In the field of Addiction Therapy, the Christian Integration approach seeks
to construct a bridge between science and faith. This approach values
what each perspective adds to the field of Addiction Therapy and seeks to
integrate their unique qualities. Integrationists are dedicated to combining
their knowledge of scripture with their knowledge of human behavior and
addiction that they observe in real-world settings. They incorporate
knowledge of sin with the psychological theories that they use.
Integrationists believe that Christianity can address the purpose,
meaning, significance, and ethics of human life while psychology can
provide the “intellectual and practical tools for understanding and
improving the human condition” (Johnson, 2010). Furthermore, It is a goal
of the Addiction Therapist to not only help clients with their addictions, but
it is also a goal to transform their minds. “Do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing
you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and
perfect” (Romans 12:2).
For example, in day-to-day addiction therapy practice, neuroscience helps
Addiction Therapists to understand what changes have taken place in the
client’s brain after a prolonged duration of addiction. It is the validated
research in the field of addiction that helps therapists to anticipate what
intervention could be most effective in treating the particular addiction(s)
of a client. However, it is Theology that also guides Addiction Therapists to
cultivate deeper levels of healing, hope, and resilience with the client as
they work through their addiction(s) and actively seek to understand it
through a Christian framework.
2
Johnson, E. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five Views (2nd ed.).
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity.
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