They asked me about my drinking, they didn’t ask me about my thirst.
From 14th – 15th March, 
the STAR – Steps to Active Recovery team were privileged to attend and contribute to this year’s conference for the International Substance Abuse and Alcohol Coalition (ISAAC). Members from around the globe attended the event, uniting with many people at the forefront of addiction work in the UK.
This year’s theme was Filling the Void. There were many opportunities to explore topics of trauma-informed ministry, unpacking the Bible with recovery eyes, maintaining well-being on the front line, gaining compassion for the addictive process, and building recovery bridges into church. The aim of these workshops is the vision of ISAAC – to connect, encourage and equip all its members.
The first key-note speaker, Andy Partington, author of Hope in Addiction, gave a valuable message titled Beyond Batman. He emphasised the benefits of practical support for people faced with life-controlling issues, but also stressed the importance of moving beyond just the practical to see lives transformed from the inside out.
The second key-note speaker, Trudy Makepeace, author of Abused, Addicted, Free and Ministering to Addicts, drew the audience to a personal journey of life choices which opened doors that eventually led to physical captivity in a prison and her personal choice of faith which lead to her emotional, physical, and spiritual freedom.
The STAR team came away from the conference reinvigorated in the work they are doing by equipping recovery teams in churches and other organisations to grow in confidence and competence in the support they are giving in their local communities. Many people today have something in their life that they would be happier if they were free of. It is encouraging to see a growing number of people who are seeking this freedom for themselves and for others.
There are many causes of addiction… a response to painful experiences, an escape from daily challenges, loneliness. The list is long and the access to people’s lives is even greater with online enticements going directly to mobiles. For some people, addiction was their ‘first attempt at healing’ – knowing something in their lives was damaged, but not knowing how to mend it. When communities seek to help others with the purposeful intent of understanding, greater inroads can be made for those on the road to recovery.
As one person stated, “All thriving is relational”. Communities that are relatable are communities where recovery can thrive. ISAAC International and its members are encouraging and equipping those around them to be consistent when people’s lives are not smooth or perfect. Recovery communities can provide consistency and reassurance that a person is valuable and cared for, whatever life looks like, even with its victories or its failures.
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