Almost two and a half years ago we welcomed Carl into our home. He had completed a Christian drug rehab and was living in a half-way house. That first year, as I came to know Carl I began to realize that his addictive behaviors were compounded by underlying psychological disorders. This condition, often called a “dual diagnosis” or “co-occurring” disorder makes recovery very difficult. As I worked with Carl it became clear that there were no programs in the area for him, and those like him, that provided the sort of care he needed. Half-way houses often do not provide enough ongoing support, Christian ministries are either too simplistic in their treatment or too overburdened, and pastors are often too busy for the sort of intensive and ongoing pastoral care needed to truly bring healing to those struggling with these compounded issues. And in many programs the focus is on eliminating the rotten fruit (controlling behaviors like drug use) rather than the diseased root (soul pain). But when the root is healed the bad fruit eventually falls away naturally.
After using Classical Spiritual Direction as a pastoral counseling model and the sacraments and resources of The Faith together with an integrative posture towards psychiatric care, Carl showed a great deal of improvement. Eventually the core wound that drove his compulsive behaviors was addressed and healed. He went from being unable to drive a mile away or differ from the route because of immobilizing anxiety, to making the dean’s list at a local community college within a year. While he still struggles with some issues he continues to become a healthier, productive young man and follower of Christ.
Carl’s transformation occurred in large part because he was given the time and focused care necessary for this healing process to occur. Most professionals who work in addiction recovery now agree that a new paradigm needs to be put in place that provides a safe place and continuum of care that extends beyond the typical set program of 30, 60 or 90 days. Carl has progressed a great deal but still needs more time, as do the many others who struggle as he has.
As a result of this encounter it became clear that God was calling me to begin a Christian Program to meet the needs of those struggling with both emotional and addiction issues. After spending the last year and a half prayerfully investigating this, visiting similar ministries, and seeking wise counsel we have begun. With the enthusiastic blessing of my Bishop we hope to open Pascha House by the Fall of 2007.
