Is his program legitimate?

When your husband enters any kind of recovery or self-improvement program, you have every right to understand what you're dealing with. This isn't about being controlling—it's about protecting yourself and making informed decisions about your marriage.

Legitimate programs share common characteristics:

- Professional oversight by licensed therapists, counselors, or medical professionals - Evidence-based methodologies with proven track records - Structured accountability including regular check-ins and progress assessments - Transparency about methods, expectations, and timelines - Integration of multiple approaches (psychological, spiritual, behavioral) - Spouse involvement or at least communication when appropriate

Warning signs of questionable programs:

- Promises of quick fixes or guaranteed results - Discouragement of outside accountability or therapy - Excessive secrecy about methods or progress - Focus only on symptoms rather than root causes - Lack of professional credentials or oversight - High-pressure tactics or excessive costs - Isolation from family and existing support systems

The program itself is only part of the equation. How your husband engages with it matters enormously. Is he fully participating? Being honest about his struggles? Following through on commitments? These behavioral indicators often tell you more than program credentials alone.

Remember, even the best program won't work if he's not genuinely committed to change. Conversely, a motivated person can benefit from a good program even if it's not perfect. Your job isn't to police his recovery, but you absolutely have the right to observe, ask questions, and make decisions based on what you see.

Scripture calls us to wisdom and discernment, especially when evaluating whether someone's path toward change is genuine and effective.

"By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:16) - The ultimate test of any program's legitimacy is the fruit it produces in your husband's life. Look for evidence of genuine transformation in his character, behavior, and relationships.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22) - Legitimate programs involve multiple perspectives and professional guidance, not isolated approaches or secretive methods.

"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." (Proverbs 14:15) - God calls you to be wise and discerning, not naive. It's both biblical and loving to evaluate the legitimacy of programs that affect your family.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23) - While supporting his recovery, you must also protect yourself from false hope or manipulation.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5) - When you're unsure about program legitimacy, seek God's wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel.

"Test everything. Hold on to what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) - This verse perfectly captures your responsibility to evaluate his program while remaining open to genuine positive change.