Search

This article is an historical and thematic study of the theological ethics of John C. Ford, SJ, regarding alcohol abuse and chemical dependency. Retrieving “classic” perspectives on these problems is seen as important for helping the churches to address this challenging “sign of the times” today. Ford's involvement in the fledgling “recovery movement” and his collaboration in early addiction science are documented. His main theological views regarding addiction are reviewed. Three themes are addressed: the nature of addictive illness, the role of a “spiritual” component in addiction, and the notions of sin and personal responsibility in relation to abuse and dependency.

Communities of faith are challenged today to join the contemporary struggle against chemical abuse and dependency in new and exciting ways. Beyond utilizing church basements for Twelve Step meetings and including alcohol and other drugs as topics in teenage religious education, faith communities are being invited to bring their full theological and religious resources to bear on this pressing social problem. Using contemporary practical-theological method as a way to approach these issues, the author integrates historical, biblical and other sources into a way of thinking about issues of chemical abuse and dependency in a theological frame.

The article traces contemporary developments in recovery research and outlines impomt dimensions of Uue recovery process. Dynamics and issues that are present at various "stages" of recovery over time are described. Some basic principles for a "recovery sensitive" approach to counseling are suggested.

Researchers are turning their attention to the process of recovery from chemical dependency. Factors that establish and support the recovery process are being examined, while developmental stages of recovery over time are being outlined. Focused attention on recovery will complement the wealth of knowledge already accumulated regarding the process of addiction. However, the expanding literature of recovery tends to give scant treatment to recovery over the long-term. Few studies attend to extended length of recovery (ten years or more) as a relevant variable in alcoholism research. Following an examination of the literature on this point, the article suggests potential benefits of "long-term" research and outlines an ongoing exploratory project which utilizes this variable.