Question: I am becoming a Certified Recovery Specialist, received the training, taking the licensure test on the 27th. Is there specific training for a Christian CRS? There are also a lot of Recovery Community Organizations for advocacy throughout the US. Are there any for Christians?

Jim LaPierre Says...:

Hi Richard,

Thanks for connecting with us. Congratulations on your success thus far and thank you for the service you are and will be providing. I encourage you, if you're not already familiar, the check out Celebrate Recovery. It's a distinctly Christian recovery program that supports addiction recovery and well as other forms of recovery through Christina principles and practices. While I don't know of any advocacy groups that are solely Christian, I do not an emerging trend of Interfaith programs on local levels. Some of these are ecumenical movements in meeting basic life needs and some are advanced to the point of political advocacy.

I have long believed that churches and religious communities are the greatest untapped resource in supporting addiction recovery. I hope and pray that if you don't find a group that meets your needs that you'll consider creating one. Contact me if I can be helpful

Best,

Jim

Question: Which free Christian live in addiction recovery program offers the best combination of Faith based recovery and progressive science based services? Beggars can’t be choosers and there is zero money to pay for treatment but we are hoping to find a program that is Faith based but also aware of science and uses more progressive treatments on top of just the 12 steps and prayer, etc. We are looking at the Salvation Army and Teen Challenge but these do not seem very progressive.

Jim LaPierre Says...:

Hi. Thanks for your question. What you seem to be seeking is Christian based, 12 step based, scientifically advanced, and free. This combination is relatively rare at any price - much less for free. The Salvation Army is an excellent program. I hope it works well for you/your loved ones and after treatment I hope you remain mindful of how it is these programs are funded. (Pay it forward).

The best free ongoing combination of steps and faith is still your local AA/NA meeting and I can't recommend them highly enough. Good luck to you and blessed be. Best, Jim