Non-Religious Rehab Centers: Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Atheists

Non-Faith-Based Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs

Many recovering individuals emphasize the element of spirituality in drug and alcohol addiction recovery. However, being religious is not a prerequisite for successfully undergoing addiction treatment. A 2019 survey showed that 26% of Americans are either atheists or agnostic.¹ Most of the treatment centers in the United States offer faith-based rehab, which stresses the belief in a higher power as a force that drives recovery. This may make non-religious people doubt their treatment prospects.²

However, this is not a cause for concern as everyone can find a suitable type of rehab that fits their needs. There are a variety of addiction treatment modalities, so treatment seekers can choose according to their principles, beliefs, and values.³ For example, the vast majority of rehab facilities in the United States offers evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that does not rely on faith to aid recovery.²

What Is Included in Non-Religious Alcohol and Drug Treatment?

At non-religious drug and alcohol rehab centers, substance abuse is perceived as a chronic disorder that can be medically treated with science-based methods.⁴ To provide adequate help to people who struggle with substance abuse and are not religious, non-faith-based rehab centers offer many modalities that are applied based on the person’s needs. These treatment modalities can be elements of different levels of care, including inpatient and outpatient non-religious rehab, as well as non-faith-based drug detox.⁵

The methods of non-religious based treatment used at rehab and detox centers include:⁵ 

• Pharmacotherapy: Approved medication can be used to treat certain forms of addiction, such as the addiction to opioids, like pain medication and heroin. The medication is used to diminish the symptoms of withdrawal during detox and keep patients as safe and comfortable as possible as they are weaning off the substance. 
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: This treatment modality provides patients with strategies to overcome triggers that lead to drug abuse. It helps patients handle their emotions and teaches them how to act in potentially triggering situations to avoid relapse.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on stress management, mindfulness, as well as acceptance, understanding, and management of negative emotions. These abilities help the patient change for the better and stay sober.
• Motivational interviewing: With this therapeutic modality, patients are empowered to make changes in their lives by engaging in a communication style based on partnership, understanding, and compassion. This gives them the necessary motivation to change.
• Support groups: The most widely known support group programs, Alcoholics Anonymous and similar 12-step programs derived from it, rely on the belief in a higher power to help members. However, there are also those suitable for people who do not believe in God, including SMART Recovery and LifeRing Secular Recovery. Here, you can receive the help and support of individuals who are going through similar challenges.⁶

How Do Non-Religious Treatment Centers Treat Drug and Alcohol Addiction?

In general, non-religious alcohol and drug rehab centers provide personalized treatment programs that are rooted in scientific research and established best practices. Their aim is to support the individual on their path to recovery while taking into consideration their specific needs, background, and medical history. Each treatment plan is designed with the specific patient in mind and may consist of a wide range of therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and support group participation.⁷

What Are Some Other Kinds of Non-Faith-Based Drug Rehabilitation?

Apart from pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy, some non-faith-based treatment centers also offer a wide array of alternative, holistic treatment options, like:⁸ 

• Acupuncture 
• Massage therapy
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Taichi 
• Reiki
• Mindfulness
• Stress management

How Long Do Non-Religious Drug Addiction Treatment Programs Last?

Generally, both religious-based and non-religious recovery from addiction take time and the exact duration of a treatment program will vary based on the patient’s requirements. After the rehab center assesses the severity of the person’s condition and the scope of their needs, they will recommend the best course of treatment in their specific situation. Since drug addiction is a long-term, chronic condition and relapse is common, shorter treatment length can be unsuccessful. It is crucial for patients to complete their program and receive adequate aftercare, such as becoming part of a sober living community.⁹

Longer treatment correlates with better outcomes. It is recommended for residential treatment to last at least 90 days. If the patient takes methadone to treat opioid addiction, they will need to keep it up for at least 12 months while many continue for years.⁹

How to Choose a Non-Faith-Based Rehab Center?

Choosing the non-faith-based rehab center that fits your needs may make a difference when it comes to the final outcome of treatment. When looking for a suitable treatment facility for yourself or a loved one, it is important to carefully explore their services. It is advisable to call their hotline and discuss all questions with their admissions navigators. This will give you a better insight into the different features the facility has to offer, such as:⁹ 

• A demonstrated history of providing successful and effective treatment services.
• A team of medical professionals with a strong background in addiction treatment.
• Certificates and accreditations awarded by relevant institutions.
• A wide variety of treatment programs and options and a full range of levels of care.

Are Non-Religious Based Rehab Centers Covered by Insurance?

If you are considering entering non-faith-based rehab and preparing to take the first steps toward addiction recovery, covering the cost of treatment may be one of your top concerns. In fact, the issue of paying for rehab is one of the most common factors that could deter someone from seeking treatment. However, if you are insured, because of the Affordable Care Act, your insurance will cover some part or the entirety of the cost.¹⁰ 

It ensures the inclusion of addiction treatment in different types of insurance plans, including:¹⁰

• Medicaid
• Marketplace plans
• Private insurance

There are several ways to check how much of the cost of treatment can be covered by your plan. Firstly, you can discuss the scope of your benefits with your insurance carrier. By contacting them, you will find out if your package can cover the kind of non-religious addiction treatment you need.¹¹

Apart from having your treatment covered by insurance, there are also the options of entering a free or inexpensive rehab, designed for those who are not insured and do not have the means to pay for treatment.¹¹

Alternatively, it is also possible to call the non-faith-based rehab center of your choice and ask if your insurance can cover their services. At American Addiction Centers, you will talk to a helpful hotline representative, who will then inform you about covering the cost of treatment with your insurance coverage and provide you with the details of their admissions protocol. They work with many insurance companies, like Aetna and Cigna, which means that your expenses are likely to be covered.

How to Find Non-Faith-Based Treatment Centers Near Me?

To find non-religious based rehab centers, treatment seekers can browse online directories of treatment facilities or call a hotline with nationwide coverage, like SAMHSA’s National Helpline, where they will be referred to a suitable facility.¹²

American Addiction Centers offers a wide scope of treatment services and high-quality rehab facilities that include options like medically supervised detox, 24/7 inpatient residential rehabilitation, and personalized aftercare.

Apart from non-religious rehabilitation programs that cater to patients who do not believe in a higher power, there are other options that are personalized for different groups and needs, such as:

• Research-based treatment that couples can undergo together
• Specialized men’s programs to help men heal
• Individualized treatment programs for veterans

At AAC, patients’ mental health is taken into account as well as the severity of their SUD, which creates a holistic and evidence-based approach to the treatment of addiction. Their facilities are equipped with modern amenities, which provide comfort to patients during challenging times.

Frequently Asked Questions