The following core competencies are
essential for clergy and pastoral ministers to meet the
needs of people with alcohol or drug dependence and
their family members.
- Be aware of the generally accepted definition of
alcohol and drug dependence and the societal stigma
attached to alcohol and drug dependence.
- Be knowledgeable about the signs of alcohol and
drug dependence, characteristics of withdrawal,
effects on the individual and the family, and
characteristics of the stages of recovery.
- Be aware that possible indicators of the disease
may include, among others, marital conflict, family
violence (physical, emotional, and verbal), suicide,
hospitalization, or encounters with the criminal
justice system.
- Understand that addiction erodes and blocks
religious and spiritual development, and be able to
communicate effectively the importance of
spirituality and the practice of religion in
recovery, using the scripture, traditions, and
rituals of the faith community.
- Be aware of the potential benefits of early
intervention to the addicted person, family system,
and affected children.
- Be aware of appropriate pastoral interactions
with the addicted person, family system, and
affected children.
- Be able to communicate and sustain an
appropriate level of concern and messages of hope
and caring.
- Be familiar with and utilize available community
resources to ensure a continuum of care for the
addicted person, family system, and affected
children.
- Have a general knowledge of and, where possible,
exposure to the 12-step programs—Alcoholics
Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon,
Alateen, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and other
groups.
- Be able to acknowledge and address values,
issues, and attitudes regarding alcohol and drug use
and dependence in oneself and one's own family.
- Be able to shape, form, and educate a caring
congregation that welcomes and supports persons and
families affected by alcohol and drug dependence.
- Be aware of how prevention strategies can
benefit the larger community.
Core Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral
Ministers in Addressing Alcohol and Drug Dependence and
the Impact on Family Members is available online at
www.samhsa.gov/
grants/competency/index.html or in print
from
SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
Information at P.O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847-2345.
Telephone: 1 (800) 729-6686 (English and Spanish) or 1
(800) 487-4889 (TDD).
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