addictions & Recovery ComMission
The Diocese of Southern Virginia is a welcoming sanctuary for all people who are struggling and/or healing from the effects of addictions.
An Affiliate of Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church
Our vision
The Diocese of Southern Virginia is a welcoming sanctuary for all people who are struggling and/or healing from the effects of addictions.
The mission of the Addictions and Recovery Commission of the Diocese of Southern Virginia is to educate clergy and laity about the disease of addiction in all its forms and family dysfunctions associated with it, and to provide resources and support to convocations and parishes in establishing recovery ministries.
Our goals
- Create Recovery Ready Congregations
- Provide materials and support parishes preparing for Recovery Sundays
- Host an annual service to remember and recognize those who have lost or are losing their lives to addiction
- Provide two annual education events
Definitions
Definition of Drug Addiction: “Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.” – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Working Definition of Recovery: “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery is built on access to evidence-based clinical treatment and recovery support services for all populations.” – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Addictions & Recovery Commission
The Rev. Jan M. Brown, Co-chair
The Rev. Lauren McDonald, Co-chair
To email the Addictions & Recovery Commission click here.
Resources
Opioid Use Disorder Toolkit for Faith-Based Community Leaders
Alcohol and Drug Policy guide
Alcohol Policy of the Episcopal Church
12 Step Fellowships
Alcoholics Anonymous – www.aavirginia.org, www.aa.org
Al Anon – www.vaalanon.org, www.al-anon.org
Codependents Anonymous – www.coda.org
Families Anonymous – www.familiesanonymous.org
Overeater’s Anonymous – www.oa.org
Narcotics Anonymous – www.na.org
Sex Addicts Anonymous – www.saa-recovery.org
Educational Sites
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – www.drugabuse.gov
National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) – www.nacoa.org
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – www.samhsa.gov
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA) – www.niaaa.nih.gov
Provisions for the Journey – www.provisionsforthejourney.org
Recovery Organizations
Faces and Voices of Recovery – www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org
SpiritWorks Foundation, Williamsburg – www.spiritworksfoundation.org
Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance – www.saara.org