Recovery from alcoholism and drug dependence isn't generally something one can do alone. The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous teach us that recovery begins in healing relationships--with ourselves, our families, friends and others, and, ultimately with God or a Higher Power. From the start, the fellowship of AA recognized the spiritual nature of the recovery process.

Unfortunately, people struggling with addiction often get little support or understanding from religious leaders. Many clergy still see addiction as a moral weakness, a character defect best helped by praying harder, attending services more regularly, or even tithing. Some want to help but are afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing. Either way, addicts and those around them are left to suffer in shame and silence.

"There's a broad spectrum of the church that still thinks 'Just Say No' is the answer," said John Mac Dougall, D. Min., manager of Spiritual Care at Hazelden in Center City, Minn. "Because clergy often don't realize that addiction is a disease, they blame the addicted person for having a problem instead of supporting efforts to get treatment."

Fear is another obstacle that blocks religious leaders from reaching out to help addicts and their families. "Clergy and lay leaders keep silent because they think they are unqualified to say anything or that they will mistakenly perceive a problem," Mac Dougall said. "Yet the consequences of broaching the subject of alcoholism with someone who isn't alcoholic are very slight. The consequences of not raising it with someone who is could be death."

One of the most positive things clergy can do is simply "legitimize the discussion of alcoholism in their congregation," Mac Dougall said. By breaking the "no-talk" rule that denies the existence of addiction, rabbis, priests and ministers make it safe for people to open up about addiction-related problems.

At Hazelden, Mac Dougall conducts a five-day training that educates spiritual leaders about the realities and myths surrounding alcoholism and drug dependence. Once spiritual leaders understand that addiction is a disease, just like cancer or diabetes, then they can start taking simple steps to help, such as referring families to intervention and treatment resources in the community and lending their support to the recovery process. They can also help prevent substance abuse problems and promote healthy lifestyles.

Rather than simply having an annual "Alcoholism Sunday," Mac Dougall encourages spiritual leaders to regularly incorporate awareness of alcohol and drug dependence into congregational life. This could mean using examples and language related to alcoholism and AA in sermons; prominently displaying AA and other recovery materials in literature racks; and addressing addiction issues in religious youth groups and premarital counseling sessions.

Laity can play a major role in healthy activities as well. They can help by starting mutual-help support groups, inviting recovery speakers to address the congregation, and inviting a recovery group to use church meeting space.

Dave Keippala, head minister at Sunnyside Lutheran Church in Linwood, Minn., was looking for tools to help individuals and families in his congregation deal with addiction. He went through Hazelden's training for spiritual care professionals and came away with a deeper understanding of himself and his role as a spiritual care provider.

"I was able to get clearer insights into who I am and how I can help others," Keippala said. "It helped me understand the importance of not being afraid to talk about addiction, not letting fear rule from a lack of understanding. It also helped me see that addiction is really multifaceted; it's not just a sin issue. In so many circles, people think that if you take care of it as a sin, it'll go away. And that just doesn't happen."

--Published October 11, 1999