ADDICTION & RECOVERY COUNSELING

As pastors, biblical counselors, para-church ministry leaders, and marketplace ministers, it is essential to know about addiction and addictive behaviors to understand how to confront them with the proper tools and approach. These roles in ministry are mentioned because they are typically the ones that will serve in what is called the “Helping Ministry.” The mental health therapist/practitioner, chaplains, and lay counselors are included in this group.

Drug and Alcohol addiction and other addictive behaviors have become an extremely concerning problem today. Substance abuse is a social problem that affects not just the individuals who misuse these substances but also their family and friends (support system).

Addiction does not discriminate, and it cuts across all ethnic, cultural, socio-economic statuses, ages, and gender. It destroys homes, marriages, careers, and relationships and threatens the overall health and safety of those involved in addictive behaviors.

Statistics in the U.S. and Other Parts of The World
Statistics show that alcohol and drug addiction cost the U.S. economy over $600 billion every year. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, there have been approximately 700,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. since 2000.
• Most recent reports show that 31.9 million Americans alone are currently using illegal drugs/substances.
• According to the Institute for Security Studies, the number of drug users in SubSaharan Africa is expected to increase by nearly 150% by 2050. The studies conducted predict that the continent of Africa will experience the most significant growth in absolute numbers of drug users of any region globally.
• Recent studies done show a significant percentage of individuals in most countries around the globe, especially the western world, are addicted to internet pornography, according to the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
• There are forty to eighty million Americas who suffer from compulsive overeating.
• Gambling is a billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone.

Addiction is an epidemic in our global society. It is a social problem that people regardless of where they live or what they have, has experienced, or knows of someone who has. People must be aware of and concerned about addiction because it is a destructive force, an enemy

We have mentioned in the previous section the tremendous damage that addiction is causing around the world in the lives of people. The numbers have proven it. So now let us discuss what addiction is.

Read pages  2-4  of course guide

According to experts, alcohol and drug addiction are diseases; obesity and overeating are genetic predispositions. Obsessive relationship attachments are labeled “codependent,” Excessive spending may be a symptom of bipolar disorder. However, addiction is sometimes labeled or referred to as a spiritual stronghold from a Christian or biblical perspective. A Christian who struggles with pornography or sexual addiction,
for example, is said to be oppressed or troubled by an unclean spirit or the spirit of
immorality/lust.

Read pages 5-6

Read pages 7-8 to review the addiction treatment from both a secular and biblical perspective.  Also see the what recovery and relapse prevention looks like from a christian perspective. 

With the help of the biblical counselor, pastor or lay counselor, a plan is implemented to assist the counselee in making the necessary steps towards change. New habits which also comprises the above mentioned biblically focus tools needs to be regularly practiced helping overcome the struggle with old behaviors and habits.
Biblical counseling is a powerful and remarkably effective ministry that has been able to support and help those who are hurting. Many in the Christian community are struggling with various forms of addictive behaviors and addictions; they are in spiritual bondages and through the power of the Holy Spirt and God’s Word, counselors have been able to minister to the brokenhearted; guiding them to healing and wholeness.

References:
Clinton T., & Scalise E. (2013). Addiction And Recovery Counseling. Baker Books: Grand
Rapids, MI. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topic

Please note that only students of the Diploma in Biblical Counseling & Crisis Care Program are permitted to take the final exam for this course.  It is NOT required for individuals who are enrolling in this course for their own personal enrichment.

Download  exam form and submit your answers via school page link below:

https://www.swordofthespiritbibletraining.org/Submit-Tests.php

or via email at training@swordofthespiritbibletraining.org 

Please be advised, to earn the certificate below, all courses must be completed in the following studies.  Certificates are NOT issued for single courses. 

Certificate: Counseling God's Way II- Addiction Ministry 
Addiction & Recovery Counseling BC-202
Understanding Substance Use Disorder -The Basics- SUD 100
Spiritual Warfare Strategies 
Battle for The Body