Helping the Addicted ~ An Education & Encouragement Series

• 8 weekly (or nightly) sessions of about 90 minutes each. This could easily be offered on consecutive Saturday mornings from about 9 am to 11 am.
• Biblically directed (spirit led), and evidence-based (research proven helping methods).
• Power point presentation with approximately 18 slides per session, and printed handouts given to the participants at each session.
• $50 cost for the entire series, or $10 per drop-in session.
• Funds from attendance fees are shared between the sponsoring agency/church and the CARE facilitator.

Tentative Topics:

1.     Spiritual Principles of Intervention – Introduction and Overview. (Preview the first session)

2.     Signs and Symptoms  – of Substance Use/Abuse and Overdose.

3.     Addiction as a disease of the spirit – and other secular models.

4.     Helping Family & Friends – presenting a message that can be received.

5.     Helping the Afflicted ~ with Hep C, HIV/AIDS, and mental health issues.

6.     Friendship Evangelism & Letting God do the Work – Learning to flow in the spirit and letting God do the work.

7.     Caring for the Caregivers – self-care, managing stress, overcoming personal trauma, and networking, (internal).

8.     Persevering in times of Challenge – obstacles or opportunities (external). Armor of God Eph 6, staying connected with source energy (God’s Spirit). Fruits of the Spirit.

Topic Outline Expanded (open to change or modification):

1. Spiritual Principles of Intervention – Introduction and Overview.

• What is an addiction?
• Who can get addicted?
• Why do people use drugs?
• Why do people get addicted?
• God is responsible for us all.
• The role of the helper.
• How much help is needed?
• A non-judgmental approach.
• Accepting help.
• Process of change.
• All humans have basic needs.
• Major life areas.
• Overcoming emotional pain.
• Focusing on the present moment.
• Thinking, Feeling, Acting,
• Working with addicts ~ people.
• Who are you helping?
• Walking with Jesus.
• Recovery and Peace in God.

2. Signs and Symptoms  – of Substance Use/Abuse and Overdose.

• Alcohol: Drug Effects, Overdose, and Withdrawal.
• Sedative Hypnotics (benzodiazepines): Drug Effects, Overdose, and Withdrawal.
• Opioids (morphine, Codeine, Heroin): Drug Effects, Overdose, and Withdrawal.
• Tobacco: Drug Effects, Overdose, and Withdrawal.
• Cocaine (crack): Drug Effects, Overdose, and Withdrawal.
• Amphetamines & Methamphetamines: Drug Effects, Overdose, and Withdrawal.
• Ecstasy (MDMA): Drug Effects, Overdose, and Withdrawal.
• Marijuana (cannabis): Drug Effects, Overdose, and Withdrawal.
• First Aid for a Drug Overdose
Types of overdoses
History of the scene
Signs and symptoms of a drug overdose

3. Addiction as a disease of the spirit – and other secular models.