United Methodists identify solutions to substance abuse
6/14/2001 News media contact: Linda Bloom · (646) 369-3759 · New York
By United Methodist News Service
Better outreach to youth, increased prevention education and more treatment centers are among the possible solutions to alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse mentioned during an international gathering of United Methodists.
The consultation in Evenes, Norway, sponsored by the United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence, drew about 150 participants representing 26 countries in Africa and Europe. The youth and adults at the May 28-June 4 event were chosen by their bishops because of an interest or involvement in reducing substance abuse and addiction.
While acknowledging the problems of drug abuse, the participants focused more on the damage caused by alcohol and tobacco.
For example, a pastor and social worker from Sweden reported that the country of 9 million has about 27,000 drug addicts, but more than 800,000 with serious alcohol problems.
In his opening sermon, United Methodist Bishop Oystein Olsen of the Northern Europe Area recalled how alcoholism and drug addiction led to divorce and death in his own family and his wife's family. He credited a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, caring mentors and church involvement with saving him and others from that fate.
Delegates from Liberia and Sierra Leone said rebel soldiers used drugs to entice abducted youth to fight in civil conflicts. A Russian delegate reported that young Russian soldiers have been lured into drug and alcohol abuse during years of war with Afghanistan and Chechnya.
Conference participants came away with possible solutions for use in their countries. Those included: · Improving laws that curtail harmful advertising of alcohol and increasing prevention education on substance abuse, including the use of public service ads and special events to promote abstinence. · Establishing better youth outreach and working closely with youth leaders inside and outside schools who can encourage abstinence and address teen concerns. · Adding more treatment centers and involving more churches in recovery programs and prison ministries. · Developing alternatives for those who depend economically on the sale of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.
More information on the Special Program on Substance Abuse and Violence is available by sending an e-mail to mhdavis@gbgm-umc.org or calling Melissa Davis at (202) 548-2712.
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*John Coleman, a communications consultant with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, provided information for this story.
Korean News
