Second in a series from Peggy Matteson, UCC-RI Health Ministry ConsultantOpen Your Doors
Addition is a treatable, chronic medical condition. Churches can give voice to this medical fact, provide information about where treatment is available, and support individuals and their loved ones as they battle this disease.
Finding a supportive community and building strong relationships are two essential elements that foster ongoing recovery. Many of our churches host AA, NA and other support groups. These programs assist those with these substance use disorders and their families to feel less alone by connecting them to others.
What can your church do?
- When praying for the sick include prayers for people who are suffering from opioid and other substance use disorders.
- Connect individuals to recovery programs and support groups. Connect family and friends to support groups. Information is available at:
- Anchor Recovery Community Center (Warwick and Providence)
- East Bay Recovery Center (St. Michael’s Parish) (Bristol)
- Parent Support Network (PSN) Hope Recovery Center of Newport County (Newport)
- R.E.S.T. – Empowering families through Resources, Education, Support, Together (Bristol, Warwick)
- RI Behavioral Health Substance Use Disorder Services – (East Providence and 24 hour Call-Center)
- RI Cares (Providence)
- The Serenity Center (Woonsocket)
- Find local meetings of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and/or Celebrate Recovery.
- Advertise local meetings in your newsletter, calendars, and website.
- Offer assistance with transportation to treatment services and/or recovery support programs
Read Part 1 of the series - What Can Your Church Do
Read Part 2 of the series - Open Your Doors
Read Part 3 of the series - Increase Awareness