The purpose of this Guidebook is two fold: First, to provide the essential steps to those who are helping others stop using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and second, to assist clergy in organizing help for a user. Those who are closely assisting a person to stop using alcohol or drugs are referred to as caregivers. At times the clergy may decide to be the only caregiver. However, clergy may also invite additional caregivers to assist. Ideally, a caregiver has good judgment, good relationship skills, spirituality and the ability to give support. A caregiver can be a member of the congregation or a family member. For the purposes of this Guidebook drugs include such substances as: tobacco, marijuana, amphetamines/methamphetamines, cocaine, inhalants, heroin, misuse of over-the-counter medications, misuse of prescription medications, or any other substance used to obtain a high. The steps in this Guidebook can be completed at any pace.

Alcohol and drug use falls on a continuum. There are beginning users who are experimenting because of curiosity or peer pressure; those who are frequently using and in the process of developing a dependency; and finally, those who have developed a dependency and may be addicted. Those helping others stop alcohol or drug use will need to adapt the steps in this booklet according to the user’s needs and degree of use. Whenever there is serious use or dependency upon alcohol or drugs, clergy will need to refer the user for professional help.

The booklet has three parts. First is a Checklist For Clergy. This is a simple list of goals to assist Clergy in monitoring a caregiver’s progress through the Guidebook steps. Second is the Guide For Caregivers. This Guide provides steps and necessary information for a caregiver to help someone stop using alcohol or drugs. The last section is the Appendix. The Appendix contains resources for the caregiver including: Principles for Interviewing, Handouts, Russell M. Nelson’s article, Addiction or Freedom and a List of Resources.