Some churches take a different approach to Addiction Prevention and Recovery than most of society. Their pastors say, “radical change is possible through the Gospel.“
Doctors confirm this by saying the brain needs a higher purpose and can heal itself. Addiction is not the problem; it’s a symptom.
In 2017, pastors considered a ministry of drug recovery to be the greatest need in our area. Groups formed to respond to the “opioid/narcotic/psychoactive substance abuse scourge”. Doctors advised that the brain, the prefrontal cortex, is the source of the problem. The brain needs a higher purpose and can heal itself.
Church leaders say, “radical change is possible through the Gospel.“ Most important is getting people into a church that will support them.
Elder Reginald King has said addiction is not the issue; it’s a symptom. It’s the result of other issues. Teams help people deal with the other issues that have to be fixed. They require one step, surrender to Christ. This is the message. We have to invest in their lives. They have to feel the love. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom 12:2.
Here is Elder King’s message, a 3-1/2 minute video about recovery.
The local church is also part of the solution. To constantly remind someone that they are an addict is not useful; people in recovery need to be able to serve in a church as if they are not an addict. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor 5:17.
Bible instructors and Ministry teams go to addiction detox, rehab, recovery, transitional living and sober houses in Eastern Connecticut.
Ministries & Agencies for Addiction Prevention and Recovery
Transformed, Inc.
The Transformed, Inc ministry team goes into Stonington Institute addiction rehab and into the New London Detox Center every week.
They conduct worship, pray, share the Word, give testimony, play and sing Gospel music, show video clips, describe their church or ministry and invite participants to attend, hand out contact information, invite questions, bring food to serve, and pray for individuals who seek help. In other words, they show the love of Christ. They bring the gospel, which is about transformation and change.
A goal for Transformed, Inc. is a six-month program to give people a structured opportunity to not only come to know Jesus, but to become born again. They are looking for a facility for 30 people to start with, to be individually funded, to be able to share what we share.
http://www.norwichworshipcenter.org/ Elder Reginald King, Transformed, Inc., Norwich Worship Center, 165 Lawler Lane, Norwich, CT 06360 860-367-5594 reginaldking66@gmail.com
GASP, Groton Alliance for Substance Prevention
GASP, Groton Alliance for Substance Prevention, is an arm of Ledge Light Health District with a mission “To build a healthy, safe and drug-free community through advocacy and education and “goals To increase the number of Groton youth participating in programs that build protective factors … and intervene to reduce and prevent substance abuse of all drugs among Groton youth.” The coalition meets once a month, virtually.
Community Speaks Out
Community Speaks Out is also focused on addiction prevention and recovery. It supports people with addiction and their families and walks them through the process of getting treatment.
Celebrate Recovery
“Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.” It also trains leaders how to develop a “Team” for the program. It states, “Our prayer is that Celebrate Recovery will create a bridge to the millions of people who are familiar with the secular 12 Steps (I acknowledge the use of some material from the 12 Suggested Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous) and in so doing, introduce them to the one and only true Higher Power, Jesus Christ. Once they begin that relationship, asking Christ into their hearts as Lord and Savior, true healing and recovery can begin!”
The most active Celebrate Recovery ministry in Southeast Connecticut is at Groton Bible Chapel, 66 Toll Gate Road, Groton, CT on Mondays at 6:30 PM.
CT Meeting Locations shows other Celebrate Recovery ministries in Connecticut in Bethel, Bristol, Fairfield, Eastford, Groton, Hartford, Middlefield, Torrington, Wallingford, and West Haven.
It says they “always welcome new members — even if it’s just for one night … tell a friend.”
Community of Hope
Community of Hope helps women affected by abuse, addiction and homelessness, re-establish life through building a relationship with God, while in a safe and healthy living environment that reflects the love of a family. They attend weekly – Celebrate Recovery – meetings and Sunday Service. Call 860.912.8983 if you need help or are looking for help for someone else.
Kindness Connection Backpack Project
Kindness Connection is a project to meet and give a backpack with personal essentials to an adult at the time of a critical transition in his or her life. The idea is to start a new relationship, give a tangible expression of love, connect the recipient to resources available, including a ministry and church. The Project operates under Community of Hope. Call 860-856-5655.