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NACoA and NAADAC Launch New Certificate Program:
Spiritual Caregiving to Help Addicted Persons and Families

Rockville, MD.-The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) and NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, announce a new joint effort, the Certificate in Spiritual Caregiving to Help Addicted Persons and Families. This Certificate program offers information and strategies that will help faith leaders provide effective and appropriate support for individuals who are suffering from alcohol and drug dependence and for the children and families impacted by a family member’s addiction. As respected leaders, trusted religious advisors, and spiritual guides, clergy are often approached by individuals and family members seeking help, support, and guidance in dealing with the pain and confusion caused by addiction. Yet most faith leaders do not have an adequate understanding to support the promise of recovery.

This new Certificate program is designed to:
• give leaders basic knowledge about addiction and its impact on family members
• provide opportunities to learn about treatment and recovery resources in their local community
• enhance skills at recognizing and addressing alcoholism and drug addiction effectively
• offer tools and strategies to help the hurting children living in families with alcohol and drug addicted parents

The requirements for a Certificate include: face-to-face or online training; required readings; onsite visits to local agencies; attendance at open Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and open Al-Anon meetings; and completion of an online exam. The program is offered at an introductory rate of $50 beginning this month through December 31, 2007.
Sis Wenger, NACoA President and CEO stated: “Members of the clergy consistently say that alcohol and drug problems are pervasive in their congregations and communities. NACoA has long recognized the critical role clergy play in facilitating and supporting family healing from the ravages of addiction. This Certificate will enhance clergy persons’ effectiveness in helping congregants impacted by this disease.”

“NAADAC is pleased to partner with NACoA in offering this credential which will help faith leaders reach out to their congregations and the community-at-large. This Certificate provides the tools faith leaders need so they can help people with advice and guidance that is timely, accurate and effective,” said Shirley Beckett Mikell, NCAC II, CAC II, SAP, Deputy Executive Director of NAADAC.

This certificate “is a ‘must have’ resource for the modern pastor”, according to Fred L. Smoot, Ph.D., Chair, Core Competencies Task Force on Substance Misuse, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.

Enrollment can begin by logging on to either NACoA at www.nacoa.org and going to the Clergy page or NAADAC at www.naadac.org and going to the Certification page.

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics, located in Rockville, MD, is a national membership and affiliate organization whose mission is “to advocate for all children and families affected by alcoholism and other drug dependencies.” It is an Internal Revenue Service approved 501 (c) 3 non-profit Corporation founded in 1983.
11426 Rockville Pike, Suite 301
Rockville MD 20852
301-468-0985 or 1-888-55-4COAS
www.nacoa.org
nacoa@nacoa.org

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, founded in 1972 is the largest membership organization serving addiction counselors, educators and other addiction-focused health care professionals, who specialize in addiction prevention, treatment and education.