Religious and non-religious components in substance abuse treatment: A comparative analysis of faith-based and secular interventions

Abstract

Summary Recently, faith-based organizations have become increasingly welcomed as government partners in providing services for chronic social problems. In many countries including the United States policies permit social service and healthcare providers that utilize religious practices to be eligible for public funding. The government’s support of faith-based programs has provided increased capacity and gives clients more choice in providers. However, providers and policy makers have limited knowledge about the nature and treatment regimen of faith-based interventions. This qualitative study examined 28 faith-based and 27 secular substance abuse treatment programs in the United States using grounded theory methods to develop models of religious influences. Findings The comparison yielded major differences. Secular programs allow religious practices but consider them voluntary components. Faith-based programs adopt one of the two strategies. Some selectively introduce religious practices but separate them from other treatment activities. Others regard religious practices as essential to recovery and require participation in religious observance. Application This article describes the conceptual dimensions of religious practices in substance abuse treatment programs and will inform policy makers and practitioners about the role of religion in faith-based and secular programs.