Date

4-26-2024

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Mark Plaza

Keywords

substance abuse, addiction recovery, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, overdose, forgiveness, 12-step program

Disciplines

Counseling | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

Recent statistics have shown significant increases in substance abuse in the United Sates indicated by rising overdose deaths and hospital stays nationwide. This study was conducted to determine if early forgiveness intervention by chaplains and clergy affects the decisions of individuals struggling with substance abuse in considering forgiveness as a pathway to recovery. Based on the success of the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step recovery program and recent studies, this research addressed forgiveness as a pathway to recovery for those struggling with substance abuse. Forgiveness was considered in one or more of five areas: forgiveness of self, forgiveness of others, forgiveness from others, forgiveness of God/Higher Power, and forgiveness from God/Higher Power. The study consisted of a Substance Abuse Spirituality Survey, advertised in addiction recovery centers with residents admitted for substance abuse recovery. The research was qualitative, consisting of 50 patient surveys addressing emotional pain and the need for forgiveness. Participants were encouraged to write personal feelings toward forgiveness at the end of the survey. Observations of resident responses from facility administrators were also considered in the research results. The study achieved an overall positive effect on the residents of the recovery centers in recognizing forgiveness of self, of others, from others, of God, and from God as important components in substance abuse recovery. In addition, the study affirmed opportunity for frontline chaplains and clergy to offer early forgiveness intervention to those struggling with substance abuse.

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