Question: Are Christian organizations the only legitimate sources of faith-based help for addiction? This suggests that those of non-Christian faiths are not included in the faith-based initiative. Also, was this Webcast program funded by the U.S. Government?

Dr. Marcus McKinney: There should be at least as many "faith" avenues of recovery as there are faith traditions. One of the promising lessons learned in the Access to Recovery program has been the awareness that what is "legitimate" is really tied to what brings recovery. So, for example, we celebrated when an Islamic residential program was established recently in the Access to Recovery program. We hear remarkably different, but effective, models of recovery from Islamic, Buddhist, and Jewish traditions-just to name a few. What probably needs to happen in many settings is an intentional initiative to diversify faith-based recovery models based on the diverse population of a region. I am convinced much can be learned from models outside our own tradition. During the taping I mentioned the wonderful experience of synagogues in our area assigning the ministry of pastoral counseling to cantors, who then took our pastoral counseling program. The evaluations spoke to how this was important for all who took the class because of the powerful recovery stories that took greater meaning in light of the rich tradition of sacred stories and song the cantors shared.

Question: I am currently employed with an ATR provider in New Haven, CT. I also attend a local church in the urban core of New Haven, which has a desire to join with you and more actively and directly facilitate the healing of our neighbors who are in need, through the offering of specific faith-based recovery support service; and, I am organizing a community development entity as a vehicle to promote and provide these services.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to receiving your response and to attending a pastoral counseling training session soon!

Dr. Marcus McKinney: Your questions convey the kind excitement that is making a great difference in the recovery community. Let me offer a few basic resources.

First, consider visiting the free assessment tool for nonprofits to see where you are as a "community development entity." It will guide you into what work is needed to grow to the next stage. See: http://surveys.wilder.org/fieldstone/lifestages.

Second, whatever you do, don't miss the recovery material specifically designed for faith communities that is now available from SAMHSA. From training volunteers to planning a series of recovery exercises for youth ministry, contributors for these materials include clinical and spiritual leaders from around the country and from many traditions. Take a look at: http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/results.aspx?h=issues&topic=171.

Laypeople of many traditions are being authorized and empowered by clergy to get training and offer vital services in the area of recovery. You represent a growing segment of the public that offers unique care in the recovery community. In addition to any training you are motivated to receive, you are often trusted, accessible, and tied in to a community of faith that appreciates those "support services" that we have come to learn make the difference (like child care, a trip to a meeting, food assistance, prayer, and a friend calling in the evening to offer encouragement).

We encourage you to explore any of the pastoral counseling classes online at www.pastoralcounselingtraining.com. Our goal is to offer online modules in pastoral counseling through Saint Francis Hospital beginning in Fall 2006.

Question: Please tell us about the best possible outcome by combining ALL available resources (i.e. faith-based, 12-step, medication, psychology, family involvement, peer-based, exercise, nutrition, and healthy hobbies).

Dr. Marcus McKinney: Allow me to answer in a couple of ways. A "meaningful life in the community" speaks to a kind of outcome I hope occurs with all models of recovery. But, maybe more directly related to your question, the greater the depth of approach in recovery, the greater likelihood of a good outcome. A "depth" approach would, in my opinion, take into account the complex everyday needs we have as human beings. For example, aspects of our lives are enhanced by reflection (meditation), social support (family and friends), understanding peers, and a healthy lifestyle (exercise and diet). When any of these suffer (and that can happen to any of us), we will feel vulnerable in our recovery. Remarkably, any of these can help us compensate for weaknesses in other areas. For example, a life-giving avocation like painting, writing, or music, can in every way strengthen recovery when one's health is tried or family is unavailable. Many would make convincing arguments that even the body responds positively to these aspects of life . they offer great meaning and are more woven into the fabric of spiritual traditions than we may realize.

Question: What would you recommend as the minimum education/experience requirements for credentialing of faith-based, substance use disorder therapists?

Dr. Marcus McKinney: In most States, the word "therapist" implicates a credential like "certification" or "licensure," so the minimum education required is legislated State by State. It is important to note that many in the faith community, including clergy, are "dually" qualified, having earned credentials in ministry and psychological counseling. Through the Access to Recovery program we have noted that faith leaders who encourage a "culture" of recovery in their congregation also benefit from reduced stigma, increased interest by lay people in ministries that facilitate recovery (that do not necessarily need degrees), and a commensurate interest in furthering their education to become therapists. Faith communities can benefit from all levels of caregiving, it seems to me. A context in faith communities that is sensitive to those hurting and understanding the value of helping leaders receive "supervision" is key. The important concern often voiced by clinicians of people wanting to help but not trained is valid-but a creative response to this concern would be to provide a safe, confidential place in the community for faith leaders to receive training and supervision of their ministry (by experienced recovery specialists who value faith models). This can go a long way to affirm the vital role they serve in caring for people seeking recovery.

Question: What churches or treatment centers in Kansas are actually using a faith-based treatment approach at this time?

Dr. Marcus McKinney: For specific recovery related faith-based services in Kansas, you should consider contacting the Addiction and Prevention Services leadership in the State (Deborah Stidham or Kelly Peak at 785-296-3773). There is an initiative to identify faith-based recovery providers in Kansas through their office. You also may wish to explore certified pastoral counselors located in several regions in your State-their contact information is at http://www.aapc.org/directory.cfm#KS.

Question: My husband has had a severe problem with alcohol abuse. He denies having a problem. He promised to quit drinking after a brief separation. He appears to have stopped drinking, but now I have found a huge bag of marijuana in his truck. He appears to have switched from alcohol to marijuana. I am really at a loss for how to proceed from here. He is a soldier and can lose his job and career. I am having a difficult time respecting him and I am unsure how to help him. He seems determined to continue down this path of self-absorbed behavior. Please advise me.

Dr. Marcus McKinney: First, allow me to offer my personal encouragement to you-it is clear you are trying to do the best you can for his recovery. I also appreciate that your words reflect the true complexity that addiction brings. Consider first getting some support for yourself. There are many avenues-and you need only choose the one that feels safe for you. For example, AlAnon meetings (found by contacting INFOLINE) occur in most communities where people like yourself come together to acknowledge these problems and gain insight from others who have faced the issues before. Considering going to such a meeting may touch in you an "embarrassment" or fear you will be recognized-this is understandable and normal-but weigh the value of gaining firsthand insight from others who have sat where you now sit, then consider such a support system. For some, that support can come from a faith community, and for others it comes in the form of seeking personal counseling.

I also value your style of seeking to understand your husband's behavior. You learned firsthand that the experience of addiction often moves from one form of addiction to another. The values of your husband, seen in his service to his country, his marriage, his career, should be part of our assessment of his strengths in recovery. What "turns a person around" from a path like he is on? One of the challenges of this question is that people are all different. But there is hope, in that there are also many paths to recovery. He may be willing to seek help through the military (knowing addiction issues impact many in the military as in society at large). Yet, he may fear the stigma attached to getting help in the military culture. He might attend an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting in your region, maybe with a friend in recovery who you both know. The two of you have, it appears, had frank discussions on the problem. This is a good step. Any further discussion that speaks to his interest in designating a path of recovery that builds accountability but maintains respect is ideal. Addiction has a way of stealing from us the respect we would otherwise have. From one perspective it appears as simply "self-absorbed" behavior; from a fellow person in recovery it might be seen as disease-driven. Both demand attention and call for a recovery plan. But do not forget: You, too, may need a "recovery plan" to help you navigate through these difficult days.