Addiction and Pastoral Care

<p>Addiction can take many forms and there can hardly be a minister or a prison college or schools’ chaplain who will not have encountered its damaging effects on individuals their families and local communities. In the UK in 2014 there were 3300 drug-related deaths and almost 9000 alcohol related deaths. 70% of offenders admit to a drug problem before prison and drug use is a major problem throughout the prison system. Besides these compulsive behaviours of all kinds damage personal and communal wellbeing.<br /><br />Clergy and pastoral workers are often in the front line caring for addicts and their families usually without any professional training. This handbook from an experienced pastoral practitioner offers:<br /><br />- An exploration of the psychology of addiction<br />- A theological perspective on desire<br />- The nature of pastoral care with addicts<br />- Practical models of pastoral care <br />- Resources for professional care</p>