Equipping Christians to help those with
addiction problems
A GROUP of professionals working
with groups addressing addiction concerns and issues will share
their experiences and offer their expert advice at "A Christian's
Response to Addiction" conference here next month.
They include Dr Munidasa Winslow,
Head and Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Community Addictions
Management Programme (CAMP) at the Institute of Mental Health;
Mr Tony Ting, President of the Association of Professional Substance
Abuse Counsellors and a pastoral team member at Wesley Methodist
Church; Mr Benny Bong, a family and marital therapist in private
practice; and Mr Sam Kuna, Executive Director of Teen Challenge
(Singapore), a Certified Master Addiction Counsellor; the Rev
Dr Edward Job, President of Christian Care Services (Singapore)
and One Hope Centre, and a board member of the National Council
of Problem Gamblers; and Ms Jade Teo, a Senior Psychologist at
the Methodist Children and Youth Centre.
Jointly organised by the Methodist
Welfare Services and the General Conference Women's Society of
Christian Service, the conference will be held at Mrs Lee Choon
Guan Concert Hall, ACS (Barker Road) on June 23 and 24, 2006.
Aimed at helping Christians get
a better grasp of the various types of addiction that afflict
Christians and non-Christians, the conference will give guidelines
for those who are helping people with various addiction problems
as well as their families.
There will also be a workshop
on positive parenting approaches to promote wholesome family relationships
between parents and children. This could be helpful to lessen
the pull of their children towards various types of addiction.
It is therefore useful for pastors,
lay leaders, Christian social workers and counsellors to attend
the conference.
Dr Winslow, one of the two keynote
speakers, finds that "addiction is the result of a complex
interplay of biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors".
In his synopsis on the topic,
"Trends of addiction in Singapore: Afflictions that plague
the young and the grown-ups", he said: "People are increasingly
becoming addicted to processes or behaviours like gaming, pornography
and gambling.
"Among the young, the need for social acceptance, demands
to perform academically, identity conflicts, emotional volatility,
and dysfunctional families with abuse or neglect, are some of
the factors leading to the development of addictions. "
Common in adulthood are stress and disillusionment from work or
unemployment, fragmented relationships, emotional and spiritual
loneliness, and the pressures and weariness of growing old.
"With addiction fast becoming a major public health issue
in Singapore," Dr Winslow said, "we need to look as
a community on how we can prevent the onset of addictions, and
offer early detection and loving solutions when they do develop."
The other keynote speaker, Bishop Dr Robert Solomon, an International
Adviser to the American Journal of Pastoral Counselling, will
dwell on the topic of "Addiction: A holistic perspective".
In his synopsis, he pointed out that a human being is a combination
of body, mind and spirit and is designed to function in a holistic
and wholesome way.
He said: "Finding meaning and love in relationship with God
and others often forms the foundation for healing, recovery and
freedom." He will help the conference participants explore
how this works out in real life.
Mr Ting, one of the workshop speakers, will share from his first-hand
experience his work among Christians who face addiction problems.
"Christians are not immune to compulsive or addictive behaviours.
In fact, even committed Christians are finding it difficult to
get rid of their harmful habits."
At his workshop, "Addictive behaviours: When addiction comes
to church", Mr Ting will address how addictive behaviours
impact individuals, families and the church with a focus on addiction
to alcohol, drugs, gambling and sex.
Another speaker, Mr Bong, will expound on the role played by the
gambler's family in his workshop, "The family's web in problem
gambling cases".
He said: "For every gambler experiencing problems, up to
20 others are affected. These are largely the family members and
loved ones of the gambler. Their responses can either compound
the gambler's problems or facilitate their recovery."
Participants can look forward to receiving practical suggestions
on how family members can best support the problem gambler.
Teen Challenge's Mr Kuna, a veteran with more than 27 years of
experience working with youth and adults with addiction issues,
firmly believes that individuals can be changed to become significant
contributors to the community and nation.
In his workshop, "Substance Abuse and Youths in Singapore",
he will talk about the various substances of abuse and its resultant
symptoms and impact on behaviour and personality.
He said: "We cannot undermine the highly addictive nature
of synthetic drugs like ecstasy, ketamine, methamphetamines, prescription
drugs, and lately, subutex; and other more commonly drugs like
marijuana, cocaine, heroin, other opiates, as well as cigarettes
and alcohol."
It is in this light that he shares on the challenges posed in
working with the youth of today. A case study presentation and
the process and structure of addiction counselling will be used
to lend the context for the assessment, intervention, treatment
planning, and follow-up of an addict in recovery.
Individuals can enjoy early bird discounts (at $90 per person)
when they register before May 21, 2006. Group discounts are also
available to participants who sign up in a group of five (at $90
per person).
To register for the conference, please log on to www.mws.org.sg
Alternatively, you may contact Ms Pamela Teo at 6478-4716 or pamelateo@mws.org.sg
Conference useful for pastors, lay leaders, Christian social workers and counsellors