Remove Religion From Recovery Programs

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2010/03/08/man-religion-addictions-spirituality.html

The religious always enjoy talking about how faith makes them charitable and helpful. Unless of course, you don’t agree with their views.

“Johnstone said his faith-neutral stance to his own treatment prompted him to be dismissed from an intense residential 12-step program at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM), a provincially-run rehabilitation initiative.

He said he was encouraged by the AFM to find strength in God or a higher power in order to recover, but couldn't stomach it and was asked to leave.”

The worst part is that the organization is provincially-run, it’s essentially state sanctioned religion. If the AFM is going to preach religion to people wishing to find help, who do not want religion, then their government status should be removed.
“Johnstone said the presence of spiritual elements in rehab programs exploit vulnerable addicts.

"We get involved in mood-altering substances and mind-altering substances," Johnstone said. "That means the person is very vulnerable when they come in and that person should not be subjected to someone else's religion."

These addiction centres are exploiting some of the most vulnerable minds in society in what looks like a conversion attempt. It’s disgraceful.

“However, officials at the AFM remain resolute that recovery relies on at least some element of spiritual — but not necessarily religious — belief. The AFM is not affiliated with any organized faith.”

From personal experience I can disagree with the idea that a form of spiritual belief is necessary for recovery. I have dealt with my own problems without the assistance of spiritual belief.