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"It’s time that there’s someone on the Presbyterians for Addiction Action Network who works on a college campus,” said the voice at the other end of the line. “Yes,” I replied, thinking that Manley Olson, an elder in my presbytery, was calling to get a suggestion of someone to serve. But when the invitation came to none other than me I was a bit taken back. I’ve worked in campus ministry for some 25 years. Indeed, there are many students who realize, during their college years, their own addictions to alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, work, stress ... you name it.
Faculty and staff at our colleges also struggle with their own addictions. And having served as the president of the Presbyterian College Chaplains’ Association and the volunteer chaplain to the National Network of Presbyterian College Women, I’ve been in many conversations with others across the country who speak at length about the incidence of binge drinking, the connection between drinking and date rape, depression and addiction, and so forth. So, my first thought when Manley asked was to say, “No, I can’t serve. I’m not qualified. ” But as callings arrive in our lives, I sensed that this one had at its heart an opportunity to learn and also a chance to contribute insights that have been underfoot from years of working in a college environment. So, I said … well … the rest is history.
At the first meeting I attended, the business was focused on generating surveys. One survey was directed at Executive Presbyters’ experience and knowledge of the prevalence of substance abuse and other addictive behaviors in their presbyteries. The second was to survey the Presbyterian College Chaplains’ Association members, most of whom are working on one of our 67 Presbyterian-related colleges and universities, about the types of situations they see with students on their campuses related to addictions. I generated questions and with some editing, a web-based survey was sent to approximately 70 chaplains. We received 17 responses. Some of the survey results were as follows:
What do you identify as the addictions/addictive behaviors of students manifested on your campus? (Check all that apply) |
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In one sentence, articulate a theological assumption you make related to addictions/addictive behaviors. (A select number are included.)
- At the root of addictions/addictive behaviors is the individual’s lack of true awareness of “who they are” and “whose they are.”
- Not being very sure of the importance of anything one has to contribute to the working of the world, chemical and behavior addictions provide stability of routine and certainty of outcome, attended by a degree of understanding friendships along the way.
- God wants these students to be healed from their destructive behavior.
- I believe that addictions and addictive behaviors are symptoms of the brokenness of creation, and as such need to be addressed at deep levels of healing, both of the individual and the community.
- I believe we rely upon God’s grace to live our lives with fullness. Substance abuse is a wedge that keeps us from being the spark of God’s creation that we are meant to be.
- An addict is someone who is enslaved by their “drug” of choice and must be offered the gift of liberation.
What conference focus or workshop on these issues would be helpful? (Select responses)
- Better understanding of the psychological roots and dynamics of addictive behavior …
- Intervention strategies with young people; theology and addiction
- Best practices in spiritual counseling for students suffering from addictions.
- Healthy eating on campus … is it possible?
- How can I get my colleagues to see me as a resource?
- Is climbing the corporate (or ecclesiastical) ladder an expression of addiction?
- How to address issues of sexual and pornographic addiction.
Describe ways you have addressed issues of addiction in your setting. (Select responses)
- In pastoral counseling settings
- Programs in residence halls and Greek organizations
- AA chapter on campus and offering dry social events
- Requiring an on-line alcohol educational program for all first-year students
- Role-playing scenarios
- Referrals
- A chapel service for alcohol awareness week
- Visiting students in jail for drug violations
As evidenced by this survey, there’s a great need for the Presbyterian Church through PAA and partnering with other networks to offer educational events in support of the work our chaplains/campus ministers do on our campuses. Alcohol abuse is a serious problem on our college campuses. In addition, there are the range of other addictions that must be addressed. The church must consider its response but also must address the underlying social and cultural issues that make us a society of addicts. Our chaplains and campus ministers are available resources and need our support. They also are there to support their colleagues and students who are often the front-line people when it comes to addiction. I’ve learned much in my short time on PAA and am struck by the urgency and need. I have deep confidence that God’s work is engaged in this issue in remarkable and sustaining ways. |
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