From Deseret News archives:

Faith healing: Spirituality offers help on addictions

By Jerry D. Spangler and James Thalman
Deseret News staff writers

Published: Thursday, March 28, 2002 2:48 p.m. MST

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One faithful LDS mother with addicted children admits she struggles with church members' ignorance about addiction, in particular the blanket stereotype that addiction is a moral failing or the result of bad parenting. And she is frustrated by church policy that prevents those working to overcome addictions from serving in callings enjoyed by others.

"I have thought many times they need to find a church where they can be accepted if they have a drinking problem," she said.

Sunday said there is a growing awareness in the church that addiction is a serious problem, but the church to his knowledge has taken no position on the causes of addiction. There may be a genetic predisposition, he said, and there may be elements of personal choice.

"I think there is a place for both perspectives," he said.

"The important thing we all need to recognize is the church is made up of all kinds of people . . . with all different kinds of struggles. The focus should be how we can help each other."

State officials and treatment center counselors who accept referrals from LDS Social Services unanimously agree there has been a fundamental shift in attitude by the church over the past several years. In some communities, ward bishops are aggressively seeking out addicts and helping to pay for treatment.

"We have seen a tremendous change in the attitude of the church under President Hinckley," said Fleming.

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For addicts, addiction takes many forms, and they recognize that addiction will be a part of their lives forever. Even those who have been clean for decades remember the euphoria with fondness.

For many, the cravings never go away, making each and every day a struggle to stay clean.

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