Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

Spiritual Care Giving:
From Addiction to Recovery by Don Blascak

Save the date! On February 28, 2008 from 8:30 am to 3 pm, Compass Behavioral Health Care, along with community partners, will host an all-day seminar for clergy and congregational members engaged in recovery ministry. A timely seminar, as meth and other substance abuse is on the rise in our city.

The Seminar will offer strategies and tools for congregational leadersand congregants and others suffering from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. The all-day seminar is presented by "The Clergy Education and Training Project," a collaboration of The National Association For Children Of Alcoholics (NACoA) and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). The objectives of the seminar are to: Raise awareness of how addiction to alcohol and other drugs affect individuals and their families; Discuss the role of the clergy and congregational leaders in offering information, hope and recovery support for those affected by alcohol and drug abuse; Review core competencies for clergy and congregational leaders in understanding and addressing alcohol and drug use.

Alcohol and drug dependence take a huge economic, physical and emotional toll on the lives of all it touches. Fear and confusion is abundant and often there seems no where to turn. A first contact for help may well be the faith community. The uniqueness of the faith community may be two fold. It is a trusted source for expected help and also for support in continued recovery. Many clergy lack the knowledge and skills to provide this support and counseling for those affected seeking assistance.

Seminar participants will receive strategies, tools, and resources to help members trapped in the confusion and pain of substance abuse as well introduce them to local prevention, treatment and recovery services. This seminar will support clergy efforts to break down the walls of silence, shame issues and stigma that invariably surrounds those suffering from addiction and their families and loved ones.

Attend this important seminar and share information and knowledge on the hope and grace that can start individuals and families on a spiritual road to recovery, restore connectedness and health in the presence of addiction.

To learn more about this seminar, registration and location, contact Compass Health at spiritualcaregiving@compasshc.org.