Faith Communities’ Improvements in Readiness to Engage in Addictions Resilience and Recovery Support Programming

Abstract

Spirituality and religion are well-documented components of prevention, treatment and recovery of substance use disorders. Faith communities are in a distinct position to support recovery and resilience regarding substance use disorders—not only in times of crisis, but every day. We conducted an exploratory study of congregational (i.e., organizational) “levers” that can drive change readiness in implementing recovery and resilience programming for substance use disorders within faith communities. Findings point to enhanced effectiveness post-intervention and the importance of developing awareness of resources to help with someone who has an alcohol or other drug problem.