Alcohol and Other Drugs

Open Heart 

The problems of drug addiction and alcoholism within the state of Kansas represent a serious challenge to all Kansans.  With a national rate for alcoholism of 8% of all users of alcohol, there are approximately 80,000 alcoholics in Kansas. With the cutbacks in federal and state programs for the rehabilitation and care of mentally-ill, Kansans face serious problems with alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental illness. Insurance companies have curtailed their support for alcohol and drug treatment programs.  Our prisons have inmate populations where 80% of those incarcerated have serious problems with drugs and alcohol. Nine out of ten alcoholics die prematurely from the ravages of the illness. 

Open Mind 

  The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church states: “We commit ourselves to assisting those who have become dependent, and their families, in finding freedom through Jesus Christ and in finding good opportunities for treatment, for ongoing counseling, and for reintegration into society.” (Page 25)

A stated in the 2001 Book of Resolutions, “In light of the reality of alcohol and other drug abuse, the church has a responsibility to recognize the brokenness and to be an instrument of education, healing, and restoration.”  (Pages 197-208)

Check the web sites: http://www.aa.org for AA, http://www.al-anon.org for Al-Anon, and http://www.al-anon.org/alateen.html for Ala-Teen.

Or, write Alcoholics Anonymous, Grand Central Station, PO Box 459, New York, NY 10163.  

Open Doors 

Every church in Kansas has persons, not far from their doors, who are deeply effected by this illness and can respond in a positive and healing way. The grace of God saves us and then asks us to be a part of the salvation of others.  All of us are dependent on the grace of God. Humility and greater understanding need to be part of every church’s response.  Here are some ideas for your church to respond to this crisis:

t    Become more aware of the problems of drug addiction and alcoholism.

t    Support proven programs of recovery for those afflicted with drug addiction and/or alcoholism. Churches are ideal locations for AA, Al-Anon and Ala-Teen meetings.  Offer your church building as a meeting place and provide refreshments for their meetings.

t    Encourage and support pastors and church staff in their work with individuals and families of those smitten with these terrible diseases.

t    Develop and encourage educational and support programs that can reach out and guide the sufferers to recovery. Help them grow spiritually; the very center of AA and other 12-Step programs is spiritual growth.

t    Develop and participate in workshops on the diseases of drug addiction and alcoholism.

t    Visit open meetings of 12-Step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.  Such visits will strengthen the belief that through growth in faith in God’s infinite power and love, all things are possible.

t    Display meeting brochures and times in a readily accessible location.

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