Latest news with #CelebrateRecovery
Time Business News
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
The Role of Faith Communities in Addiction Recovery
Addiction hollows out more than the body—it carves away at the soul. As individuals spiral into cycles of substance dependence, they often experience a profound disconnection from purpose, community, and hope. Faith communities occupy a singular position in addressing this existential desolation, offering spiritual restoration, compassionate fellowship, and moral guidance. Where traditional clinical models often prioritize neurochemistry and behavior, the spiritual domain—long ignored—finds a sanctuary in the heart of the church, mosque, synagogue, or temple. Exploring the Line Between Treatment and Risk In discussions about attention disorders, some people question the effects of certain substances on focus and behavior. While approved medications like Adderall and Ritalin are commonly prescribed, there's ongoing curiosity about unconventional substances. For example, some wonder, does meth help with ADHD ? Though methamphetamine is chemically similar to some ADHD medications, it is a dangerous and highly addictive illegal drug. Using it without medical supervision poses serious health risks and is not a safe or approved treatment. Legitimate therapies exist that are both effective and regulated, ensuring safety and long-term support for managing ADHD symptoms. Addiction as a Spiritual Crisis Chemical dependency frequently masks a deeper yearning. Beneath the surface of addiction lies a quest for transcendence—a desperate attempt to soothe internal wounds or fill an aching void. This dimension of suffering transcends mere biology; it speaks to the metaphysical dislocation of the human spirit. Addiction thrives in isolation, shame, and despair—the very antitheses of spiritual flourishing. Faith traditions have long recognized this: from ancient prayers for deliverance to modern psalms of sobriety, the battle against addiction has always been a spiritual endeavor as much as a physical one. Overview of Spiritual Recovery Frameworks Several recovery frameworks draw directly from religious tenets. Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-based program, integrates biblical teachings with the twelve steps, placing Jesus Christ at the center of the healing journey. Similarly, Alcoholics Anonymous, while not overtly religious, was founded on the belief in a 'Higher Power' that restores sanity. These models thrive on the premise that spiritual surrender catalyzes transformation. The rhythm of confession, repentance, and renewal found in sacred texts mirrors the arc of recovery itself. They offer rituals of restoration that resonate on a soul-deep level. The Role of Fellowship and Belonging One of the most potent antidotes to addiction is connection. Faith communities offer more than services—they offer sanctuary. Within these gatherings, individuals rediscover identity not as addicts, but as children of God, worthy of love and restoration. Weekly meetings, communal prayers, and support groups create a rhythm of accountability and grace. It's in these spaces that addicts are not shamed, but embraced; not stigmatized, but seen. This communal infrastructure provides not only encouragement but a framework of accountability that nurtures long-term sobriety. Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Mentorship Faith leaders often serve as first responders to personal crises. Their offices are sacred confessionals where brokenness is met with nonjudgmental compassion. Unlike therapists, spiritual mentors may operate outside the clinical model, allowing them to speak directly to questions of meaning, guilt, forgiveness, and destiny. Pastoral counseling, when done well, helps individuals make sense of suffering within the broader narrative of divine purpose. Many churches train lay leaders to support recovery ministries, multiplying their impact across congregational life. Bridging the Gap Between Theology and Therapy True healing lies at the intersection of spirit and science. Increasingly, faith-based organizations are forging partnerships with licensed counselors and treatment centers to create integrated models of care. These collaborative approaches respect the integrity of both the sacred and the scientific. A patient may attend a clinical detox program while receiving spiritual counseling and participating in religious rituals. The goal is synergy: treating not just the symptoms of addiction, but the soul that suffers beneath them. Respecting Pluralism and Avoiding Coercion The integration of faith into recovery is not without complexities. Not all individuals resonate with a religious framework, and coercing belief can hinder healing. Faith communities must tread carefully, ensuring their doors remain open to all, regardless of creed or conviction. Sensitivity to trauma, doctrinal diversity, and mental health challenges is paramount. It's not dogma, but empathy that should lead. A wise faith community knows when to offer prayer—and when to refer out to clinical care. Understanding the differences between illicit substances is essential for awareness and prevention. Although both drugs are powerful stimulants, are meth and crack the same ? The answer is no—meth, short for methamphetamine, is a synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system, producing intense euphoria and energy. Crack, on the other hand, is a form of cocaine that is smoked and delivers a rapid, short-lived high. While both can lead to addiction and severe health consequences, their chemical compositions, effects, and methods of use differ significantly. Knowing these distinctions is crucial when discussing drug abuse and recovery options. conclusion In a society often defined by disconnection and despair, faith communities possess an extraordinary gift: the ability to speak to the whole person—body, mind, and soul. Their role in addiction recovery is not peripheral—it is essential. Through compassionate presence, sacred rituals, and unwavering hope, these communities restore what addiction steals: dignity, purpose, and belonging. The future of recovery may well depend on this sacred partnership—where theology meets therapy, and healing becomes holistic. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Who's running in Southaven? A look at the Republican primary ballot and contested races
Southaven's Republican primary on April 1 will feature four contested races: mayor and three alderman seats. Incumbent Mayor Darren Musselwhite faces challenger Tommy Henley. Incumbent Position 4 Alderman Joel Gallagher is challenged by Scottie Montgomery, while Incumbent Position 6 Alderman Raymond Flores will face Kevin Tackett. Timothy Putt and Judy Jenkins-Lewis are vying for Position 1 — Kristian Kelly is not seeking reelection. The polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. April 1. The general election will be held June 3. No Democrats are running in Southaven, meaning the Republican primary will effectively decide who wins the seats. Four aldermen are running unopposed — George Payne (At-Large), Charlie Hoots (Position 2), William Jerome (Position 3) and John David Wheeler (Position 5). The winners will serve four-year terms. Here is a closer look at the four contested races on Southaven's Republican primary ballot. Darren Musselwhite is once again running for mayor after three consecutive terms. Musselwhite touted the city's many improvements during those terms, including a $100 million investment in roadways, $50 million in parks, and doubled police funding. The debt was also reduced by $29 million since 2013, and property tax revenue grew by 118%. If reelected, Musselwhite wants to focus on the widening of I-55, DCRUA sewer redirection from Memphis and expanding the police force. Challenging him for the mayoral seat is small business owner Tommy Henley. Henley's priorities if elected include listening directly to first responders to understand their exact needs, actively engaging with the community by being easily approachable and making Southaven "the most business-friendly city in North Mississippi" by marketing Southaven to a wide variety of businesses. Timothy Putt is in the running for Position 1. Some concerns he aims to address if elected are repairing suburban roads and sidewalks to improve safety and increasing police presence in neighborhoods. Though retired, Putt said he and his wife, Pam, currently lead an addiction recovery group, Celebrate Recovery, at their church. Judy Jenkins-Lewis is also on the ballot for Position 1. Jenkins-Lewis emphasized supporting law enforcement and working with code enforcement to maintain property values caused by concern over dilapidated rental properties, according to Southaven Business Beat, the Southaven Chamber of Commerce's podcast. Joel Gallagher is the incumbent for Position 4. The lifelong Southaven resident is the owner of Gallagher Insurance Group, and has served as alderman for 12 years. Challenging him is Scottie Montgomery. A former police officer, Montgomery has promised not to raise taxes, protecting the city by ensuring that "money is spent in the best way, and not wasted on personal preference." Incumbent alderman of 12 years Raymond Flores promises continuing "honesty, integrity and transparency" if reelected. Flores aims to secure funding for a new sewage treatment plant, road improvements and a performing arts center, according to Southaven Business Beat. Kevin Tackett is challenging Flores for his seat. A resident of what would become Southaven since 1977, Tackett pledges constant accessibility, accountability, and improving Southaven's roadways, according to Southaven Business Beat. NEW HOMES IN DESOTO COUNTY: What cities have seen the most new home construction? Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal covering DeSoto County, as well as Dining in the Memphis area. You can reach him at Mayor: Darren Musselwhite Tommy Henley Alderman At-Large: George Payne Alderman Position 1: Timothy Putt Judy Jenkins-Lewis Alderman Position 2: Charlie Hoots Alderman Position 3: William Jerome Alderman Position 4: Joel Gallagher Scottie Montgomery Alderman Position 5: John David Wheeler Alderman Position 6: Raymond Flores Kevin Tackett This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Southaven election 2025: Who's on the Republican primary ballot?
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Anderson County awards $425K to fight opioid use
CLINTON, Tenn. (WATE) — Anderson County gave more than $425,000 in opioid settlement grant funding to various organizations to fight opioid use. The County announced the awards during a special presentation on Tuesday. They are to be used 'to support awareness, treatment and counseling, housing, transportation, drug disposal, and peer support programs in Anderson County.' Rep. Pearson confronts Rep. Farmer over gun legislation These funds come from the State of Tennessee's Opioid Settlement Fund. They will be given to the following groups: Free Medical Clinic: $81,648 Anderson County Recovery Court: $65,000 Foundation House: $60,000 New Purpose: $45,000 Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP): $38,796 PPS & Focus Group Ministries: $35,000 Boys & Girls Club: $30,000 Main Street Baptist Church (Rocky Top): $20,000 First Methodist Church (First Recovery): $18,500 Celebrate Recovery at Heritage: $13,500 Isaiah 117 House: $10,000 Anderson County Government (Project Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet): $10,000 'Using the Opioid Settlement and Remediation funds, we have the opportunity to support education and recovery programs serving our county, leading to improved outcomes for those suffering with addiction,' County Commissioner Shelly Vandagriff said. Knoxville Chamber releases five-year vision She continued, 'The organizations that received these funds are filling in the gaps in recovery support and prevention efforts in our county. We were able to grant funds for transportation, housing, education, and access to mental health care. I am excited to see the impact these grants will have on the future of Anderson County.' Each of the organizations will have to enter a contract, effective July 1, 2025, with the Anderson County government before spending the money. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
