Curated Resources on Faith, Addiction, and Recovery

Our bodies and minds are both resilient and vulnerable, and—Christians claim—reflect the image of God. Nothing highlights this dynamic quite like struggles with addiction and recovery. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 7 Americans experiences substance use disorder. For faith communities—for all of us really—it is important to realize that addiction is a disease and that addiction can be treated. Recovery is possible with the right treatment and support. Honest conversation can reduce the stigma that delays treatment.  This brings up some important questions about the role faith plays in this process. When is faith about relinquishing control? How do the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous function as spiritual practices for some people? What could the role of faith communities be in recovery?