A loved one falling ill or passing away. Children unexpectedly out of school with no childcare. Coping with physical distancing. Daily routines interrupted. Life milestone celebrations cancelled. Adjusting to working from home, or worse, not being able to work at all.
Many have faced these stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic, but for those with substance abuse and addiction issues, these factors created additional risk that have led to increased usage and relapse. During the pandemic, New Jersey saw a 20% rise in Opioid Use Disorder, and those who have sought treatment have often encountered an already-strained health care system.
Even prior to the pandemic, Jo Anne Farrell, addictions healing coordinator at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, was planning to introduce a new ministry called iTHIRST, which stands for The Healing Initiative of Recovery, Spirituality and Twelve steps.
iTHIRST is a spiritual companionship program that pairs people actively using substances or those in recovery, or their family members, with a trained, compassionate listener.
Under pandemic restrictions, Catholic Charities turned to Zoom to train 30 people throughout the diocese in this model, which is also in use in the Archdiocese of Boston.
Over the summer months, Farrell hosted the iTHIRST training that was provided by Keaton Douglas, the executive director of the iTHIRST Initiative, a ministry of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity.
The training included how physiological changes in the brain make abstinence from substances so challenging and how addiction can create a barrier in one’s spiritual relationship with God. Working in their parishes, the trained participants will be able to offer a pastoral approach to those impacted by addictions.
Farrell also mentioned that the month of September is celebrated as National Recovery Month across the nation, with this year’s theme being “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.”
“This theme reminds people in recovery from substance use disorders, and those who support them, that we all have victories to celebrate and things we may wish we had done differently. This is true of everyone and, as in most cases, we cannot do it alone,” she said “This is where iTHIRST comes in to play.” The iTHIRST ministers are trained to provide support, encouragement and education so that no one has to struggle alone.
“We can all be part of the solution together by helping our fellow parishioners in prayer and spiritual companionship. All of us, throughout our lives, have experienced peaks and valleys, both big and small. But, with strength, support and hope, there is resilience, and recovery is possible. Even during times as challenging as these.”
For more information about Catholic Charities’ Addictions Healing Program, contact Jo Anne Farrell at 856-342-4057 or joanne.farrell@camdendiocese.org.
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