Faith Based Recovery
Anchoring Your Healing in Something Greater
Recovery is a journey of the body and mind, but for many, it is predominantly a journey of the spirit. Addiction often leaves individuals feeling spiritually bankrupt, disconnected from their values, their purpose, and their God.
At The Tikvah Center, we offer a Faith-Based Recovery track that honors the spiritual dimension of healing. While our foundation is Jewish, our heart is open. We welcome individuals of all faiths (including those struggling with faith) to utilize their spiritual beliefs as a powerful resource for resilience and renewal.
What is Faith-Based Recovery?
Faith-Based Recovery is not about imposing a specific set of religious laws. Rather, it is the integration of spiritual practices with evidence-based clinical treatment.
Medical science increasingly recognizes the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual model of health. Research shows that individuals who engage in spiritual practice (prayer, meditation, or connection to a faith community) often have higher success rates in recovery. This track allows you to bring your full self to treatment, without checking your beliefs at the door.
We welcome clients from all backgrounds:
- Jewish (Secular to Ultra-Orthodox)
- Christian (Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical)
- Muslim
- Buddhist / Eastern Philosophies
- Spiritual but not Religious
The Benefits of Spiritual Integration
Why mix faith with therapy? Because faith addresses the existential questions that medication cannot touch.
- Restoring Hope: Faith provides a belief that change is possible, even when the clinical prognosis seems bleak.
- Finding Meaning: Moving from "Why is this happening to me?" to "What can I learn from this?"
- Alleviating Guilt: Religious traditions offer frameworks for forgiveness, atonement, and washing away the shame of the past.
- Reducing Isolation: Connecting to a Higher Power ensures you never feel truly alone in your battle.
How Does It Work?
Our program is designed to be inclusive, respecting the specific traditions of each client while finding common ground in the universal principles of recovery.
1. The 12 Steps as Common Ground
The 12-Step model is inherently spiritual, relying on a "Power greater than ourselves." We help clients interpret these steps through their own faith lens—whether that is Hashem, Jesus, Allah, or the Universe.
2. Access to Clergy & Chaplaincy
While our in-house Rabbinical staff supports our Jewish clients, we maintain a network of compassionate clergy from other faiths. We can facilitate visits or consultations with a Pastor, Imam, or spiritual director to ensure your specific needs are met.
3. Accommodating Religious Practice
We respect the rhythm of your religious life.
- Dietary Needs: While our kitchen is Kosher, we accommodate other religious dietary restrictions (e.g., Halal or vegetarian/fasting requirements).
- Prayer Time: We provide quiet spaces and time in the schedule for daily prayer, meditation, or scripture study, regardless of your tradition.
4. Spiritually-Integrated Therapy
Our clinicians are trained to discuss spirituality openly. If your faith is a source of strength, we lean into it. If your faith has been a source of trauma or guilt, we provide a safe space to deconstruct and heal that relationship.
FAQs
Browse answers to popular questions. Don't see what you are looking for? Contact us!
It is medical treatment supported by faith. We do not believe you can "pray away" an addiction any more than you can pray away a broken leg. We use clinical science (CBT, DBT, Medicine) to treat the illness, while using faith to strengthen the person.
That is a very common feeling in addiction. Anger at God is often a starting point for deep spiritual work. Our chaplains and therapists provide a judgment-free space to express that anger, explore it, and eventually move through it.
No. While we observe Jewish holidays and Sabbath in the common areas, participation is never mandatory for non-Jewish clients. We respect your right to worship (or not worship) as you see fit.
No. Our center is a judgment-free zone open to Jews of all backgrounds—secular, reform, conservative, or orthodox—as well as non-Jewish individuals seeking high-quality care. We respect where you are in your spiritual journey.
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