The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a new support guide for spouses and family members of those struggling with addictions, according to LDS Church News. The support guide is posted to the Church’s website for its Addiction Recovery Program and focuses on helping loved ones to heal and cope with the challenges they encounter when a family member experiences addictive behaviors.
LDS Church News quotes Linda S. Reeves, the second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, saying:
Using this new guide and the gospel principles within as a foundation, those whose loved ones struggle with addiction will find practical suggestions on how to deal with their situation and find healing through the Savior and His Atonement.
The guide was derived from scripture and doctrine of the Savior and His Atonement. The goal is that families will apply these principles as they rely on God throughout the healing process.
The support guide is split into twelve different sections for spouses and families to study and apply:
1. God Will Console Us
2. Shake Off the Chains
3. He Will Take Upon Him Their Pain
4. Draw Near Unto Me
5. Working Out our Own Salvation
6. Bear One Another’s Burdens
7. In Everything Give Thanks
8. Be Firm and Steadfast
9. We Have Renounced Dishonesty
10. Lift Up the Hands that Hang Down
11. Bear All These Things with Patience
12. My Peace I Give Unto You
The guide explains that those struggling with addiction and their loved ones need the Savior’s help to be healed. LDS Church News reports that Carol F. McConkie, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, said:
Complete healing does not take place until spouses and family members apply the healing power of the Atonement to their experience…This guide will help those struggling with a spouse’s addictive behaviors place their burdens upon the Savior and learn to trust His grace and the power of His word.
The Church encourages church leaders to use the support guide while counseling, loved ones to use the guide in family discussions, and individuals to use it for personal study.
If you or someone you love are experiencing behaviors of addiction, visit addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org and seek help from local church leaders.
