Addiction

Willie J Bailey

The project sought to educate substance abusers of Camillus House Social and Personal Adjustment Center, located in Miami, Florida, on how the multigenerational disease of addiction is passed on. This project promotes a public health approach to the treatment of substance abuse by treating the family rather than the individual. Five sessions using an impromptu skit and four didactic sessions educated the abusers about the roles family members play in dysfunctional families. Data suggested an increase in knowledge regarding family roles but no change in beliefs about the importance of involving family members in treatment.

William A Wilson

This study calls attention to the impact that substance and behavioral addictions have on families. It presents a Bible based model incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy for healing. Chapter one is an overview of the impact of addictions on families. The second chapter is a statement of the writer's understanding of God's design for families. The third chapter is a review of the literature. The history and individual diagnoses of the subject family are presented in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter covers lessons learned by the writer. The addendum is a summary of the progress notes.

Ronnie M Griffin

The thesis-project focuses on "redemptive thought," what the word of God has to say about the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:1-2). This work investigates the immense consequences of resigning oneself to a detrimental thought life. It examines the relationships between antisocial behavior, substance abuse, and the origin of addictive thinking; focussing upon how every aspect of human development influences individual patterns of thought. The strategy is based on the redemptive thought causal loop diagram, and the development of a "learning team" concept. This deliberation recognizes Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, and employs theological reflection to facilitate a biblical self-awareness via group process. It challenges the potential of people to change detrimental and status quo mental models in the face of individual and systemic adversity. The model emphasizes the overwhelming importance of the practitioner's conscious use of the Bible and prayer. The methodology both instructs and demonstrates that through the development of a biblical understanding of the thought process, one can begin to shape a healthier mind that is fully subject to God (2 Cor 10:5). The hypothesis is presented through the diverse cultural lens of the learning team and how they have managed to survive in spite of social exigencies. It explores the deep often unconscious, negative beliefs and assumptions held about themselves and society and brings hope through redemptive thought. The question the thesis poses, "How can redemptive thought bring hope to an addictive personality?" is developed around the theme written by the apostle Paul found in the New Testament book addressed to Titus in chapter 2. Paul's argument challenges the men, by using theological reflection, to excavate Scriptural truth (see especially Titus 2:11-15).