Church News: Hope for recovery

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Nearly 800 people from across the United States attended the LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program Conference Aug. 24-25, part of a small army the Church has marshaled in its war against addictions of all kinds.

The conference, titled, "My Grace is Sufficient for All Men" included speakers, panel discussions and instructions fine-tuning the program. It was held in the Little Theater of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve offered remarks. Others who spoke included administrators, group leaders and participants. Those who operate the Church program on the local level were enthusiastic in their support of participants, a seamless meshing of gospel and recovery cultures.

The ARP, as the program is called, is a gospel-based program made up of group leaders, usually a Church-service missionary couple trained in the program, and a facilitator, typically someone who has experienced addiction recovery, and participants, according to LDS Family Services.

The missionary couple begins an ARP meeting with a prayer and the reading of gospel principles associated with addiction recovery and repentance. The facilitator conducts the sharing portion where participants are invited to express personal experiences of faith, hope and healing from addiction. Meetings last about 70 minutes.

Meetings are free and open to anybody. Bishops may refer members but no referral is needed. Times and locations of meetings can be found at www.ldsfamilyservices.org.

Anonymity and confidentiality within the groups foster honesty and create a safe haven for participants. While the groups are open to those with various kinds of addiction, individuals find they share much in common with one another. Family and friends are also welcome to attend meetings. Groups specifically for spouses and family members are available in some areas. Family and friends who practice the same principles taught within these groups will discover hope and healing for themselves.

Participants are invited to follow the 12 steps in the book, "A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing." Nearly 100,000 copies of this book have been distributed since it was published just over a year ago, indicative of the breadth of the problems of addiction in this day, and the hope for recovery the program has instilled in participants.

In his remarks, Elder Ballard expressed appreciation for those who are serving in this program.