Alcohol and Drugs Addiction A Pastoral Problem
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Date
1998-02
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
One of the major discoveries of this century is the fact
that alcoholism is a disease. As a result of this, there is so
much written on addiction to both alcohol and drugs. In so
doing, it is hoped that this will create an awareness to the
public who have to live and interact with addicts almost all
the time.
Unfortunately most addicted people and a section of the
public deny the disease concept of this serious addiction. They
treat it as a moral issue rather than what it is, namely a
disease. In the meantime, the disease continues to unleash
terror on a good percentage of the human race. From America
alone, a study carried out in 1965 gives the following
information. Of the eight million adults in the United States
who drink about seventy one percent of the adults population,
between five and six million can be considered "alcoholics" by
our definition. For every female alcoholic in the United states
of America, there are between four and five male alcoholics.'
Other books that I read put the figure at 7% of the human race
while in A.A. Circles the figure is as high as 10%. whichever
the case, the problem of alcoholism is universal and can no nger be ignored or wished away.
In this essay I hope to shed some light on addiction to
alcohol though I will briefly focus on drug addiction too. My
aim is to show how much damage alcohol does to its victims and
the public at large.
Though my work will be based on the Kenyan situation, I
will make reference to other areas in Africa and the world at
large with the United States as a focal point. I will show my
familiarity with alcohol using my own experience as a
recovering alcoholic. I will also show how I have been involved
in helping alcoholics and drug addicts in the last seven years
as an active member of the alcoholic anonymous.
Finally I wish to propose a rehabilitation program whose
model will be that of the Good Shepherd. A good pastoral
approach based on Christ who laid down his life for his sheep
and who came so that all may have life and have it to the full.
(John 10:10). As a member of the Universal church I hope to re
affirm the church's commitment to bringing healing and
reconciliation to those afflicted by the disease. This church
is the channel through which grace is transmitted to its
members especially the sick and in so doing restores their
hope. As Christ said, it was to seek the lost and to heal the
sick that his mission was directed. (Mt. 18:12ff). This kind
of Christian spirituality and approach offers the best
foundation for this healing to be effective.
Last but not least, I will show how my own community; the Franciscan Missionaries of Hope, hopes to be involved in this
apostolate. We see our charism as a response to the needs of
addicted people, and other people who carry heavy burdens both
spiritually and psychologically. We believe it is possible to
achieve this goal through the gospel value of hospitality and
availability. Cf. Charism Statement FMH.
Description
Keywords
Alcohol and Drug Addiction, The Problem of Alcoholism, disease concept of Alcoholism, Causes of Alcoholism, soil of Addiction, Society and Alcohol, Prevention of Alcoholism, Pastoral solutions, religion and Alcoholism, spiritual program of recovery, ocation of rehabilitation centre, Personal Experience, Alcoholic Anonymous, twelve steps and twelve traditions of Alcoholic Anonymous