Drug addition: Faith communities working with addicts

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Faith communities have known there were plenty of people trapped in addiction sitting in the pews, afraid to suffer the shame that would come from sharing their problems.

But some places of worship are now offering or hosting recovery programs, minimizing the stigma.

"People in the church are just as broken as people who are not in the church, and a lot of times we are good at masking that and faking it," said Micah Hobbs, who oversees the Celebrate Recovery ministry at Memorial Road Church of Christ.

"But the reality is that we are all broken and are in need of healing and hope, encouragement and support."

While Celebrate Recovery programs have started in a variety of Christian churches, many houses of faith have long been supporters of 12-step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Some faith groups have developed programs to teach clergy and laity about addiction and treatment.

Annette Harper directs addiction ministries for the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, which offers an education program and support group.

The church started its Summer School on Chemical Dependency 30 years ago after an addict confided in a pastor and found the spiritual leader did not have the resources to help.

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Drug addition: Faith communities working with addicts