ABSTRACT
There are many paths to recovery from substance use disorders, and recognition is growing for the vital role that faith communities play. This study examines a theory-driven model of congregational readiness (defined as a faith community's intention and preparedness to address and support recovery from substance use disorders) using a national cross-sectional study of 45 faith communities (composed of 3,649 members). Findings revealed that addiction and recovery attitudes and perceptions of self-efficacy (rather than one's experiences) were determinants. Directions for future research focus on developing culturally relevant means of working with faith communities and congregational leadership to bolster readiness over time.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (Grant 280-02-0602) through a contract with Johnson Institute (Faith Partners Congregational Prevention and Recovery Support Team Ministry).
We would like to give our sincere thanks to the work of Faith Partners Inc., as well as the Gulf Coast Addiction Technology Transfer Center, which is affiliated with The University of Texas at Austin's School of Social Work. We would also like to express our gratitude for the support and valuable contributions of Dr. Patrick Miller of Texas Christian University. Finally, we are thankful for the many congregations and their members who shared their experiences with us by participating in this study.