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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who take this class will learn the basic features of the recovery process and be able to respond in helpful ways both to people struggling with addictions and to family members and others who care about the addicted person. Students will be informed about available resources, appropriate interventions and referrals for treatment, as well as be able to support people at all stages of the recovery process.

COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet once each week for three-hour sessions. Didactic lecture, case examples, guest speakers, and individual field trips will be used to assist growth in understanding and development of practical ministry skills.

REQUIRED READING:

Anderson, N.T. & Quarles, M. Overcoming Addictive Behavior. Ventura, CA: Regal, 2003. (150 pp. required). ISBN: 9780830732968. Pub. Price: $12.99.

Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. 4th ed. New York: A.A. World Service, 2001. (142 pp. required).

Baker, J. Stepping Out of Denial into God's Grace. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005. (45 pp. required. ISBN: 9780310268345. Pub. Price: $6.99.

Cloud, H. Changes That Heal. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993. (117 pp. required). ISBN: 9780310606314. Pub. Price: $14.99.

Flores, P.J. Addiction as an Attachment Disorder. Lanham, MD: Aronson, 2004 (200 pp. required). ISBN: 9780765703378. Pub. Price: $49.95.

Laaser, M. Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004. (107 pp. required). ISBN: 9780310256571. Pub. Price: $12.99.

Martin, P.R., Weinberg, B.A. & Bealer, B.K. Healing Addiction. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2007 (145 pp. required). ISBN: 9780471656302. Pub. Price: $48.95.

Wegscheider-Cruse, S. Another Chance. Palo Alto, CA: Science and Behavior Books, 1989. (105 pp. required). ISBN: 9780831400729. Pub. Price: $25.95.

A list of recommended readings will be available in the course syllabus.

1. 1200 pages of reading, with an accompanying journal (10% of grade).

2. Class attendance and participation (10% of grade).

3. Personal Process Paper. Students will attend two support groups and write a paper describing their experiences (15% of grade).

4. Personal Process Paper. Students will complete step work from traditional 12-step programs and Celebrate Recovery and write about the experience (15% of grade).

5. Research Paper. Students will write a research paper on an addiction that includes information on the addiction, treatment options, and ways in which ministry can help (25% of grade).

6. Final Exam. A comprehensive written final exam with multiple choice, matching, short answer, and essay questions (25% of grade).