Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) / Hope and Healing
Family Services supervises and supports the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), also known locally as “Hope and Healing” Groups. This program is modelled after the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step Program and provides weekly support meetings for those who are striving to overcome addictions and other behaviours. This powerful spiritual program focuses on providing a non-judgmental environment and group support of participants as they utilise the Atonement of Jesus Christ to make changes in their lives. Find out more about Addiction Recovery Program.
Some of the behaviours targeted by this program, include, but are not limited to: alcohol abuse; drug use; prescription drug abuse; tobacco, vaping, tea and coffee use; compulsive over or under eating; pornography; unwanted sexual behaviours; co-dependency; gambling; and excessive internet or computer gaming use. Participants are encouraged to attend with a support person (family member, ministering brother or sister, friend or church leader). Participants under the age of 16 years may not attend. Those aged 16-17 need to be accompanied by an adult aged 18+. Participants are welcome to attend any of the scheduled meetings without needing to make prior arrangements.
The ARP manual is available as a PDF in English, Samoan and Tongan.
The Melbourne Office of Family Services currently supports Hope and Healing (Addiction Recovery) meetings in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Western Australia. Church leaders can provide information about how to access meetings as this information is found within the Resource List. Family Services can also provide information about how members may access a local meeting. Members who cannot attend meetings in person may attend meetings via technology. Find a meeting near you.
Spouse and Family Support Guide
The Spouse and Family Support Guide is a workbook especially designed to support those affected by the addiction or disruptive behaviours of a spouse or family member. Family members may participate in ARP/Hope and Healing Group meetings but are also encouraged to make use of the Spouse and Family Support Guide.
Strengthening Marriage and Strengthening the Family Courses
Family Services may assist Church leaders in strengthening marriages and families through consultation and referral to counselling services. Additionally, manuals for the Strengthening Marriage and Strengthening the Family courses are available to Church leaders. These courses may be taught at ward or stake levels. If requested, Family Services can support course facilitators. Church members may view copies of the manuals in the Gospel Library app or on the Church website. These courses are valuable resources for Stake Self-Reliance Committees, Ward Councils, Church leaders, ministering brothers and sisters, and families to help strengthen marriages and improve parenting. Find out more about Strengthening Marriages and Families.
Strengthening Marriage is available in English, Tongan and Samoan.
This 6 week course was developed to help spouses develop and maintain an enriching relationship with each other. The course covers six topics: “Applying Gospel Principles,” “Communicating with Love,” “Fostering Equality and Unity,” “Overcoming Anger,” “Resolving Conflict,” and “Enriching Marriage.”
Strengthening the Family is available in English, Tongan and Samoan.
This course was developed to help Church members understand the principles of effective parenting and improve parenting skills. The course covers nine topics: “Parenting Principles and Practices,” “Understanding Child Development,” “Communicating with Love,” “Nurturing Children,” “Fostering Confidence,” “Overcoming Anger,” “Resolving Conflict,” “Teaching Responsible Behaviour,” and “Applying Consequences.”
The Emotional Resilience For Self-Reliance Course
The Emotional Resilience for Self-Reliance is a course which Church leaders may now establish. This course covers 10 topics: “Building Emotional Resilience,” “Healthy Thinking Patterns,” “Our Body and Emotions,” “Managing Stress and Anxiety,” “Understanding Sadness and Depression,” “Overcoming Anger,” “Managing Addictive Behaviours,” “Building Healthy Relationships,” “Providing Strength to Others,” and “Moving Forward with Faith.” This is a wonderful resource to individuals, families, ministering brothers and sisters, and Church leaders. Learn more about the Emotional Resilience course.
Use of Local Mental Health and Other Community Resources
It is quite appropriate for church members to use a range of community services when necessary. “Leaders may…help members receive assistance through community and government agencies” (General Handbook, 22.2.4.5). Members may receive Fast Offering financial assistance to cover the cost of medical or mental health services as determined by the Bishop (General Handbook, 22.6.6). Members who are receiving effective services from community resources should be encouraged to continue to receive this support. Government and community organisations are often in a better place to provide longer term help for members with chronic mental health conditions. Family Services may assist Church leaders to identify community resources.