An Indiana State University professor will appear on an upcoming Webcast about the role spirituality and faith can play in the prevention and treatment of addiction.
Tom Johnson, professor of psychology and associate director of Indiana State's Center for the Study of Health, Religion and Spirituality, is one of four panelists on the Webcast "Faith and Recovery: The Healing Role of Faith-Based Organizations."
Part of a series of programs produced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Webcast will premiere June 7 at www.recoverymonth.org.
The program explores the spectrum of services and interventions that faith-based organizations offer and discusses their unique role in helping individuals on the road to recovery.
"The panel discusses things that clergy, congregations and other faith-based organizations might do to become more aware of and involved in addressing issues of addiction in their communities," said Johnson, whose research includes the influence of spirituality and faith on recovery.
"Religious beliefs about alcohol, such as temperance or moderate use, have an impact, but an even greater impact seems to come from the fellowship, social networks and the sense of purpose and meaning that develop as a result of religious practices," Johnson said.
Others on the panel are Margie Smith, pastoral counselor, Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care; Rev. Jo Campe, pastor, Central Park United Methodist Church, St. Paul, Minn.; and Marcus McKinney, director of pastoral counseling and community outreach, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, Conn. The Webcast is hosted by Ivette Torres, associate director for consumer affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
In addition to the panel discussion, the Webcast contains personal stories about people in recovery and interviews with treatment providers.
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Contact: Tom Johnson, professor of psychology and associate director, Center for the Study of Health, Religion and Spirituality, Indiana State University, (812) 237-2449 or tjohnson1@isugw.indstate.edu
Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Indiana State University, (812) 237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu