An addict needs transformation in their life, not just the ability to cope with the moment. For transformation to happen, the whole person must be treated, spirit, soul and body. We define successful recovery more than merely abstinence. Success is when the individual is once again living a healthy lifestyle as a productive member of the community. Our view of recovery is supported by National Institute of Health research where they “conclude that the value of faith-oriented approaches to substance abuse prevention and recovery is indisputable.”5
Faith-based recovery and Medical Assisted Treatment (“MAT”) are not mutually exclusive. We believe to be successful, all the appropriate tools which can assist in recovery, must be used. For successful recovery the objectives and limitations of each tool must be respected. It is important to understand “there are no trials comparing methadone maintenance treatment with drug‐free methods other than methadone placebo trials, or comparing methadone maintenance with methadone for detoxification only.“1 They could not find any comparative studies supporting the view of MAT as a better evidence-based approach than other methods because the research has not been conducted.
Medical Assisted Treatment opens the door to recovery by preventing death by overdose so that further treatment can implemented. The research shows that while methadone is an effective maintenance therapy intervention, it keep patients in treatment and decreases heroin use better than treatments that do not utilize MAT. However, when considering its impact on successful recovery, “it does not show a statistically significant superior effect on criminal activity or mortality.2. In other words, in many cases MAT is a necessary and effective tool to use at the beginning of the road to recovery; however, it does not transform an addict’s life into one of freedom as a responsible, productive citizen of a community.
While MAT as a essential tool is well recognized, it is important to understand it does not provide long-term recovery. Research clearly shows that beyond immediately survival, addicts who opted out of medications were no less likely to be abstinent than addicts in most of the medication groups.3. A summary of research findings which reveals the six month continuous abstinence rates with non-medical 12-step oriented treatment programs are comparable to that of medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD).4. For recovery an addict needs more than MAT.
Some point to negative experiences with religion? The NIH research expresses the view that
while negative experiences with religion (e.g., clergy sex abuse and other serious examples) have been a contributory factor to substance abuse among some victims. However, given that more than 84% of scientific studies show that faith is a positive factor in addiction prevention or recovery and a risk in less than 2% of the studies reviewed, the NIH researchers concluded that the value of faith-oriented approaches to substance abuse prevention and recovery is indisputable.” The experience of our faith-based providers provides testimony to this truth. Only a long-term approach to recovery will bring about true wellness in an individuals life.