Individuals addicted to destructive behaviours and substances are finding support through the Addiction Recovery Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Church has adapted the Twelve Step Program from Alcoholics Anonymous to provide a course teaching key principles to help individuals on the road to recovery.
The Addiction Recovery Program includes online tools, support meetings, and counselling.
The program also provides resources and other support to the loved ones of those recovering from addiction.
Addiction is widespread in society and often misunderstood. Some individuals are addicted to drugs (both prescription and illegal), alcohol, tobacco, overeating, eating disorders, inappropriate sexual behaviours, uncontrolled anger and gambling.
There are some who consider addictions to be simply bad habits that can be conquered by willpower alone, but many people become so dependent on a behaviour or a substance that they no longer see how to live without it. They can lose perspective, self confidence and a sense of control over their lives.
The Church’s program focuses not only on emotional and physical needs, but also the spiritual dimension in our lives to restore balance and a sense of control. The principles of the program are based on Christ-centred beliefs.
Elder and Sister Hadlock, a retired couple who currently reside in Dannevirke, are senior missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are trained to serve as leaders of support group meetings held twice a week. They assist individuals who desire to overcome addictive behaviour and find a better life.
One participant of these support meetings says, “I am not a member of the Church but I kept Step 5 with the help of the [local Latter-day Saint] bishop.” Others have mentioned that participation has saved their marriages, and enabled them to make positive changes in their lives instead of continuing in a downwards negative spiral.
Support group meetings in Dannevirke take place each Tuesday at 12 noon and Thursday at 6.30pm. The venue is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ chapel on Cole Street.
Participation is free and confidential. Learn more here.