DESCRIPTION:

This course explores all aspects of pastoral care for people struggling with addictions. In addition to providing theological and biblical perspectives on the addictive process, this class will help participants develop the understanding and skills needed by pastors and others who seek to help families impacted by addiction.

The addictive process is an enormous and global problem. Unfortunately, pastors, missionaries and other religious professionals are rarely trained to identify and respond appropriately to people who are addicted. Students who take this class will know the basic features of the addictive process and how it is manifested in a variety of behaviors. Students will also know the basic features of the recovery process and be able to respond in helpful ways both to people struggling with addictions and also to family members and others who care about the addicted person. Students will be informed about available resources, be able to do appropriate interventions and referrals for treatment and be able to support people at all stages of the recovery process.

Class will meet daily for four-hour sessions for two weeks. Lectures, exercises, field trips, and case studies will be used to assist growth in understanding and development of practical ministry skills.

B., Dick. New Light on Alcoholism. Paradise Research Publications, PO Box 837, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii, 1999.

Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. 4th ed. A.A. World Services, New York.

Clinebell, Howard. Understanding and Counseling Persons with Alcohol, Drug and Behavioral Addictions. Abingdon Press, 1998.

VanVonderen, Jeff. Good News for the Chemically Dependent. Thomas Nelson, 1991.

Wegscheider, S. Another Chance. Science and Behavior Books, 1990.

One of the following (all are recommended):

Carnes, Patrick J. Out of the Shadows. Hazelden Publishing & Educational Services, 2001.

Lamott, Anne. Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith. Anchor Books, 2000.

Bullitt-Jones, Margaret. Holy Hunger. Vintage Books, 2000.

May, Gerald G. Addiction and Grace. Harper Collins, 1988.

Norcross, J. C., et al. Authoritative Guide to Self-Help Resources in Mental Health. Guilford, 2003.

White, William. Pathways: From the Culture of Addiction to the Culture of Recovery. Hazelden Information Education, 1996.

__________. Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America. Chestnut Health Systems , 1998.

(1) A minimum of 1200 pages of reading, with one-two page critiques for each book. (2) Attend either Celebrate Recovery, AA, or Alanon meeting. (Two meetings required.) (3) A 10-12 page paper, typed, double-spaced. Paper may examine in more depth one of the topics covered in the course, explore a particular aspect of the addictive process or treatment modality, or involve a reflection on some element of course content as it applies to your personal journey.