by Dale Ryan When I left seminary I had only a very limited understanding of addiction and abuse. It was certainly not a high priority in the seminary curriculum. If they came up at all, addiction and abuse were usually assumed to be unusual. Recovery ministry was thought to be a kind of specialization within the general category of pastoral care. … [Read more...] about Theological Education & Recovery
Search Results for: spiritual abuse
Center for Spirituality and Recovery
There is a lot of truth in an old slogan you sometimes hear in twelve step fellowships: "Talking about the spiritual part of the program is like talking about the wet part of the ocean". Recovery is an inherently spiritual journey. What people do when they do the twelve steps, for example, is a series of spiritual practices -- all of which have long histories in the Christian tradition (e.g … [Read more...] about Center for Spirituality and Recovery
Women and Sexual Addiction
by Marnie Ferree While most people tend to assume that sexual addiction is a problem only for men, the evidence suggests the contrary. Addictions, all addictions, are pretty much equal opportunity diseases. And sexual addiction is no exception. Marnie Ferree is a pioneer in the treatment of female sex and relationship addicts. This article is material taken from a workshop she gave recently in … [Read more...] about Women and Sexual Addiction
Substance Abuse: The Hurt and the Hope
by Dale Wolery Substance abuse hurts people. It hurts the person who uses, and it hurts everyone who is touched by the person's addiction. The pain and power of substance abuse remain a destructive presence in every segment of our culture. Clearly we are losing the war on illegal drugs. All the efforts to reduce the supply have led to cheaper prices and higher-quality drugs. And we are losing … [Read more...] about Substance Abuse: The Hurt and the Hope
Recovery from Abuse Resource Center
Abuse is complicated. Painful. Recovery is also complicated. And often painful. But it is possible. Our hope is that you will find something here that is helpful. Our best advice is: Take what works and leave the rest. Classes Articles Lecture Notes for Recovery 101 … [Read more...] about Recovery from Abuse Resource Center
Breaking the Chains of Substance Abuse
an interview with Clark Burlew Clark Burlew is a recovering alcoholic who carrys the message of recovery to others. He has helped develop and administer treatment and recovery programs for many years. He is currently the Director of Marketing and Outpatient Services at Pacific Hills Treatment Centers in San Juan Capistrano, California. … [Read more...] about Breaking the Chains of Substance Abuse
When You Are Ready To Try Again: Going Back to Church
by Jeff VanVonderen When we were born we had no idea what was in store for us in our physical family. And we had nothing to say about the behaviors, character traits, or priorities of our biological family. None of us could choose what our family would be like. But what if it weren't impossible? What if we did have a choice? What if, prior to actually becoming part of a family, we were given … [Read more...] about When You Are Ready To Try Again: Going Back to Church
Back to the Basics: An Introduction to Recovery
by Dale Ryan "Now I am really confused," said Jerry. "I'm doing all the things I think I'm supposed to do. I've been in therapy for a year and a half now, and I've been going to the 12-Step group at church. But somehow I have lost track of things. What is this all about? And why is it so painful?" Like Jerry, many of us have experienced times in the recovery journey when we 'loose track' of … [Read more...] about Back to the Basics: An Introduction to Recovery
Chapter 6: Organizing and Conducting the Living Free Program
The following schedule is a six-week plan that can serve as a guide in establishing a recovery support group program. Prior to formal planning, hold an exploratory meeting with individuals who are willing to support a recovery ministry. This initial gathering can help in identifying possible co-facilitators and others in the church who are familiar with twelve-step programs. It can also help in … [Read more...] about Chapter 6: Organizing and Conducting the Living Free Program
The Christian Recovery Movement: a Brief Introduction
by Dale Ryan This is an edited transcript of a talk presented by Dale Ryan at the ISAAC convention in Madrid, Spain in May, 2003. It is intended to provide a general overview of the Christian recovery movement in the US for people working in other parts of the world. … [Read more...] about The Christian Recovery Movement: a Brief Introduction