With a shift to become more inclusive, many education and health services have ventured away from incorporating spirituality into their programming. For instance, the debate on removing the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance has sparked controversy in our children’s schools.
The M.O. behind this is simple: Public Relations. Organizations desperately want to be politically correct in hopes of not offending anyone – a tough task nowadays.
Unfortunately, this desire to shy away from religion eliminates one of the fundamental pillars of Wellness as defined by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Can you guess what core dimension is often neglected? You got it. It’s Spirituality.
The Trifecta: Mind, Body, and Spirit
Just think of the number “3” and how important it is in our daily lives…
The U.S. government is made up of 3 branches; Christians view God as being made up of 3 coeternal Persons in the Trinity; and, even engineers have seen the utility and stability of 3 in their use of triangular trusses. So don’t forget about your third vital sign when it comes to your Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual makeup!
At Stonegate Center, the staff empowers clients to overcome addiction by emphasizing the importance of one’s spiritual relationship and helps facilitate them in developing a strong, faith-based backbone. This power of sobriety comes from working the 12-Steps.
These guidelines prompt members to admit powerlessness by turning themselves over to a “Higher Power,” Such action gives those strength, a sense of purpose, and the ability to rely on something greater than themselves.
Mental Health Benefits
Think it’s a load of crock? The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has defined addiction as having “characteristic biological, psychological, social, and spiritual manifestations.”
It even recommends that healthcare providers integrate one’s faith across all six dimensions of patient management in order to generate better outcomes. And don’t forget the cost savings associated with this tactic.
Still don’t buy it? Ask your physician or psychiatrist for help in navigating the many peer-reviewed, scientific articles published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment and the American Psychological Association (APA), which are rife with the benefits of holistic treatment. Or, check out this article stressing the importance of spirituality and/or religion in maintaining one’s sobriety.
The following lists some of the documented mental health and psychosocial benefits from incorporating faith into addiction treatment:
✓ More positive or optimistic outlook on life
✓ Improved self-esteem
✓ Increase in accountability and self-discipline
✓ Better guidance and social support
✓ Added stress and anxiety coping mechanisms
✓ Increased effectiveness in achieving long-term recovery
✓ Enhanced motivation to stay clean and sober
Conquering Addiction through Spiritual Education
By educating clients on how their body, mind, AND spirit shape their physical and mental health, we at Stonegate Center believe addiction and any substance use disorders can be conquered more effectively.
No, we’re not afraid to talk about spirituality, faith, or religion in today’s world here at our campus in Azle, TX, and we don’t think you should be either.
One of the things we do well is meeting you where you’re at in your faith. Whether you feel God has scorned you, you’ve been completely abandoned and feel lost, or you don’t believe in a higher power anymore due to past trauma, we have a place for you.
Take it from this Catholic-school-boy-turned-science-major who’s questioned and struggled with his faith all his life – the clarity gained from simply assessing your spiritual wellbeing is vital in today’s world. WHY NOT add another tool to your toolbox?
Christian Addiction Treatment in Texas
Stonegate Center serves as Texas’ premier faith-based rehab facility for men and women struggling with substance abuse. We provide drug and alcohol addiction treatments to the communities of Azle, Fort Worth, Dallas and beyond. If you or a loved one suffers from drug and alcohol addiction, please contact Stonegate Center today at (817) 993-9733 or admissions@stonegatecenter.com.
