Clergy Addiction Treatment Programs

Substance use disorder (SUD) can impact people from all walks of life. It’s possible to struggle with addiction as a clergy member or religious leader, and you shouldn’t be ashamed. Life pressures can take a toll on anyone’s mental health, especially those with careers dedicated to helping others. It can be easy to forget about helping yourself. Other factors like genetics, mental health disorders, and previous drug use can contribute to your susceptibility to addiction.¹

There’s a common stigma between addiction and religious teachers. Most consider pastors and priests as leaders, guiding people who struggle with addiction. Facing addiction as a religious leader can cause a unique level of shame, and you may feel like you’ve disappointed God.

If you are struggling, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with SUD, but help is available.² If you’re ready to seek help, there are many options for rehab for pastors and other religious leaders, offering treatment and support.

Signs of Substance Misuse in Priests, Pastors, & Other Clergy

Signs of substance misuse will show up differently in different people. Someone always on time may start showing up late or not at all. An honest person may start to stretch the truth. If you’re concerned about a loved one or coworker and have noticed something is off, they could be dealing with an SUD. Some potential signs of addiction in clergy members may include:

• Using substances before church.
• Substance use interfering with their job.
• Lying about substance use when confronted.
• Substance use interfering with their spiritual discipline or calling.
• Making unethical decisions.

Only a professional can diagnose SUD; however, these signs may signal that you or a loved one should seek help. Seeking professional help for SUD allows you to receive the support you need and address underlying issues that may be contributing to your addiction. Addiction treatment for clergy and other religious leaders offers various services to promote long-term recovery and prevent relapse.

Addiction Treatment Options for Clergy

There are many options for addiction treatment for clergy. Treatment may begin with medical detox, if needed, which helps manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare you for the next phase of treatment. Following medical detox with ongoing treatment in an inpatient or outpatient program can help address the underlying causes that may contribute to SUD.³

Inpatient addiction treatment programs offer a safe, supportive space to live where you can focus on your recovery full-time. Outpatient rehab options are also available and offer flexibility for those who need to balance treatment with ongoing responsibilities.³ These programs vary in duration and intensity, ranging from standard outpatient care to more structured options like intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP).³ Following a formal treatment program with aftercare services, such as counseling, relapse prevention planning, and support groups, can provide ongoing support to maintain recovery long-term.³

Faith-Based Care

Some facilities offer treatment programs for clergy or faith-based care. Whichever program you choose should provide you with the care and support you need to fully recover and prevent relapse.

Faith-based treatment programs approach addiction treatment from the perspective of spirituality. They offer evidence-based treatment approaches, similar to non-spiritual rehabs, and provide the same tools and therapy to help you stay sober.

The main difference is the focus on strengthening your relationship with God to help you abstain from using drugs and alcohol. Faith-based programs put your relationship with God at the forefront of recovery and consider it an essential aspect of healing. Over 73% of treatment programs in the U.S. contain some element of spirituality.⁴ Many 12-Step programs emphasize relying on a higher power to maintain recovery.

Rehab for clergy is available for different religions and denominations. For example, drug and alcohol rehab for priests who walk strongly in their faith can attend Catholic recovery programs that incorporate Catholic beliefs into treatment.

Working During Treatment

Attending treatment may seem like a burden if you want to continue working while in recovery. The good news is there are spiritual rehab programs where you can work during treatment.

You can visit a treatment facility as often as you’d like with outpatient rehab while living at home. Substance use outpatient programs offer services like addiction therapy and peer support groups, giving you opportunities to develop coping skills and promote long-term recovery.

Mental Health Care

It’s common to struggle with a mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) along with SUD. A co-occurring disorder or “dual diagnosis” is when a person suffers from at least 1 mental health disorder in addition to SUD.²

Clergy members and religious leaders can experience high levels of pressure and stress in their line of work. Listening to the confessions and trauma of others while working with people in need can take a toll on your mental health.

Co-occurring disorders are often treated simultaneously, which can provide better outcomes and improve your chances for long-term recovery after treatment.²

Finding Faith-Based Care

If you or someone you love is ready to get better, it’s okay to ask for help. Finding the right addiction treatment center starts with exploring your options. You might speak with your doctor and ask for referrals to trusted rehab facilities. You can also contact treatment centers directly to learn about programs. For a more streamlined search, our rehab directory lets you easily find a rehab near you or out of state, by narrowing results by insurance accepted, location, or treatment type. Be sure to inquire about faith-based specialty programs that align with your spiritual values and professional needs.

If you’re ready to take the next step, call today to speak with a compassionate admissions navigator. Available 24/7, we’ll guide you through treatment options, provide resources, and verify your insurance. It’s confidential and free, and there is no obligation to enter treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions