Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption by William Cope Moyers

Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption
William Cope Moyers

This alarmingly true and intimate story about how far addiction will take a person, and the redemptive personal struggle to return to the land of the living. Mr. Moyer's book is a page turner not to be forgotten. He describes himself as "an advocate who is dedicating my life to unmasking the dark stigma of addiction by speaking out about the promise and possibility of long term recovery."

You will be moved from disbelief to tears and back again. A story of true redemption and an incredible journey toward the solution.

--Rev. Cynthia Sloan

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Selection for January: Dying for a Drink

Dying For a Drink: What You and Your Family Should Know about Alcoholism
Anderson Spickard Jr., MD, and Barbara R. Thompson

"Dying for a Drink is a compelling and important book for anyone in search of answers concerning alcohol abuse, its symptoms, the effect on family dynamics, and most importantly, the hope that treatment provides." – Tipper Gore

I agree with Mrs. Gore's description of this fascinating book. As a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, I see that Dr. Spickard clearly addresses all pertinent facts and aspects of the disease of alcoholism, including sidebar stories and testimonies. --Rev. Cynthia Sloan

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Welcome to the Hope, Healing and Health Reading Circle!

Welcome to the United Methodist Hope, Healing, and Health Reading Circle! The HHH Reading Circle is a project of the United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV).

Established in September 2008, the Hope, Healing, and Health Reading Circle is an online resource that provides United Methodists and partners with an opportunity for ongoing education, reflection, and online dialogue on alcohol, other drugs, and related violence concerns. A new selection will be featured every quarter (January, April, July, October) for reading and reflection.

Please comment online after reading the selection.

In addition to the circle selections, an extended reading list is also offered and updated quarterly. Visit www.umspsarv.org for the full list.

Recommended journal selections, magazine articles, books, and electronic media are welcome and may be sent to spsarv@gbgm-umc.org for review.

The HHH Reading Circle intends to:

1. Promote hope, healing and health for the addicted and those who love them.
2. Help others understand the nature of the disease of addiction.
3. Support the faith community in responding to substance abuse and related violence.
4. Lessen the stigma around the disease of addiction.
5. Affirm those who work in addiction ministries and professions.
6. Celebrate with those in recovery.
7. Encourage congregations and communities to be more compassionate, informed and responsive.