.

Philip Dvorak

Christian Tip of the Day from our Christian Program Director

The integration of Scripture and Biblical principles are integral parts of the treatment of those clients participating in the Christian Track at Transformations. The letters, poetry, history contained within the Bible can resonate with those of us impacted by the devastation of addiction. You might have heard of the Story of the Prodigal Son also referred to as the Parable of the Lost Son. If you’re not familiar with the story you can find it in the book of Luke Chapter 15 verses 11-32. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:11-32&version=NLT

It’s a timeless story. During one of the Christian group sessions this story is used as a type reflective exercise. Each client is encouraged to “imagine” themselves as each of the different participants in the story. Narrative versions of the story are read from each of the different “characters” points of view (i.e. the father, the older brother and the lost son). This exercise then leads into a guided discussion where the clients are helped to process how this story and exercise applies to their recovery. It has proven itself to be a powerful and healing exercise. This is just one way in which the use of Scripture and Biblical principles are being used to positively impact the lives of those we have been entrusted to care for. Attached is a copy of the narrative that is used for this session.

> Philip

Christian Based Drug Rehab Centers

There are some ailments where you can afford to delay your treatment. And there are some, which require immediate attention; addiction is one of them, trying to be solved by the Christian rehab facilities.

Health care, in general, has grown too expensive in this country. It is becoming expensive worldwide too. Affordable health care is a rarity and it is the main reason why the health insurance sector has gained importance in the last few years. While a health insurance policy is mandatory these days, it doesn’t help much in the case of addiction. Most insurance policies do not cover rehabilitation and de-addiction costs and so, it becomes difficult for an addict.

However, de-addiction cannot be delayed for money reasons. The more it is delayed, the more dangerous it gets. Affordable treatment for drugs and alcohol was a big issue in the country till the establishment of Christian rehab centers. Not only do they charge significantly less compared to traditional rehabs, they also offer better treatment. All those addicts or whose loved ones are addicts, who were delaying treatment for the fear of the large costs involved, the good news is you now have to only search for a faith-based center nearby. You can get affordable treatment there.

Whatever their age, social status and economic backgrounds, addicts are free to walk into these centers, as the objective there is not to make profits but to cure the society of such ills.

Many of these Christian rehab facilities are run by non-profit organizations or religious institutions, which operate them on the government subsidies and grants or donations from the general public. They do not believe in burdening an addict or his family with a huge bill when they are already facing the monstrous problem of addiction. Some of the staff in these centers also works for free. For instance, many of these centers have pastors and religious counselors who render their services for free.

The government and its social agencies have also acknowledged the huge service these Christian facilities are doing to the society and they have extended their support by means of grants and tax exemptions.

As mentioned earlier, the quality of the services at these faith-based units are not compromised due to the lower fees they charge. They are found to offer much better services than the traditional rehabs in many aspects. The comprehensive treatment is one such feature.

Along with the medicines prescribed at various stages of the treatment and the counseling sessions the patients attend, they also introduce the spiritual uplifting of the individuals. The addicts arrive at these institutions with their faith in God shaken and a broken spirit. Using the teachings of Christ and his life as an example, the spiritual sentiments of the person are revived so that he has a pillar to turn to when in doubt.

The Bible is the most popular book in the world because in its pages, every emotion under the sun and every aspect of life are discussed. The mysteries of life are explained and with constant reading and prayer, one can often find his purpose in life. The spiritual uplifting will help the addict once they have recovered and they face the challenges of the world outside.

Some of successful rehab centers are the highly successful Christian drug treatment centers. They offer luxury facilities and have a 30- to 90-day program for de-addiction. It must be noted that comparatively, the faith-based programs take longer time than the traditional ones. This is because more time is spent with the individual and the treatment is more comprehensive.  There is no fast solution for addiction and the drug intake cannot be stopped at once. This could lead to disastrous consequences. So, a great amount of patience and trust is required to get over the problem.

The Christian rehabs place great emphasis on tackling the relapse problem. Unlike secular centers, which have short programs focusing on getting the person off drugs, helping him get over the withdrawal symptoms and then teaching him to live life without such substances, the Christian facilities are open to addicts who want help even after they finish their in-house treatment.

Many centers offer free follow-ups so that the addicts feel free to come back when faced with problems. There are many challenges they encounter when they go out and start rebuilding their lives. Knowing this, the centers offer post-treatment therapy, which helps them get some of the pressure off their minds and relax with communication. Some patients are also asked to return and speak to the recovering addicts so that they feel important and realize they have a role to play as an ex-addict. Someone who has been through the trauma and come out of it to stay sober and clean is the best person to sympathize and empathize with an addict.

The Best Christian Based Drug Rehabs

The best Christian based drug rehabs understand that substance abuse is spreading at such a rate that it is almost becoming a plague. It affects people of all strata of society. Though you need a lot of money to buy drugs, teenagers and people from the lower economic groups are propelled to do anything to buy drugs. Once the drug starts taking control of the victim’s body, then even his actions are determined by it.

The worst part is that many cured addicts return to drugs, unable to face the pressure when they resume their normal lives. When the traditional rehab centers were found lacking in the ability to stop relapses, some organizations came forward with Christian rehab centers. This includes a spiritual treatment so that faith in God is reinstated in the patient. Though such faith-based rehabs have minimized the rate of relapses, it cannot be said that they have achieved complete success.

Many Christian based drug rehabs  follow the 12-step treatment program. This program details treatment in 12 steps and this enables the therapist to also determine the progress of the process.

The first step of the program is when the addict realizes he has a problem. Most addicts are in denial. They take drugs, it physically affects them and they show various symptoms. But, they do not like to admit that they have a problem. When they think otherwise, they have crossed the first step and one of the most important phases of recovery.

The second requires submission to a supreme authority. The belief in God helps to bring the person to terms with his addiction and he recognizes that God will help him tide over his illness. Christian rehab centers place great emphasis on this step of the treatment and continue to include regular Bible reading, prayer and religious counseling in the program. The second step does not require a Christian God or a Jewish God; it requires the acknowledgment of an omnipresent Being.

The third step, close on the heels of the second, urges a complete surrender to God. This is the step of faith, where the patient puts his trust in the divine and makes his life follow the greater plan.

The next step marks another important phase in the recovery program. It is a process of self-evaluation, which helps to identify the weaknesses in character. These weaknesses often propel people to take up drugs or other addictive substances. Identifying these will free patients from the problem of denial. The person should be able to forgive oneself, before expecting forgiveness from anyone else. The self-discovery makes them see themselves from a third-person point of view and makes them respect themselves more.

The best Christian based drug rehabs encourage confessions to ensure that the mind is free of guilt. Confessions to oneself, others and God require humility. This is the fifth phase of the program. It takes a lot of courage to admit the wrongs they did as an addict and otherwise and this is the test of this step.

The sixth step again requires submission to God. After the identification of the various defects in oneself, the patient has to again allow God to remove these defects. This is entrusting God to do the major job of cleansing his life from within. Though this may seem like an additional step and maybe even repetitive, it is important to resubmit to God’s will.

Step 7 requires the person to approach life with a fresh view. It makes the person close the chapter of addiction in his life and start afresh. The defects are identified and removed. Faith in God has been renewed and therefore, positive characteristics should be brought into life.

The eighth step asks the patient to improve his relationships with the people he has harmed in his life so far and making it up to them. This is a difficult task because the patient will have to forgive and forget the grudges and grievances he harbors in his mind.

After making the list, the ninth step requires it to be put into practice. Apologize to the people you have listed at the correct time and in the right manner so that they are not offended.

The tenth step ensures that the patient equips himself with qualities that will help him to never go back to his vices or addictions. This step introduces practices that will help the patient remember the ill-effects of the drugs and never take it up again.

Submission to God and His plans should not be restricted to the course of the program. This should be inculcated as a daily event and this is the eleventh step. Prayer should be a constant aspect of the addict’s life and he should remain in communion with God throughout his life.

The final step expect the patient to practice what he has learned at the center and spread the message to others. This will keep motivating him and help him to keep the addiction away forever.

Christian Based Proven Effective Drug Treatment

If you have a constant need of a particular substance to modify your moods and metal state then you can be said to be addicted. An addict loses control of his/ her own life; it is the addictive-substance that takes over. People who drink or abuse drugs lose jobs; have messy relationships and so on. If you are one of them and are desperate to quit, then Christian based proven effective drug treatment can be your best bet. With a comprehensive treatment plan this rehab has been crowned with success time and again – it transforms an addict into a sober person very quickly and effectively and keeps them on track forever too.

When you are choosing a de-addiction center there are some criteria to keep in mind. Only a center that satisfies all of them can be worthwhile and produce good results.

• Infrastructure: A good cure center for alcohol or drug addicts should first be situated in a calm and relaxing place. Usually alcoholics are nervous and a tranquil environment can act as a soothing balm for them. It can also give them enough determination to see the healing through till the end. Comfortable staying rooms, good kitchen and food, entertainment facilities like sports complex, library, picnic spots, music etc should be available. Internet connection can help the inmates to stay connected with the outside world.
• Staff: All the staff like medical personnel, counselors and other members should be well trained, experienced and professionally qualified. Most importantly they should have a patient and kind attitude towards the addicts.
• Treatment-plan: The cure should consider overall healing that includes body+ mind+ soul like in a Christian based proven effective drug treatment center. Handling just one aspect and ignoring the others can never effect a total curing.
• Extra benefits: While at the clinic you should have options to improve yourself by updating at least a few skills – like computer basics, communication, personal money management and time management etc.
• Help accorded, post therapy: The clinic should act as a support even after you come out of there by assisting you to find a center where you can go every now and then to re-activate the lessons you learned, for taking care of medical/ health issues and so on.

Now we can see in detail what you can expect from a clinic for eliminating alcoholism. Your body needs a thorough cleansing because you have been abusing it for so long. This is done using detoxifying ingredients. You are kept off all forms of drugs and alcohol; you will be under constant supervision to ensure this. Next the fitness level is brought up with a good diet and workout schedule. In the meanwhile if there are any side effects due to the banning of all substances that are harmful, there are trained medicos who can handle routine as well as emergency situations.

How is your mind treated? Usually addicts have psychological problems that have originally led up to this addictive tendency – either they have been under stress or lack the fortitude to handle issues. In only a very few cases the habit might have started playfully before assuming alarming proportions. It is important to de-clutter the mind and make it clear. It is also crucial to impart the strength necessary to face problems and not to shy away from them. All this mind-healing is done through counseling sessions both on a one to one basis and at group levels. While individual sessions let the addict to come to terms with their troubles, group meets give them the comfort feel that they are not alone in their fight. You are also educated clearly about the damage you are causing to your body with all the abuse and how it can potentially snuff out your life too early. This is another way to keep you off drinks because now you are scared thinking of the adverse consequences.

Now comes the all-important Christian rehabilitation spiritual angle. You are encouraged to place your faith in a higher power from where you can derive all the grit and courage you need. You will be trained to pray, listen to sermons and participate in useful actions like community service. All these together give you an opportunity to take a very different look at life; they show your problems to be small enough to be tackled easily. You are also kept busy during your leisure hours so that there is no chance for you to get tempted about drinking. Persons from any walk of life can find aid and solace here. Compassion and understanding are the pillars on which Christian rehab stands. They are precisely the reason why centers based on this philosophy achieve the best results in bringing about a full transformation – making you undergo a metamorphosis of sorts, enabling you to become free from addiction!