What is the Treatment in a Christian Recovery Program?

Key Component to Recovery

Treatment can be defined in many different ways. Some view treatment as getting advice on how to beat cravings, while others see treatment as checking into a rehabilitation center and working through that, others like Jimmy Monaghan, view Christ and Christianity as the key component to treatment.

Jimmy Monaghan who has a Clinical MA in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education has been through treatment programs and after finding lasting freedom through Christ has become a strong advocate for Christ based recovery. At the end of the day the faith that they have gained and the relationship with God they have built throughout the program becomes the “anchor and foundation” for their life outside of the program.

Anchor Yourself in Christ

Hebrews 6:19, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” In this type of treatment program they learn to rely on someone other than themselves. They learn to rely on a God who is all knowing and all loving; He is the Healer that can grant them the peace that they have been searching for their entire lives. Through him they experience a peace they have never felt before. It’s here that they are built up in a Godly image, so when they leave the program, “They leave with a solid faith, firmer foundation in who they are in Christ, maybe the foundation for the first time.”

After the program is over, it’s these teachings that will help guide them away from substance abuse and back into society. With this new found confidence they are able to “take the tools and components on not how to use and how to make successful decisions in life, and they take with them the realization that they are dearly beloved, sought after, forgiven and free sons and daughters of the King.”

The Center of Recovery

Just as Jimmy was able to experience a life of healing and forgiveness, those who go through a Christian treatment program can also experience “deep meaningful, full abundant lives.” It’s not just people who believe in Christ than can gain freedom through this program–the skills that are taught here allow them to be able to give up control, trust others, and learn to rely on each other.

There are many teachings in the bible that pertain to life that can be followed by non-believers and believers alike. The bible preaches love and acceptance, take Mark 12:31, “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” It’s the Bible that they draw their confidence from and because of this and because they believe in a God who keeps his promises, the Christian component becomes the ultimate aspect of recovery. Christ becomes the center of their life and their treatment. Jimmy says, “The Christian component becomes the critical anchor to all of it.”