• Module 1 - Attitudes
  • Introduction
  • The Function of Attitudes
  • Opportunites for Discussion
    • Ambivalence
    • Faith Tradition
    • Youth Experiences
    • Case Study
    • Final Reflection
• Module 2 - Awareness
  • Introduction
  • General Awareness Information
  • Salient Features
  • Stages of Alcoholism
  • Physiological Impact
  • Other Options
  • Handouts
• Module 3 - Assimilation
  • Introduction
  • Roles of Religious Leaders
  • Codependency
  • Class Activity
  • Case Study
  • Handouts
• Module 4 - Action
  • Introduction
  • General Considerations
  • "The Twelve Steps" Information
  • Factors
  • Phases
  • Additional Possibilities
  • Handouts

What are the Core Competencies?

These competencies are presented as a specific guide to the core knowledge, attitudes, and skills which are essential to the ability of all clergy and pastoral ministers to meet the needs of persons with alcohol or other drug dependence and their family members.

1. Be aware of the:

• generally accepted definition of alcohol and other drug dependence
• societal stigma attached to alcohol and other drug dependence

2. Be knowledgeable about the:

• signs of alcohol and other drug dependence
• characteristics of withdrawal
• effects on the individual and the family
• characteristics of the stages of recovery

3. Be aware that possible indicators of the disease may include, among others:

• marital conflict
• family violence (physical, emotional, and verbal)
• suicide
• hospitalization
• encounters with the criminal justice system

4. Understand that addiction erodes and blocks religious and spiritual development; and be able to effectively communicate the importance of spirituality and the practice of religion in recovery, using the scripture/sacred writings, traditions, and rituals of the faith community.

5. Be aware of the potential benefits of early intervention to the:

• addicted person
• family system
• affected children

6. Be aware of appropriate pastoral interactions with the:

• addicted person
• family system
• affected children

7. Be able to communicate and sustain:

• an appropriate level of concern
• messages of hope and caring

8. Be familiar with and utilize available community resources to ensure a continuum of care for the:

• addicted person
• family system
• affected children

9. Have a general knowledge of and, where possible, exposure to:

• the Twelve Step programs – A.A., NA, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Alateen, ACOA, etc.
• other groups

10. Be able to acknowledge and address values, issues, and attitudes regarding alcohol and other drug use and dependence in:

• oneself
• one's own family

11. Be able to shape, form, and educate a caring congregation that welcomes and supports persons and families affected by alcohol and other drug dependence.

12. Be aware of how prevention strategies can benefit the larger community.

 

Curriculum Home | NACoA Home | Core Competencies
National Association for Children of Alcoholics • 10920 Connecticut Ave, Suite 100, Kensington, MD 20895 • www.nacoa.org