Sunday, January 18, 2009

The article below was sent to the Catholic Standard for possible use, probably in their
18 January paper.

Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Andoh Opens Meeting on Recovery from Alcoholism

Prepared for the Standard Newspaper by Hopeful Way Foundation 12 Jan, 2009

On December 16, 2008, a meeting on addiction and recovery was held at The Hopeful Way House located in Oyarifa, Accra . Among the 25 participants was Most Reverend Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Andoh. In his opening address, the Archbishop stated that an increasing number of Ghanaian families are suffering from the consequences of alcohol and addiction. He emphasized that religious bodies are not exempt from the epidemic of addiction. He shared the example of alcoholic priests who went to European and other countries in order to seek treatment. On their return to such countries as Nigeria and Kenya , they set up recovery facilities similar to Hopeful Way House.

The participants in the meeting examined the fact that the consumption of alcohol and drugs in Ghana has increased over the last few decades. Although hospitals and clinics have done their utmost to cater to the growing number of patients, their resources have become overwhelmed. Upon receiving treatment patients return to their communities where they most often relapse due to the lack of an adequate support system. It is against this backdrop that the Hopeful Way Foundation in partnership with other professionals, nongovernmental and religious organisations and interested individuals in the field of addiction and recovery held the meeting. The purpose of the event was in part to encourage more collaboration among the participants and to encourage them to complement each other’s work. Hopeful Way House is a home (half-way house) for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts who seek a protective environment in order to remain sober. The House runs on three main principles: a) democracy, b) financial self-sufficiency and c) expulsion for use of alcohol or drugs. The House will soon begin taking in residents, up to a maximum of twelve.

During the meeting each organisation presented an overview of their efforts in the field of alcohol and recovery and proposed initiatives for 2009. During his address The Archbishop gave participants and Hopeful Way House encouragement in their efforts. He noted that in order to live a healthy life, there needs to be a balance among the body, mind and spirit. However, among addicts all three aspects are unbalanced. The Archbishop emphasized the need to unify and coordinate efforts. He mentioned that it could prove beneficial if the Catholic Bishop’s Conference worked closely with other religious bodies to deal with addiction and recovery efforts in Ghana . He believed that Hopeful Way House could be successful in encouraging the establishment of additional half-way houses in Ghana . Regarding Alcoholics Anonymous the Archbishop not only expressed his pleasure in seeing the number AA groups increase, but also emphasized the importance of supporting this growing fellowship. He was also pleased to see that the Hopeful Way Foundation is planning to conduct a five-day training course on addiction, recovery and counseling from 20-25 April. For more information on the training in April, on Hopeful Way House and on Alcoholics Anonymous call 0243 558 412 or visit Hopeful Way House’s blog at: http://hopefulwayghana.blogspot.com/.
For more information on AA visit AA Ghana’s website at: http://www.geocities.com/aa.ghana/AAGhana.html.

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