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For Church Leaders

As a Church leader, you may be asked to help provide counsel or support to those who are struggling with addictions or compulsive behaviors. The recovery process can take time. Show confidence in the individual and be understanding if the individual experiences setbacks. Those who struggle may feel unworthy and discouraged. Regular support and encouragement can help the person succeed. You can provide hope and encouragement, especially when the member struggles.

You can also contact your local  Family Services office  (where available) for a free consultation on how to help those in need.

The Program Guide

Church leaders can use Healing through the Savior: The Addiction Recovery Program 12-Step Recovery Guide  when working with members who struggle with addiction. Discuss steps and principles during visits, go through the study sections together, and make assignments from the book. The guide can provide a framework for charting progress toward recovery. The 12 steps use gospel principles to help members overcome addiction with the help of the Savior. Use the guide to help members come unto Christ. The guide is available as an MP3, a PDF, Braille, or printed and bound in more than 30 languages.

Leaders can also use Support Guide: Help for Spouses and Family of Those in Recovery to help support spouses and family members of those struggling with addiction.

Recovery Meetings

Church leaders can encourage members they counsel with to attend recovery meetings. Leaders and other members are also welcome at the meetings and can help the member feel comfortable attending.

Meetings are free and confidential and do not require a referral. In these meetings, members find mutual support and help from one another.

Spouse and family members who also suffer from their loved ones’ addiction can benefit from attending spouse and family support groups. 

If you would like to request a meeting in your area, please  contact the local Family Services office  (in the United States and Canada) or contact your area welfare and self-reliance manager.