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NAADAC and NACoA Collaborate on new Credential for Faith Leaders
For Immediate Release - Alexandria, VA Donovan Kuehn
703-741-7686, ext. 125
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Linda Kaplan
301-468-0985
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As addiction touches millions of lives in the U.S., faith leaders can now access a new tool to help those suffering from alcohol or drug dependence in their communities.
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, and the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) have released a new joint effort, the Certificate in Spiritual Caregiving to Help Addicted Persons and Families. This certificate program offers information and strategies to help faith leaders provide effective and appropriate support for those suffering from alcohol and drug dependence. The educational program will also help faith leaders guide individuals or families who have a family member who is suffering from addiction.
Clergy are often approached by individuals and family members seeking help, support and guidance in dealing with the pain and confusion caused by addiction. This program will help faith leaders understand and support the promise of recovery.
This new program is designed to:
- provide leaders with basic knowledge about addiction and its impact on family members
- create opportunities to learn about treatment and recovery resources in the faith leader's local community
- enhance the ability to recognize alcoholism and drug addiction
- offer tools and strategies to help children and families living with alcohol and drug addicted parents.
"NAADAC is pleased to partner with National Association for Children of Alcoholics in offering this credential. We aim to help leaders in the faith-based community reach out to other practitioners of their faith and the whole community. This certificate can provide the tools for faith leaders to help people with advice and guidance that is timely, accurate and effective," said Shirley Beckett Mikell, NCAC II, CAC II, SAP, Deputy Executive Director of NAADAC.
Sis Wenger, President and CEO of NACoA stated, "Members of the clergy consistently say that alcohol and drug problems are pervasive in their congregations and communities. NACoA has long recognized the critical role clergy in facilitating and supporting healing from the ravages of addiction in the family. This certificate will enhance clergy persons' effectiveness in helping congregants impacted by this disease."
Too often children and their family members suffer in silence and shame while a family member struggles with alcohol or drug addiction. Helping individuals and family members rebuild emotional, physical and spiritual health "is a 'must have' resource for the modern pastor," according to Fred L. Smoot, PhD, Chair of the Core Competencies Task Force on Substance Misuse for the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
The requirements for the Certificate in Spiritual Caregiving to Help Addicted Persons and Families include face-to-face or online training; required readings; onsite visits to local agencies; attendance at open Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and open Al-Anon meetings; and completion of an online exam. The program is offered at an introductory rate of $50 beginning April 2, 2007 until December 31, 2007.
Enrollment can begin by visiting www.naadac.org and clicking on "Certification" or visiting www.nacoa.org and going to the Clergy page. |
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