The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments: Integrating Catholicism with Addiction Recovery

Description: 
Understanding basic principles related to 12-step recovery is essential for any Catholic pastoral leader, psychotherapist, clinician, and others walking alongside individuals and families navigating addiction. Whether related to alcoholism, drug addiction, compulsive eating behaviors, pornography/lust, gambling, or the compulsive pursuit of other substances and behaviors, integrating Catholic faith into one's 12-step recovery can further enhance the freedom and faith of those we serve. While sharing professional and personal experience, Scott Weeman offers key spiritual and clinical insights rooted in the sacraments, Scripture, and recovery wisdom including the Catholic influence on the development of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups. 

Category of Education: D1.3 Practice/Education/Research

Intended Audience: 

• Students
• Psychologists
• Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors
• Clergy/Religious
• Medical professionals, M.D., P.A., Nurses

Content Learning Level: Beginner, Introductory

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the parallels between addiction recovery and the sacraments/traditions of the Catholic Church.
2. Apply an understanding of 12-step recovery principles to help individuals and families navigate the challenges posed by addiction.
3. Evaluate the clinical and pastoral needs of their clients and parishioners to recommend Catholic devotions and practices to supplement one's recovery from addiction.

Schedule:

• 40 minutes concept review --Addiction recovery background and Catholic influence --Basic principles of 12-step addiction recovery --Process of change in addiction recovery and clinician's role --Uncovering myths with truths --Integrating the Twelve Steps and the Sacraments
• 20 minutes case examples
• 15 minutes case review and conceptualization
• 15 minutes Q&A