Substance Addiction Ministry

Calendar

Erik a. Vagenius, MHS, CAP, Coordinator
(561) 775-9527
E-mail: evagenius@diocesepb.org

MISSION STATEMENT

Addiction is a spiritual illness that disconnects a person from self, loved ones, and God. The Substance Addiction Ministry (SAM)’s goal is to help these individuals re-connect: with self, loved ones, and God.

SAM will provide education about addictive disease; increase awareness of the pain in people’s lives; and refer those in need to places where help can be found. Support, acceptance, understanding, and healing will be extended to those touched by addiction.

POLICY ON SUBSTANCE ADDICTION

When the life of one whom we love is at risk, and when the quality of life for those close to that person is threatened, we are charged with the responsibility to respond in a direct and loving manner.

Alcohol and drug addiction is epidemic in our society. The entire family is "affected", not just the "afflicted" member. Addiction is an illness that devastates the whole person, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Substance addiction is not a moral problem or weakness. The American Medical Association classified alcohol and drug addiction a primary disease, characterized by distinct stages of development, with specific signs and symptoms. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Characteristic of addictive disease is denial, based in shame and maintained by a conspiracy of silence. The first step in addressing the problem is to begin talking about it, thus reducing shame, and opening the door to treatment and recovery of the entire family.

EDUCATION

• SAM Teams

• Schools

• Religious Ed Groups

• Clergy, Religious, Seminarians

• Parish/Diocesan Ministries

• Civic Groups

REFERRAL

• 12-Step Groups

• Treatment Programs

• Outpatient Counseling/Therapy

• Halfway/Recovery Housing

• Clergy/Spiritual Counseling

PUBLICATIONS/AWARENESS

• Florida Catholic Column “SAMScripts”

• "SAMScripts" Newsletter

• National Catholic Council on Alcoholism

• Website: www.diocesepb.org

SUPPORT

• Intervention Assistance

• Parish Support Groups

• Recovery & Healing Mass

• SAM Day of Renewal

HOW CAN A SAM TEAM SERVE YOUR PARISH?

• SAM teams are stewards of the parish’s most valuable "treasure": its people.

• SAM team members share their "time" and "talent", offering hope, healing and reconciliation to parishioners touched by addiction.

• SAM teams provide a safe, confidential place for parishioners to call for help and referral.

• SAM teams increase awareness of addiction through education to various ministries and groups of people in the parish and in the community.

SAM Team Parishes

Weekly Column

		If You Dance, You Gotta Pay the Piper
		Doing nothing is a death sentence
		Names Will Ever Hurt Me