Core Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministers in Addressing Alcohol and Drug Dependence and the Impact on Family Members

摘要

The benefits of engaging the faith community in both the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and dependence cannot be overstated. According to SAMHSA's National Survey of Drug Use and Health, today, an estimated 7.7 million persons aged 12 or older need treatment for an illicit drug problem; 18.6 million need treatment for an alcohol problem. Compounding the problem, countless individuals in need of services cannot or do not receive them. Of the 7.7 million who need treatment for an illicit drug problem, only 1.4 million individuals received treatment at a specialty substance abuse facility. Of those not getting needed treatment, an estimated 362,000 reported they knew they needed treatment--among them, approximately 88,000 who had sought but were unable to get the treatment they needed.