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Sam Jer

Puritan Board Sophomore
Hello,

Something else caused me to wonder, what would a Christian, or even Reformed, drug rehab work like? Does anyone here have experience with such things? What ought it to look like?

I do not know much about how drug rehabilitation works in general but I know they usually use smaller doses of the drug to eventually wean it off. Given that some people on the board see certain drugs as inherently sinful/sourcerous, I also wonder how they specifically would see rehabs.
 
I do not know much about how drug rehabilitation works in general but I know they usually use smaller doses of the drug to eventually wean it off. Given that some people on the board see certain drugs as inherently sinful/sourcerous, I also wonder how they specifically would see rehabs.
The drugs that one must be gradually weened off of because they form dependencies are generally not the same ones that cause hallucinations and are connected to pagan religious practices.

The classes of drugs that one must be weened off of are opiates, like heroin, fentanyl, Vicodin, Percocet, etc, as well as benzodiazepines like xanax/alprazolam. They form strong and life-threatening dependencies.

Those that cause hallucinations are drugs like lsd, ayahuasca, DMT, mescaline, psilocybin, and ketamine. They generally do not form dependencies, and they are often associated with paganism. Here in Peru, for example, the shamans in the Amazon will administer ayahuasca in drug-ceremonies.
 
There is debate about this. Some say one must be weened off opiates, but in many cases people will end up on Methadone and the like, longer than they were using the illicit drugs like pills, heroin, or fenty. This then turns into a complete different problem, where people are now addicted to the meds that keep them from ever experiencing withdrawals; and getting sick becomes their life goal to avoid. So you would have to think about what type of rehab you are going to be, one that promotes the weening methods, or one that supports assisted "cold-turkey." This would mean having certain non-habit forming meds and medical staff on hand to assist the addicted in withdrawals, whether that be opiates, or alcohol (which many consider the latter worse,) while weenings goal is to avoid withdrawals altogether.

The "Rescue Missions" though not specifically Reformed, but Christian, to my knowledge do not utilize medicated weening. But supports cold-turkey quitting. So it can be done. NA also has tons of participants who quit cold turkey. And though on the surface it may seem like the harsher alternative; it allows one to get over the hump much quicker and really focus on their recovery and rebuilding the damage they have caused by their addictions.

As far as where "Reformed" would come into play; it would mainly be part of the religious aspects of the program, like mandatory chapel, work-ethic training, etc. Regardless of the drug, whether it is weed, glass, crack, heroin, X, LSD, K, Shrooms, etc. Depending on the usage of the person, mental dependencies can be just as troubling as physical dependencies, because the mind makes one physically feel as if they "need it." Its why so many will say stuff like weed isnt addictive, but so many people cant stay clean for probation, or will use pee-test fakers because they cant even stay sober for a good job.

So you would be mostly looking at hiring Christian drug counselors, who are experts in addiction, but are also a part of the Reformed church; and incorporate mandatory religious training as part of your recovery program.
 
I went through withdrawal with no "weening" after being on prescribed opiates for an extended time due to a medical condition. My doctors told me it would happen, and it did. It is not pleasant. I have great admiration for those who can voluntarily endure those symptoms for something much more physically and psychologically addicting, like heroin, without some kind of supervision.
 
Just to clarify, I am not actually setting anything up (nor do I have the means to do so).

Has anyone here been involved in this kind of work? What does a rehab actually do other than preventing/regulating access to drugs?
 
Just to clarify, I am not actually setting anything up (nor do I have the means to do so).

Has anyone here been involved in this kind of work? What does a rehab actually do other than preventing/regulating access to drugs?
Having been addicted to drugs many, many years ago I can say withdrawal from heroin is not fun. But I never went to rehab so I don't know how that works. Most people I've known who did it didn't work because they hang out with the same people after they get out.
It has worked for some people though enough that I recommend it to people. Jail's the same way but those people are annoying. They find Jesus and are all gung ho about God but that's the last thing you want to hear while you're partying with them. Just being realistic.
The only way to quit anything, except alcohol and barbiturates because of seizers, is cold turkey in my opinion. Then you cut all ties off with your former life.
The Reformed aspect might be useful emphasizing church membership after rehab. Because only by plugging yourself into a new non drug environment with hopefully a celebrate recovery program can your rehab be affective.
A lot of people use rehab to try and curb their drug use not necessarily quit. But some do, my elder and I meet once a week at a restaurant in town and one of the waitresses is a girl I used to party with. We've both been clean for many years.
So there are many success stories out there.
 
Just to clarify, I am not actually setting anything up (nor do I have the means to do so).

Has anyone here been involved in this kind of work? What does a rehab actually do other than preventing/regulating access to drugs?
I worked as an addictions counselor for about six years—4.5 years in a residential setting and 1.5 years in intensive outpatient. The setting was secular; though, I always was able to use AA/NA principles as a reason to share about God. I never got into trouble for it, thankfully. That being said, if I ever returned to that field of work (I quit to be a caregiver for my MIL and am now a stay at home mom), I would only go back to work for a Christian organization, or I would start one myself.

A lot of what was done in the rehab was teaching life skills as well as treating the underlying mental health issues. Most—but not all—of my clients had extensive trauma histories, and much focus was placed on moving past those traumas. I would love to see a Christian organization that takes into account the person’s history (including potential lack of life skills) while also helping them draw a connection between their history and God’s providence/grace and mercy. Many Christian rehabs out there are very wishy washy and charismatic. They are very feelings based, and I think that can lead to some major issues after the person graduates the program.

Also interesting side note: opiates are not life threatening to withdraw from. It is just extremely painful, more so than other substances. Alcohol and benzos are the only life threatening substances to withdrawal from and thus require titration downward. Cutting those substances cold turkey can result in cardiac arrest. Not many people know alcohol can be so deadly, but in my experience, alcoholics were some of the hardest addicts to treat. That is just my experience though.
 
I worked as an addictions counselor for about six years—4.5 years in a residential setting and 1.5 years in intensive outpatient. The setting was secular; though, I always was able to use AA/NA principles as a reason to share about God. I never got into trouble for it, thankfully. That being said, if I ever returned to that field of work (I quit to be a caregiver for my MIL and am now a stay at home mom), I would only go back to work for a Christian organization, or I would start one myself.

A lot of what was done in the rehab was teaching life skills as well as treating the underlying mental health issues. Most—but not all—of my clients had extensive trauma histories, and much focus was placed on moving past those traumas. I would love to see a Christian organization that takes into account the person’s history (including potential lack of life skills) while also helping them draw a connection between their history and God’s providence/grace and mercy. Many Christian rehabs out there are very wishy washy and charismatic. They are very feelings based, and I think that can lead to some major issues after the person graduates the program.

Also interesting side note: opiates are not life threatening to withdraw from. It is just extremely painful, more so than other substances. Alcohol and benzos are the only life threatening substances to withdrawal from and thus require titration downward. Cutting those substances cold turkey can result in cardiac arrest. Not many people know alcohol can be so deadly, but in my experience, alcoholics were some of the hardest addicts to treat. That is just my experience though.
Thank you for your kind and insightful words. Yeah I've only ever heard of suicide, sad to say, and over dose as reasons people die from opiates. That's why most addicts I've known would get and keep that prescription drug that curbs dope sickness until they can get more dope.
I counsel the teenagers I work with sometimes when they speak about drug use that at first it all seems fun until one day your life could be destroyed and you're "stuck" in it. I tell them that "the Devil has been doing this since the beginning and he's very good at it, you can't outsmart him". I don't worry about the whole talking about religion at work thing because no one is going to chastise me for trying to keep them off drugs.
I'll hear about an old friend who OD'd and show them how that could be anyone, so never going down that path is the only sure fire way to prevent that. But I'm also honest that most don't end up there but you never know if you'll be that one unless you never go down there to begin with. It's a gamble with your life.
I also completely agree with the trauma thing but, if I can be constructively critical out of respect for your personal experience, the addict is very good at using whatever they have to to get sympathy for money to get more drugs. Their liers and will do or say whatever to get drugs.
But you're completely right about facing that trauma and learning new ways to cope with it. Also because of my experience and the fact that they can pretty much tell me anything and I won't judge or tell anyone else makes them comfortable talking to me (that's essential in helping them not become strung out).
Although I'd love to tell the young girls about all the (not saying this to offend anyone but it's the disgusting truth of the matter) fact a percentage of girls engage in some form of prostitution for drugs. Less percentage of guys only because they have to become gay to do so.
All in all I thank you for working so hard to help those people.
 
Thank you for your kind and insightful words. Yeah I've only ever heard of suicide, sad to say, and over dose as reasons people die from opiates. That's why most addicts I've known would get and keep that prescription drug that curbs dope sickness until they can get more dope.
I counsel the teenagers I work with sometimes when they speak about drug use that at first it all seems fun until one day your life could be destroyed and you're "stuck" in it. I tell them that "the Devil has been doing this since the beginning and he's very good at it, you can't outsmart him". I don't worry about the whole talking about religion at work thing because no one is going to chastise me for trying to keep them off drugs.
I'll hear about an old friend who OD'd and show them how that could be anyone, so never going down that path is the only sure fire way to prevent that. But I'm also honest that most don't end up there but you never know if you'll be that one unless you never go down there to begin with. It's a gamble with your life.
I think that is a wise and practical approach. Everything can be laced with fentanyl these days, so it is a very real gamble.
I also completely agree with the trauma thing but, if I can be constructively critical out of respect for your personal experience, the addict is very good at using whatever they have to to get sympathy for money to get more drugs. Their liers and will do or say whatever to get drugs.
But you're completely right about facing that trauma and learning new ways to cope with it. Also because of my experience and the fact that they can pretty much tell me anything and I won't judge or tell anyone else makes them comfortable talking to me (that's essential in helping them not become strung out).
You are absolutely right that many are expert liars and manipulators. I’ve seen firsthand some clients manufacture their trauma to garner sympathy (e.g. one client told “Her story” to others, and I knew for a fact that she stole that account from someone else because it was almost word for word what I heard another person share. This client was a pathological liar. ) It can be hard to decipher what is real versus what did the client make up/exacerbate in his/her head. I tended to give more credibility to the ones who did not constantly portray themselves as victims; though, I obviously did lend my ear to everyone.

Although I'd love to tell the young girls about all the (not saying this to offend anyone but it's the disgusting truth of the matter) fact a percentage of girls engage in some form of prostitution for drugs. Less percentage of guys only because they have to become gay to do so.
All in all I thank you for working so hard to help those people.
This is also very true, and sadly sex addiction often coincides with drug addiction for women, from what I’ve seen. I would often tell my female clients that they could not give up drugs if they didn’t give up the other addiction. I saw clients relapse all the time because they were addicted either to the money or to the sex or to both.
 
I think that is a wise and practical approach. Everything can be laced with fentanyl these days, so it is a very real gamble.

You are absolutely right that many are expert liars and manipulators. I’ve seen firsthand some clients manufacture their trauma to garner sympathy (e.g. one client told “Her story” to others, and I knew for a fact that she stole that account from someone else because it was almost word for word what I heard another person share. This client was a pathological liar. ) It can be hard to decipher what is real versus what did the client make up/exacerbate in his/her head. I tended to give more credibility to the ones who did not constantly portray themselves as victims; though, I obviously did lend my ear to everyone.
Wow that's crazy but not unsurprising. I give more credibility to those people as well. It's complicated and sad. But, again out of complete respect for your work and experience, I saw more people do drugs because they like how it makes them feel and the ones who harped endlessly on "trauma" (as you pointed out) only wanted to deflect away from the addiction.
To justify it beyond judgment and so of course you should give them money/drugs/ride to get drugs. One of the many things I love about Celebrate Recovery was amongst us men, it should always be divided up by gender in intimate Bible studies, we had no patience for constantly blaming everyone else but ourselves. We held each other accountable because we've all been there. We know what's garbage and what's not. We did this lovingly of course but the people who didn't make it didn't want to hear that. They wanted sympathy for justifying their personal decisions.
The starting point was admission that you did this to yourself and you need own up to the damage you caused to others and yourself. We all had each other's phone numbers for accountability purposes and to reach out if you're struggling. I can't praise CR enough it's a good program (theologically shallow but that's what they used, I tented to "Reform" it as much as possible).
The absolute anonymity is essential, you never talk about what's said, and no one admitted to committing any unsolved crimes so never faced that problem.
I think the "just say no" campaign had the right intentions but the wrong execution. Just showing young people "horror stories" about what could happen, like this is what will happen, when their friends are doing drugs and not like that is hard to respect. That's why I've tailored my messages to them in more realistic terms. But they trust me not to tell anyone so that helps. Thankfully the worst they do is pot.
The whole landscape has changed in my area at least. It's not like it was when I was doing it.
This is also very true, and sadly sex addiction often coincides with drug addiction for women, from what I’ve seen. I would often tell my female clients that they could not give up drugs if they didn’t give up the other addiction. I saw clients relapse all the time because they were addicted either to the money or to the sex or to both.
Yeah it's sad all around. I heard about some men, not trying to be gross only realistic, who were straight but got into homosexual prostitution only to end their own lives after getting clean.
Most women in my experience didn't do it often and preferred gifts or paying money for it, and there's always stealing. But they would resort to it. I think the sex addiction part, you know more than I would, is in the power to get it or the perception of manipulation (going back to lying for money and sympathy) to feel in some sense in control of an otherwise out of control life.
Very sad.
 
FYI—alcohol withdrawal can kill you. If you or someone you know is trying to get clean from alcohol, it is advised to do it with medical supervision. Don’t just go cold turkey!
 
One of the many things I love about Celebrate Recovery was amongst us men, it should always be divided up by gender in intimate Bible studies, we had no patience for constantly blaming everyone else but ourselves. We held each other accountable because we've all been there. We know what's garbage and what's not. We did this lovingly of course but the people who didn't make it didn't want to hear that. They wanted sympathy for justifying their personal decisions.
The starting point was admission that you did this to yourself and you need own up to the damage you caused to others and yourself. We all had each other's phone numbers for accountability purposes and to reach out if you're struggling. I can't praise CR enough it's a good program (theologically shallow but that's what they used, I tented to "Reform" it as much as possible).
I have heard positive things about CR from friends (both reformed and nonreformed) and think it is definitely a good start to Christian accountability in addiction recovery. Like you said, it could use some reforming, but I think it is a lot better than the 12-Step Programs.
I think the "just say no" campaign had the right intentions but the wrong execution. Just showing young people "horror stories" about what could happen, like this is what will happen, when their friends are doing drugs and not like that is hard to respect. That's why I've tailored my messages to them in more realistic terms. But they trust me not to tell anyone so that helps.
There has been research done that this type of messaging actually has the opposite intended effect because people tune it out for various reasons, one of which is that lack of respect like you mentioned.
 
I have heard positive things about CR from friends (both reformed and nonreformed) and think it is definitely a good start to Christian accountability in addiction recovery. Like you said, it could use some reforming, but I think it is a lot better than the 12-Step Programs.
Yeah. It was the, respectfully implied, condition of my joining the church. I made some lasting friendships but everybody moved on, so it kinda died out. The pastor who started it had left to go to another church.
But what I liked about it was the core group, we all knew the tricks about making excuses to keep doing whatever addiction someone had. So we would gently and lovingly hold one another accountable.
There has been research done that this type of messaging actually has the opposite intended effect because people tune it out for various reasons, one of which is that lack of respect like you mentioned.
Yeah, I can only speak from my experience. But when your friends are doing drugs and their lives are not that way, that's a hard sell to a kid. We just felt like we're being lied to. No one said that of course, but it was the general consensus.
It's not realistic.
You take people who have no substance addiction and let them brainstorm on what the best treatment should be. The Devil is craftier than that. It made no sense whatsoever.
I don't know if I mentioned my younger brother before but he's practically homeless and addicted to fentanyl. He refuses to go to rehab. The family we're just waiting for the phonecall. I'm the oldest of 5 boys, all a year and nine months apart, and yes we drove our parents crazy. Not to get too personal but our Dad committed suicide 10-12 years ago. He had like a Michael Jackson doctor who gave him whatever drug he wanted. He was so high towards the end that he lost it.
He was a big time builder locally and when the housing market crashed he was going to lose the business. He couldn't take that I guess.
Then my brother right below me had schizophrenia, that was highly aggravated by drugs and alcohol, die trying to jump on a train down south, after "escaping" the rehab facility just last year.
The fentanyl using brother is right below him in age and our momma and her husband just left out of town yesterday. She had the talk with my two youngest brothers, both of whom don't do drugs and have very cute little families, and I that her phone will be off. So if they find him dead, God forbid, she won't be able to know about it until she gets back. So we have to handle it.
A year doesn't go by without someone I used to hangout with dying in some drug related way (OD, suicide, drug related homicide, etc). All of this came years and years after I first started smoking weed as a young teenager.
I don't say all of this for sympathy but pointing out that it didn't all happen in a day. How do you teach young people that lesson? I care very deeply about the young people I work with and try to tailor my experiences to convey to them how crafty the Devil is in ensnaring us and you don't realize it until you're in a bad situation.
Thanks be to God for His neverending mercy and grace to sinner's. Thankfully all I hear about is weed. I know so many functioning adults who smoke but I don't advocate it's use. I only say after the fact that if they're gonna smoke fine but leave it at smoking. They're not my kids so I can't really say anything, just warn them about how dark that lifestyle can get.
I try to be realistic about it. Hopefully my story doesn't bum anyone's day out. God bless.
 
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