Ministry work involves helping people through many difficult and painful life circumstances. And one of the hardest is helping people who are dealing with an addiction. There are a lot of ways that pastors and other Christian leaders can help people when they are fighting addiction, but one of the most basic ways is to offer practical, Christ-centered, appropriate resources.
But what are some of those resources?
We cannot offer miracle solutions. We are not medical doctors, nor do we specialize in addictions counseling. But we will share some helpful, practical resources to get you started!
Whether someone is struggling with alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography or other addictions – even if they are using these things in dangerous ways but perhaps not technically “addicted” – you can feel more confident in offering them help with some resources in your back pocket.
Starting With Definitions
Before sharing some resources to help you as you walk alongside someone fighting an addiction, let’s clarify some helpful definitions.
First of all – The iHope Center offers professional counseling, but we are not doctors or addictions specialists. Most communities do have people with specialized training to help with substance-use addictions. They are valuable resources for you to connect with at the local level!
In addition, we would encourage you not to spend too much effort worrying about if someone technically meets criteria for “addiction.” There are diagnostic criteria for “addiction” but people struggling with unhealthy or dangerous behaviors and habits can benefit from many of these same resources. You are not this person’s doctor. You are not responsible for a diagnosis. But you are responsible to offer the loving kindness and help of Jesus Christ.
Finally, while some of the resources below are specific to alcohol or substance use addictions, people can struggle with addictions to many different things. People struggle with addictions to food, gambling, pornography, and technology. And yes, also with alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
1 – Spiritual Resources
Sometimes, spiritual leaders get caught up in research, medical answers, and cultural “best practices” for big issues like addiction.
Those resources can, of course, be very helpful. But one of the best ways that a pastor or ministry leader can help someone fighting addiction is to share the truth and hope of Jesus Christ.
Jesus came to set his people free from bondage to sin. Addiction issues might have many influences, from behavior habits to physiological concerns, but it is not the “abundant life” that Jesus offers. Our Savior offers peace, joy, and hope.
And Jesus is enough.
As you help someone who is fighting addiction, don’t shy away from offering biblical truth, Scriptures to memorize or study, and prayer. The Holy Spirit living in believers is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11, Ephesians 1:19-20). God can raise people from the dead place of addiction too.
2 – Community-Based Resources
Each community will offer different resources. But across the U.S., most communities offer something. And there can be great help in community-based resources of people who have already successfully fought addictions themselves.
Three helpful community-based resources to start with might include:
- Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based group that helps people with “hurts, hang-ups, and habits” of many types.
- Reformers Unanimous is another faith-based group in many communities, often hosted in local churches.
- Alcoholics Anonymous is a well-known group offering practical support to those who are struggling with alcohol. (Similar groups exist for drugs or other issues.)
3 – Local Services
Most communities will not only offer some community-based groups but will also offer other resources. Consider what your hospital system offers for drug and alcohol problems. What about local churches with support groups or programs?
The iHope Center is located in Florence, South Carolina. This is not a tiny rural community, nor is it a large metropolitan city. But we do have local resources – and you probably do too.
- We are located in Florence, South Carolina and have several options locally. Bruce Hall at MUSC is a local drug and alcohol hospital unit. The Owl’s Nest is a local addictions recovery center, as is Circle Park in the downtown Florence area.
4 – National Helplines And Emergency Services
Regardless of what is available in your local community, here in the U.S. there are some resources available nationwide. If you are in crisis, or someone you’re helping is in crisis, these can be a great resource.
One of the easiest places to start is the emergency Suicide And Crisis Lifeline number: 9-8-8. On their website, you can get resources and tips. They can provide emergency services but also connect you with local resources.
Another option is SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), which also offers resources, tips, and can help connect you with local resources.
Addiction is powerful. But there are resources to help.
Pastors can feel overwhelmed by issues like addiction – but then again, so do the people fighting the addiction themselves. As you reach out to help people, don’t feel alone in that journey.
Whether you’re using national or local resources, finding tips online or from other pastors in your area, help is available.
May God be with you as you care for those struggling with addiction.
Struggling with addiction?
If you are in South Carolina, there are licensed addictions counselors available in the state. Here at The iHope Center, we do not specialize in addictions treatment. But we can help with family relationships, coping skills, and many related struggles. Reach out to us at The iHope Center if you would like some support with dealing with these related struggles. Our services are 50% below the local average cost of counseling and we do offer some virtual appointments if needed. Call (843) 702-0323 to get started.
ABOUT YOUR HOST
This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at http://www.ihopeflorence.com.
We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:
- LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
- WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
- READ on the iHope blog
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REFERRALS AND DONATIONS
Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.
The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients’ fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.
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DISCLAIMER
This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.
In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!
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