Wednesday, February 26th, 2025
12:00 p.m. CT
(1:00 p.m. ET)
Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC
from the ATTC Network, a multidisciplinary resource for professionals in the addictions treatment and recovery services field.
Throughout history, churches have played a pivotal role in promoting recovery. Historical examples include: First Lady Martha Washington leading the church-based Temperance Movement; the Oxford Group Christian Church recovery movement as a precursor and strong influencer of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Today we are experiencing the highest number of opioid deaths in U.S. history and also a major stimulant epidemic (Meth and cocaine). Churches and faith-based organizations have risen to be a part of the solution in addressing this crisis.
In this presentation you will learn about a number of church-based initiatives which have been effective in addressing substance use challenges in communities including: Celebrate Recovery; Access To Recovery (a federally funded faith-based initiative); faith-based drug ministries; certified recovery support congregations; church outreach programs in communities and prisons; church-based reentry support; recovery revivals. Through the use of examples and discussions, the purpose of this presentation is to help participants expand their vision to the multiple ways churches can support recovery for individuals, families and entire communities impacted by addiction.
Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC is the Project Manager, Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) for Illinois and Indiana. He is an international speaker whose presentations have reached thousands throughout the United States, England, Canada, Spain, Africa. Lithuania, West Indies and Guam. He is the author of 5 books on addictions recovery and he has taught at the University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago and Illinois State University School of Social Work. He is the recipient of four behavioral health lifetime achievement awards including the prestigious NAADAC
Enlightenment Award.