Addiction recovery programme receives title change to increase focus on Christ 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christ-centred church. In recent years, efforts have focused on ensuring that Church programmes and resources reflect Jesus Christ as the focal point. Consequently, the Church-sponsored Addiction Recovery Programme has recently been renamed “Healing through the Savior: The Addiction Recovery Programme.”

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The restored Church of Jesus Christ released its first addiction recovery guide in the 1980s. With permission, this guide was based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc., but adapted to include the doctrines, principles, and beliefs of the Church. This guide and the support groups associated have been known as the Addiction Recovery Programme.

In a 2018 address, President Russell M. Nelson emphasized the importance of using the correct name of the restored Church, saying “If we as a people and as individuals are to have access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ—to cleanse and heal us, to strengthen and magnify us, and ultimately to exalt us—we must clearly acknowledge Him as the source of that power.” Following that address, many Church owned apps, websites and programmes went through name changes to align themselves with this admonition and acknowledge the Savior. Now, the addiction recovery programme follows suit with its new name, Healing through the Savior: The Addiction Recovery Programme. Its new title underscores an important gospel principle: all true healing comes at the hands of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who “healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

The Church-sponsored addiction recovery programme has created an impact that has spread worldwide. Within the Europe Central Area, the Church holds thirty-six online meetings in eight languages—Bulgarian, English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Dutch, and Ukrainian—with two international groups dedicated specifically to helping young adults. These groups and meetings are divided into three main focuses: general addiction, pornography use, and spouse and family support. While guided by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, individuals from any or no faith tradition are welcome to attend.

The Church is continuously striving to increase awareness of these recovery groups offered in Europe. In 2023, the programme attendance increased by 56 percent over the previous year.

When asked about their experience with the addiction recovery programme, Chiara from Italy said “I tried for many years to overcome my addiction before joining a group. Despite studying the manual, getting help from the bishop and even from a specialist I could not really put the steps into practice in my life and thus have that healing power that the Lord gives us.” She continued, “Through sharing from the other people in the group, slowly, I understood what I could do to overcome certain obstacles and now I am much better. [The addiction recovery programme] helps us, in short, to be more like Christ.”

Healing through the Savior: The Addiction Recovery Programme is open to all members of the community. If you or someone you know are interested in joining a group, you may visit https://addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org/. The updated guidebook can be accessed at Healing through the Savior: The Addiction Recovery Program 12-Step Recovery Guide (churchofjesuschrist.org).