Catholic Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers

Individuals of all faiths can be impacted by addiction. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are often stigmatized, particularly for individuals who identify as Catholic. If you are Catholic and struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, a Catholic rehab center may be the right choice to help you start the journey to recovery. For some, faith-based rehabs can be an invaluable resource in times of need by combing evidence-based treatment with faith.

What Is A Catholic Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program?

Catholic rehab centers approach alcohol and drug addiction from a spiritual perspective, typically combining evidence-based treatment with the beliefs and values of Catholicism. In a Catholic rehab program, you may find aspects of:¹

• Prayer.
• Meditation.
• Penance.
• Transformation.

Traditional programs may put an emphasis on medication and psychosocial treatment.¹ For Catholics struggling with an SUD, faith-based treatment may be more aligned with their beliefs and values, making it easier to move forward in recovery.

Benefits of Catholic Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs

Approximately 73% of substance misuse treatment centers in the U.S. have a faith-based component and studies show that faith-based substance misuse treatment has positive effects on patients.² When surveyed, a majority of primary care doctors and psychiatrists agreed that a faith-based option for people with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), like Alcoholics Anonymous, is vital for success.³

A Catholic rehab may integrate biblical principles and values into the therapy, which can make treatment feel more comfortable, familiar, and safe. When you implement principles that are part of your life to help with substance abuse, you may be more ready to follow the treatment plan.

Benefits of Catholic-centered rehab include:

• Opportunities to practice your faith during recovery.
• Fellowship with other like-minded individuals.
• Therapy and treatment that focuses on God as the helper for substance use issues.
• Time for meditation and Bible reading.
• Enhanced recovery process due to the incorporation of Catholic faith perspectives.
• Possible reduction in relapse rates as you have a strong support system.

A person of faith may have a more positive outcome in a faith-based rehab facility. In one study, individuals noted factors including support, positive pressure, and the offer to rebuild their lives with the unconditional support of religious leaders helped them maintain abstinence.⁴

Addiction Treatment Process At A Catholic Rehab

No two people seeking treatment are exactly alike, and each person will require an individualized treatment plan. Treatment programs will vary, however, a Catholic-based treatment program may follow a 4-step rehab process that includes:

1. Patient assessment: Incoming rehab patients will undergo a complete medical and psychiatric evaluation by a team of medical professionals. This will help determine the level of care and path of treatment needed.
2. Detox: Some patients’ continuum of care will include detox, although this is not always necessary. The detox process can vary in both ease and length depending on the abused substance and whether your body is physiologically dependent on it. Detoxing from certain substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines can produce intense, and sometimes dangerous, withdrawal symptoms. Detox professionals can help ease the symptoms and get patients through detoxification as comfortably and safely as possible.⁵
3. Addiction treatment: Rehab patients will typically be provided a combination of behavioral, group, and individual counseling with faith-based therapy incorporated into the treatment regimen. This can take place in inpatient or outpatient settings. You may also participate in 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
4. Aftercare: Once you are through with the steps above, you will continue working with your therapist to develop an aftercare plan. The goals of aftercare are to maintain recovery, identify ways to prevent relapse and achieve a life with a sense of purpose and rewarding relationships.

Types of Catholic Addiction Treatment Programs

There are various types of Catholic addiction treatment programs. Because no two patients are exactly alike,  individualized treatment can provide better outcomes. While treatment will vary by patient, it may include detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and aftercare.

Drug and Alcohol Detox

Detox is not always necessary, but for patients who are physiologically dependent on certain substances (e.g., alcohol and benzodiazepines), it can be an important first step in recovery. Certain substances can produce intense, and sometimes dangerous, symptoms. Professional detox services can help ease the symptoms and get patients through detoxification as comfortably and safely as possible.⁵

Catholic Residential Treatment Centers

Inpatient rehab can provide a comfortable, safe environment around the clock. During inpatient rehab, you will reside in a home-like setting with 24/7 care from medical professionals available if necessary. Inpatient rehab can take place after detox if detox is required. An inpatient facility with a faith-based component can enable you to practice your faith while you proceed with treatment.⁶

Outpatient Catholic Addiction Rehab

With outpatient rehab, patients do not live a the facility for the duration of their treatment. Instead, they may live at home but go to treatment during the day. Patients may also live in a Catholic sober living home, which can provide safe housing and supportive, structured living conditions for patients who are in rehab. The levels of care for outpatient rehab can range in intensity with common levels including:⁶

• Standard outpatient.
• Intensive outpatient.
• Partial hospitalization.

Depending on a patient’s needs, they may participate in therapy once a week or several times a week.⁶ Some individuals may start in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and transition to a standard outpatient program.⁶

Dual Diagnosis

Some Catholics with substance use disorder may also suffer from a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression.⁷ If this occurs, the person is said to have a co-occurring disorder or comorbidity.⁷ Treating co-occurring disorders with a dual diagnosis rehab program can help address both conditions.

Types of Therapies Used in Catholic Addiction Rehab

Catholic rehab may combine several therapies and support groups that are grounded in Catholic teachings and principles and evidence-based treatment, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
• Motivational interviewing.
• Family support and therapy.
• Group therapy.
• Alternative therapies.
• Recovery groups.

Catholic Rehab Charities vs. Private Rehab Facilities

Catholic rehab charities, or Catholic substance abuse charities, provide treatment that focuses on faith-based techniques for recovery and is typically funded through private donations. They rely on the principles of prayer combined with therapy for healing. They leverage the 12-step philosophy when dealing with patients.⁸ This philosophy has themes of confession, surrender, and looking to a higher power.⁸

Private rehab centers rely more on medication-assisted therapies and residential treatment programs combined with therapy that is secular-based.⁸

Choosing a Catholic Alcohol & Drug Rehab Center

Spiritual activities can play an important role in recovery. However, it may be more beneficial when combined with evidence-based treatment such as CBT.

You have a lot of options when choosing a rehab center, so do so with care as some amenities or treatment options might mean more to you than others do.

For example, many secular recovery centers offer a Catholic rehab program, meaning that some, but not all, patients would be participating in spiritual activities. If you would prefer an exclusively faith-based recovery center, keep this in mind.

Factors you may wish to consider when choosing a Catholic drug rehab center include things like:

• How much does it cost?
• Is it close to your home to facilitate family therapy, if applicable? You can use our directory to search by location to find rehabs near me.
• Do you want a location that is not near your home?
• Do you have mixed-gender program preferences?
• Do you prefer high-end accommodations like those of a luxury rehab facility?
• What level of treatment do you need? (E.g., someone who uses substances to cope with anxiety may benefit from a program that also focuses on dual diagnosis or mental health).
• How does the treatment program incorporate spiritual principles?
• Do you want time for prayer and Bible reading?

Does My Insurance Cover Catholic Addiction Rehab?

No matter what type of insurance you have, you will likely have some type of coverage for substance use disorder. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) lists alcohol and drug addiction services as 1 of 10 categories of essential health benefits, which means insurance sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace must cover treatment.⁹

You will need to verify your insurance to make sure the rehab is in-network. You can check your insurance online or call your provider.

If you are unsure about how to find a rehab facility for you, reach out to one of our admissions navigators at and they can help you find the right treatment program for you. There is hope for everyone dealing with drug or alcohol addiction, no matter what religious preferences they practice or do not practice.

How to Find Catholic Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers

When choosing a Catholic rehab center for yourself or a loved one, you have options. Before you make a decision, it’s important to carefully consider the programs available to you to ensure you receive treatment that is tailored to your unique needs.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) has locations throughout the United States and may have a rehab center near you. If you find there is not an appropriate program near you, you may consider traveling out of state for treatment. Some popular states for treatment include California, Florida, New Jersey, and Texas. You can use our directory to search by location or call us to discuss your needs.