Monastery for alcoholics, Moscow region

Signs of addiction

Recognizing an alcoholic is not so easy. This is not necessarily a person who has a terrible appearance and drinks from morning to evening. A quite decent employee of some bank who goes to work in the morning and in the evening constantly rushes to drink alcohol may turn out to be an alcoholic.

There are several ways to recognize alcohol addicts:

Appearance: loose skin, swollen face, hazy eyes, rough voice.
Justification for alcohol addiction. A drinker will not praise or scold alcoholics; he will seek explanations for why they drink.
An undisguised desire to drink. An alcoholic is obsessed with the constant thought of alcohol.
Devaluation of values: friends, family, and career are not important to an alcoholic.
Lack of interest in the outside world. Any experienced narcologist will immediately identify this feature in an alcoholic. All his interests are focused on drinking, and not on what is happening around him.

Note! Any alcohol addict can be helped. But this can be done if he himself wants to end his addiction.

Sometimes neither drugs nor traditional methods help. Then we can only hope for salvation by God.

Special approach

Churches and monasteries have long and successfully practiced treatment for alcoholism, with accommodation in their own rehabilitation centers. This happens with close contact and support from loved ones and relatives of the patient’s own free will.

There are distinctive features of the treatment of alcoholism in monasteries and churches:

The person is in a completely different place. He is surrounded by people also struggling with this destructive habit.
The attitude towards an alcoholic is sensitive and understanding. Orthodox people surrounding the patient are incapable of contempt and humiliation. Orthodoxy considers alcoholism a disease that can only be overcome by faith in the Lord.
Rehabilitation generally lasts up to two years. A person can finish it earlier, realizing that he has gotten rid of the addiction.
Occupational therapy is used: toys and souvenirs are made, and garden crops are grown. Everything happens without the use of violence, but only at the request of the person himself.
The alcohol addict sees clear examples of recovery from addiction, rather than constant drinking buddies. He understands the fact that he can also become a healthy person, and this sets a great example.

If the addict is a man, he can seek help and treatment for alcoholism at a monastery. A person who comes to a monastery opens his soul to a monk; together they analyze his life path and analyze the period when alcohol became a constant companion.

Before you start treatment

In churches, clergy are often asked the question:

And they have to answer that alcohol addiction is not a simple bad habit, which can only be gotten rid of through daily prayers. This addiction is nothing more than a spiritual-physical connection between a person and a terrible drink.

The root of the evil of this disease is not at all in the unfortunate person’s body, but in his soul.

Those who have expressed a desire to undergo treatment at the monastery must understand that no one will force them. According to the leaders of Orthodox recovery centers, the main thing is the desire to be cured and faith in oneself. They also do not forget about the patient’s relatives, because largely thanks to the support and assistance that they can provide, it depends on whether the person can cope or not.

How does healing happen?

Treatment methods in churches or monasteries:

participation in religious services;
conversations with the priest;
a vow of complete abstinence from alcohol;
“12 steps” technique;
color therapy;
consultations with specialists in psychology and narcology.

Atheism is a condition under which an alcoholic should not turn to an Orthodox monastery in search of help.

All treatment is based on faith in God. A person must understand what place alcohol occupies in his life, and, having eliminated it, fill the void with useful and moral activities.

Every alcohol addict in the church redefines his role in this world, and his self-esteem increases.

The existing “12 steps to a sober life” methodology includes:

A frank letter from a reader! Pulled the family out of the hole! I was on the edge. My husband started drinking almost immediately after our wedding. First, a little at a time, go to a bar after work, go to the garage with a neighbor. I came to my senses when he began to return every day very drunk, he was rude, and drank away his salary. It really got scary when I pushed him for the first time. Me, then my daughter. The next morning he apologized. And so in a circle: lack of money, debts, swearing, tears, etc. beatings. And in the morning we apologize. We tried everything, we even coded it. Not to mention conspiracies (we have a grandmother who seemed to pull everyone out, but not my husband). After coding I didn’t drink for six months, everything seemed to get better, we began to live like a normal family. And one day - again, he was late at work (as he said) and dragged himself in the evening on his eyebrows. I still remember my tears that evening. I realized that there was no hope. And after about two or two and a half months, I came across an alcoholic on the Internet. At that moment, I had completely given up, my daughter left us altogether and began to live with a friend. I read about the drug, reviews and descriptions. And, not really hoping, I bought it - there was nothing to lose at all. So what do you think? I started adding drops to my husband’s tea in the morning, but he didn’t notice. Three days later I came home on time. Sober. A week later I began to look more decent and my health improved. Well, then I admitted to him that I was slipping the drops. When I was sober, I reacted adequately. As a result, I took a course of alcohol-toxic medication, and for six months now I’ve had no problem with alcohol, I got a promotion at work, and my daughter returned home. I'm afraid to jinx it, but life has become new! Every evening I mentally thank the day when I learned about this miracle remedy! I recommend to everyone! Will save families and even lives! Read about the cure for alcoholism here.

Understanding your weakness in the face of a problem and the collapse of your own hopes.
The realization that only God is able to help in the current trouble.
The decision to trust God completely.
We ask the Lord to give us courage when confessing sinful deeds.
Confession to a monk.
Willingness to deny sinful addictions entirely.
A humble request for assistance in the struggle for sobriety.
Establishing relationships with loved ones and family.
The process of complete repentance and repayment of debts to people with whom there was a breakup due to alcoholism.
Systematic analysis of one’s own behavior and prayer for forgiveness in case of violation of God’s commandments.
Establishing a deep connection with the Lord through prayer and faith.
Own spiritual renewal through helping the poor and needy, mercy and love for neighbors.

Interesting! There are 5 icons in the world that are used in the treatment of alcoholism: the Icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, the Icon of St. Matrona, the Icon of John of Kronstadt, the Icon of the Holy Martyr Boniface and the Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The icons are approached with special prayers.

Prayer for alcoholism

Drunkenness is a serious disease that can destroy the life of a sick person and his family. Coping with a problem can sometimes be very difficult and people turn to faith. Does motive help against alcoholism? It is obvious that true and real faith helps a person overcome illness

It is very important to believe that prayer will help

Where to start

If a person or members of his family struggles against alcoholism, then often faith becomes stronger, people turn to God

In difficult times, the family unites and faith becomes an important driving force to fight. First of all, if a person decides to stop drinking, he must go to church and serve a prayer service to Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, the healer Panteleimon and the martyr Boniface with the blessing of water. The consecrated water received in the church should be drunk every morning before the first meal.

The best storage vessel is a glass jar, which must be closed with a lid.

The consecrated water received in the church should be drunk every morning before the first meal. The best storage vessel is a glass jar, which must be closed with a lid.

Prayers and this water help against alcoholism if you turn to God with sincere intentions and a pure heart. In order for the resulting water to last for a long time, it must be diluted. This is done from Wednesday to Thursday. Take a three-liter jar, into which you need to pour a glass of water from the prayer service, pour water on top of everything. Clergymen advise serving three prayer services against alcoholism in church.

It happens that the patient wants to drink, but there is no water at hand. Then you just need to repeat to yourself three times: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.” In addition to the prayers that will be discussed later in this article, it is useful for an alcoholic to read the Gospel to get rid of his illness. Every day you should make it a rule to read one chapter.

Conversion through prayer

There is only one prayer for alcoholism - a prayer to God. But there are different types of prayers and different texts. The most common text is the Lord's Prayer. Every believer should know it, and this prayer is read in completely different situations. It will also help if you want to get rid of alcoholism. You can also read the prayer “Most Holy Theotokos, save us,” “All saints, pray to God for us.”

It is important! Judging by the reviews, reading the akathist “The Inexhaustible Chalice” in front of the icon of the Mother of God helps a lot against alcoholism. You must read every evening without interruption for 40 days. We must understand that prayers against alcoholism are not the same as conspiracies.

Conspiracies are not welcomed by the church and many priests say that such treatment is a sin. For prayer to work, conspiracies are not needed. You just have to believe in yourself, believe in God and believe in the power that is inside every person that drives them

We must understand that prayers against alcoholism are not the same as conspiracies. Conspiracies are not welcomed by the church and many priests say that such treatment is a sin. For prayer to work, conspiracies are not needed. You just have to believe in yourself, believe in God and believe in the power that is inside every person that moves them.

Other prayers that help with drunkenness:

Savior;
Akathists from drunkenness to the martyr Boniface;
Reverend Moses Murin;
Saint John of Kronstadt;
Prayer against drunkenness and intoxicating potion to the healer of Pechersk, Venerable Hypatius;

It is also important to regularly attend church and go to confession and pray the rosary. All priests emphasize that there is no need for conspiracies, you just need to read the Psalter and the Holy Scriptures, pray tirelessly, and also fast at the required time

Are there rules on how to pray?

A person’s request and his desire to be cured or help should only be sincere. When a person prays, he should think not about his problems, but about God. You can remember the Gospel, what Jesus did for people, how he lived, what principles he adhered to, and what laws of life he left for people. Often illness is a test for a person, and only God knows why he sent this test. With true faith you can overcome even such difficult trials as alcoholism and drunkenness.

Conspiracies for alcoholism, according to the church, do not help. If church ministers offer conspiracies, then they lead the patient and his family away from God and from the true faith.

Where to go for help

In search of a church or monastery where treatment for alcoholism is provided, many men turn their attention to the following centers for helping alcoholics:

Orthodox brotherhood of temperance at the Church of Florus and Laurus. It is located in the Moscow region. The treatment program includes prayers and gardening.
The Orthodox community "Yarino" is also located in the Moscow region. Staying there is possible for up to 3 years, the mode of residence is monastic.
Vysotsky Monastery, Serpukhov. The program consists of conversations with a priest, joint prayers, and occupational therapy.

Read also: I drank alcohol without knowing that I was pregnant.
Rehabilitation centers have been organized at Moscow churches, where anonymous help is provided.

“Metanoia” is a center located at the St. Daniel Monastery in Moscow. The program includes spiritual conversations and prayers.
“Inexhaustible Chalice” - the institution is located in the village of Saushki, Volgograd region. There, patients will be isolated from the people around them and engaged in work.
Counseling center located in the city of Irkutsk. The program includes a church service and some work in a hospital.

Treatment in all monasteries is carried out without any payment. The treatment program is almost the same everywhere.

For example, staying in the Orthodox institution “Resurrection”, located at the Church of Cyril and Methodius of the Belgorod diocese, includes the following stages:

A detailed conversation with the patient and his relatives in order to find out the nature and degree of dependence.
The motives of the alcohol addict to rid himself of the disease are determined.
Finding a person with alcoholism in a church hospital.
Life in a social hostel with those who have recovered for the transition to the usual social sphere.

Leaving the temple, a person can count on any psychological help when applying for life.

NORTHWEST FEDERAL DISTRICT

Kaliningrad diocese

Coordination center for combating alcoholism and drug addiction under the Department of Church Charity and Social Service of the Kaliningrad Diocese. Rehabilitation center in honor of St. Ave. John of Kronstadt

Started in 2012. The program is designed for 15 people to complete at once; Initial consultation, the main stage of rehabilitation, and work with relatives of drug addicts are carried out. The duration of the rehabilitation program is 9 months. On Tuesdays at 17.00 - in the Church of St. Panteleimon (Dmitry Donskoy, 23, territory of the children's regional hospital) - prayers for addicts, after the prayer - conversation. All questions can be asked to the priest and specialists.

Leaders: Priest Sergiy Vasilevsky, Filkova Maria Borisovna

Contacts: Diocesan helpline for assistance to addicts

Tel. Rehabilitation center 8-931-600-89-67

Website: https://trezvenie39.pravorg.ru

Rehabilitation center in the name of holy rights. John the Russian

The center was created in 2012 with the blessing of His Eminence Seraphim, Bishop of the Baltic. Currently, up to 15 people can undergo rehabilitation there at a time.

Website: https://trezvenie39.pravorg.ru

Pskov and Velikoluksk diocese

Charitable Foundation for the Promotion of Interchurch Christian Diakonia “Diakonia”

Year started: 2003; The rehabilitation program is designed for 26 people at a time; Primary counseling, the main stage of rehabilitation, resocialization, and work with relatives of drug addicts are carried out.

Head: Rydalevskaya Elena Evgenievna

Contacts: by Tel. “hotline” you can get advice on drug and alcohol addiction issues, learn about the procedure for inclusion in a rehabilitation program, or make an appointment with a specialist.

Also for information please call the following numbers: 8 (812) 274-53-89

Website: www.diaconiafond.ru

St. Petersburg Diocese

Charitable Foundation for the Promotion of Interchurch Christian Diacony

Rehabilitation (Pskov region, Pushkinogorsky district). The center has existed since 1995, accepting up to 45 students per year.

Rehabilitation (Leningrad region, Kirov district). was opened in 2012 at the Church of the Royal Passion-Bearers, 50 km from St. Petersburg. The center is designed to accommodate 22 students at a time.

Head: Rydalevskaya Elena Evgenievna

E-mail;

Telephone; Fax

Website: https://diaconiafond.ru

Parish of the Church of the Konevskaya Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Sapernoye, St. Petersburg diocese.

Department for Combating Drug Addiction and Alcoholism of the St. Petersburg Diocese. Since 1996, in the parish of the church in the name of the Konevskaya Icon of the Mother of God, village. Sappernoe, the souls of drug addicts are saved. The rector of the church is the head of the department for combating drug addiction and alcoholism of the St. Petersburg Metropolis, the dean of the Priozersk district, Archpriest Sergius Belkov. The basis of comprehensive rehabilitation is the restoration of spiritual values, changing the worldview, rethinking the past stage of life, as well as acquiring work skills and social adaptation. Thanks With the selfless help of the parish ministers, the pupils of the monastery live in sobriety, comprehend the sacraments of the Church, find the meaning of life and return to society as healthy people, useful to themselves and the people around them.

Head of the department: Archpriest Sergiy Belkov

Contacts: Tel. +7-931-540-01-40

Website: www.sapernoe.ru

Intercession-Tervenichesky women's monastery in the village of Tervenichi. Skete in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice”

Started year 2000; The rehabilitation program is designed for 25 people at a time; initial consultation is carried out, the main stage of rehabilitation

Leader: nun Silouana (Frolova)

Monastery office:

8-921-436-36-55

8-921-350-55-20

Website: https://www.tervenichi.ru/

conclusions

Alcoholism at any stage can be overcome only if you are fully aware of your own misfortune and have an irresistible desire to become independent from alcohol. And the church helps a lot with this. But it is not enough just to be in a monastery. It is important to believe with all your soul in God and your own healing. Orthodox centers are a place where spiritual mentors radically change people’s lives, their worldview, guide them on the right path and help them find family and purpose in life again.

How often does a person come to God when all possibilities for healing have been exhausted, and he is literally on the edge of the abyss. Treatment for alcoholism in monasteries and churches has gained wide popularity in our country due to its effectiveness. Therapy includes prayer and physical labor.

What is the basis for getting rid of alcoholism?

As a rule, wives and mothers of alcoholics come to the rehabilitation center. But real effectiveness of treatment can only be achieved if the person himself wants to get rid of his serious illness. The basic principles of treating alcoholism in the monastery are the following:

sincere recognition of your alcohol addiction as a disease;
faith and trust in the Lord;
participation in the sacraments of the church - unction, confession, communion;
physical work;
complete abstinence from alcohol;
communication with people also susceptible to this disease;
a strong desire to start a sober life.

Benefits of staying in a monastery

Finding an alcohol addict in a monastery has the following advantages:

A person finds himself in an atmosphere far from familiar. He communicates with people with similar troubles.
Believers treat an alcoholic without contempt or disgust. He receives moral support from them.
Therapy continues for several weeks or months. The patient remains in the temple until complete healing. You can undergo treatment on an outpatient basis, visiting the monastery only at the agreed time.
In the temple, rehabilitation is voluntary.

In the monastery, an alcoholic meets people who have recovered from addiction. Their positive example perfectly motivates the patient.

Myths accompanying alcohol addiction

Alcoholism is often surrounded by myths that are believed not only by the drinker himself, but also by those close to him.

"Alcoholism is a sin." Alcohol addiction itself is not a sin, but a serious illness. In spiritual terms, this is a consequence of multiple sins and passions, which ultimately led to grave consequences. For example, intemperance, gluttony, love of riotous living, etc.
“I can always quit if I want.” If you tell a drinker that he has a problem with alcohol, he will quite convincingly begin to prove that this is not so. Denial is the main stumbling block in treating alcoholism. It is impossible to heal a non-existent disease.
“An alcoholic does not stop drinking because he enjoys it.” This is not entirely true. At the stage when drinking alcohol has become an addiction, a person cannot stop drinking on his own; he needs help.

Close relatives of a drinker are also at risk for alcoholism. There are support groups for them at rehabilitation centers.

Intervention

In medicine there is such a thing as intervention. This term was introduced into widespread use by Betty Ford, who was successfully cured of alcohol addiction. The intervention can also be called “shock therapy.” Before going to the rehabilitation center at the monastery, the alcoholic’s relatives, friends, and colleagues come to see him. Each person from this company plays a role and says special words aimed at awareness of the problem. It should be understood that aggression may be a response to such therapy, and it is necessary to prepare for this.

12 step program

The 12-step program is a unique method of getting rid of alcohol addiction that has no analogues. Its principle is to realize your problem, completely trust in God and change your life.

Most rehabilitation centers, especially Orthodox ones, successfully use the 12-step program in treating addicts and codependents.

At the very beginning of therapy, it is very important to admit to yourself and others about the problem of alcoholism. This step is the most difficult.

The Lord gave man free will. In order for Him to intervene in the life of someone suffering from drunkenness, it is necessary to humble yourself and admit your weakness in solving this problem.

Step 3 A conscious and firm decision to entrust your life to God's Will.

At this step, it is important to trust God without retreating back or giving yourself slack.

Step 4 Take a careful look at yourself.

It is necessary to understand your life from a spiritual point of view. Remember the sins that led to the development of alcoholism, repent in detail and sincerely.

Rehabilitation at the monastery

In Russia there are many opportunities for residential treatment of alcoholism in a monastery. These include all kinds of rehabilitation centers, labor and psychological support groups. Living is especially valuable because it takes a person out of his usual environment and surroundings, allows him to see himself from the outside, breathe new life, and obey new rules.

At the very beginning of treatment, it is important to turn to God with all your soul for help.
The responsibilities of residents include maintaining a daily routine, attending church services, prayer services, and participating in the sacraments.
After collective prayer, feasible obediences are assigned. This could be work in the refectory, washing floors, cleaning the temple area, etc.
It is strictly prohibited to use swear words.
Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the territory of the monastery and rehabilitation center.
Exit outside the center is prohibited.
It is necessary to attend all classes organized by psychologists, priests and doctors of the rehabilitation center.

The basis for the help of an Orthodox monastery in the treatment of alcohol addiction is prayer and work.

Christian Charitable Foundation "Old World"

See also: How to enter the center ; Center rules; About life in the center ;

“...The main reason for the flight of many of our contemporaries into the realm of alcoholic or drug illusions is spiritual emptiness, loss of the meaning of life, blurred moral guidelines. Drug addiction and alcoholism become manifestations of spiritual illness not only of an individual, but of the entire society. This is retribution for the ideology of consumerism, for the cult of material prosperity, for lack of spirituality and the loss of true ideals.” ( Social concept of the Russian Orthodox Church, XI, 6 ).

Based on this position of the Church, the parishioners and clergy of the Orthodox parish of the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos decided to create a Rehabilitation Center at the temple for people suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism, where they could receive professionally organized help.

Work in this area has been carried out in the parish for many years by those parishioners who are employees and volunteers of the Old World Christian Charitable Foundation. This public organization has been professionally engaged in rehabilitation and preventive activities in the field of drug addiction and alcoholism since 1990.

Objectives of the center:

1. Create a community environment that can be a healing ground for addiction rehabilitation, covering all aspects of a person’s life.

2. Organize meaningful work, training and education for those being rehabilitated.

3. Help them see their condition as a complex complex of illness of the soul, body and spirit, which can only be resisted through the revival of the soul in repentance, through turning from sin to a life filled with Divine grace.

4. Introduce those recovering to the wealth of spiritual healing available in the Church.

5. Help them see the depth of their fall and powerlessness to change their lives without God’s help, see the possibility of turning to the Lord for help, and try to seriously, truly do it. To help the patients of the center in overcoming the obstacles separating them from God - to facilitate the correct conduct of a deep study of their entire past life, and the opportunity to honestly tell God and people about the results of this study. Next is to facilitate the decision by those being rehabilitated to allow God to deliver them from illnesses and shortcomings, and then to correct the damage they have caused to themselves and their neighbors (primarily through service).

6. Introduce those being rehabilitated to the basics of Orthodox doctrine (if they wish, offer them to undergo catechesis) in order to help them make a conscious choice and provide an opportunity for entry into the life of the Church.

The Old World Foundation, many of whose employees are permanent parishioners of the Church of the Intercession in the village of Erino, has been working for many years to create a long-term inpatient rehabilitation center. In the spring of 2003, this center was put into operation, and the first residents settled in, and we had the opportunity to help people who were literally doomed to death - because there are no medical solutions to the problems of drug addiction and alcoholism.

Over the years of work, our foundation has created, tested in practice, and proven its effectiveness, a model of a therapeutic community (TC), completely free for residents and their relatives . It is obvious that any, even small, payment for staying in a rehabilitation center is always paid not by the addict himself, but by his relatives. This means that paid rehabilitation, in principle, is not capable of helping an addict achieve the most important goal of recovery: learning a new, responsible and independent life. Therefore, we decided to develop mechanisms that would make it possible to make the rehabilitation process free for the relatives of the addict, which, at the same time, will help the addict himself to begin to take a more responsible attitude towards his own life.

The basic elements of such a model are today being reproduced, partially or completely, by many rehabilitation centers operating in our country, including centers of the Orthodox church network.

As the many years of experience of our center show, self-sufficiency of such a vehicle is quite achievable if only its residents and employees systematically make efforts simultaneously in the following areas:

They search for and organize external work outside the center, and such work that does not come at the expense of recovery: does not violate the schedule of rehabilitation activities, does not force one to deviate from the principles, norms and rules of rehabilitation.
They participate in fundraising and grant-raising events, that is, in searching and attracting the funds necessary for the operation of the rehabilitation center.
Developing our own production on the basis of a rehabilitation center.
Running your own farm.

Our rehabilitation center is a long-term therapeutic community whose goal is to help people suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction overcome addiction, restore healthy social and family connections, acquire work and healthy life skills in society, and gain a deeper understanding of Orthodox spirituality and way of life. Those residents of the center who consider themselves Orthodox should be helped in consciously joining the Church and being fully included in the life of the Orthodox community. It is thanks to the therapeutic community that comprehensive work on the spiritual, psychological and social rehabilitation of the center’s residents can take place almost around the clock. This work will be successful if the newcomer strives to fully engage in the life of the therapeutic community in order to begin to solve his spiritual, psychological and other problems that underlie addiction. Other residents of the center and its employees will help him with this. The means of such assistance are constant communication with each other (including at various scheduled meetings, planning meetings and in groups that take place in the center). Residents participate in organizing work to ensure the center’s self-sufficiency, earn money to pay for room and board, do all the housework themselves, are engaged in the construction and improvement of the buildings and territory of the center, and work in production workshops.

If desired, residents of the center have the opportunity to become more deeply acquainted with Orthodox spirituality, begin their churching, and become involved in the life of the Orthodox community.

A lot of time is devoted to special rehabilitation classes: small therapeutic groups and self-help groups, individual consultations, lectures and discussions, performing various written assignments, etc.

Today the Center is located in a two-story, not yet fully completed house, where only 7-9 people can live so far. Obviously, the number of people in need of help is much larger, and in addition, it is more realistic to reach full self-sufficiency of the free center for residents with a larger number (approximately 25-30) residents. Therefore, in the near future we intend to build several more buildings in and around the parish. This is, first of all, a more spacious residential building, a bathhouse, a boiler room, and outbuildings. In addition, training facilities will be provided in which staff and specialists will be trained for other similar centers throughout the country, as well as several rooms for temporary accommodation of students and interns.

The rehabilitation program at our center consists of separate phases or “subprograms”. The initial rehabilitation course lasts from 7 to 10 months. Upon completion of this course, residents can begin work in a final rehabilitation program designed for 11-18 months , and subsequently take advantage of one of the options for the resocialization program. The tasks and features of each of these subprograms are described in detail in the section “About life in the center.”

See also: How to enter the center ;

Center rules;

About life in the center;

Rehabilitation Orthodox centers in Russia

Across Russia, a charitable ministry aimed at treating those suffering from alcohol addiction is developing. Rehabilitation takes place in centers located at churches and monasteries.

Moscow and Moscow region:

rehabilitation and assistance center “Metanoia” at the St. Danilovsky Monastery;
Orthodox community "Erino";
a temperance community at St. Nicholas Church in the village of Romashkovo;
spiritual care center named after the holy righteous John of Krondstadt;
in the village of Rechitsa.

Voronezh:

Foundation of St. Anthony of Smirnitsky. The main center is located at the Epiphany Church. It has several branches dedicated to the rehabilitation of people suffering from alcoholism, as well as post-rehabilitation support groups. Branches are located in the Voronezh region.

St. Petersburg and Leningrad region:

the school of sobriety at the Alexander Nevsky Monastery;
“House on the Mountain” is a rehabilitation center for alcohol addiction in the village of Peräkylä.

Kaluga region:

monastery “Til” - the abbreviation stands for “patience, sincerity, love.” Located in the village of Durakovo.

Novokuznetsk:

counseling center for addiction treatment at the Church of St. Seraphim of Vyritsky.

Rostov-on-Don:

“Rostov without drugs” is a center dedicated to the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. Located at the Holy Trinity Church.

Novosibirsk:

addiction treatment center named after St. Seraphim of Sarov in the Alexander Nevsky Church.

Samara:

sober brotherhood "Radonezh" at the Church of St. Sergius.

Stavropol and Stavropol Territory:

"Orthodox brethren in the name of the Holy Spirit." It has 7 divisions located in the Stavropol Territory. Six of them are male.

Astrakhan region:

alcohol rehabilitation center at the St. Nicholas Monastery in the village of Churkino.

Volgograd:

Alcohol rehabilitation center in the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious.

This disease causes suffering not only to the drinker, but also to all close people. You can cope with alcohol addiction in hospitals and rehabilitation centers; treatment of alcoholism is often practiced in monasteries and churches. What methods are used to return to normal life, how effective is Orthodox help - these questions remain to be sorted out.

What is alcoholism

When a person abuses alcohol, he develops alcoholism. This disease, characterized by personality degradation, destruction of health, is characterized by psychological dependence on the need to be drunk. There are types of alcoholism:

chronic – daily use until complete intoxication;
binge drinker – an alcoholic drinks nonstop for several days;
beer - develops with constant consumption of beer;
female – an intractable form of the disease;
children's - leads to serious development problems.

Treating alcoholism is a complex task that directly depends on the person. Alcohol-dependent people often do not admit their illness and do not want to change their lives. Binges cause:

development of heart disease, liver disease, cancer;
decreased performance;
hangover;
disregard for moral values;
changes in appearance - alcoholics look older than their years;
uncleanliness;
change in behavior - aggression, anger;
deterioration of material wealth;
family problems;
nervous disorders in loved ones.

Will the Church help an alcoholic?

Answered by priest Vladimir NOVITSKY, cleric of the Church of the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian in the village. Kosmodemyanskoye (Khimki, Moscow region), confessor of the sisterhood at the church, head of the “Good Deed” service to help those suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, psychiatrist

— The church, of course, can help an alcoholic if it spiritually nourishes him and if in the end he comes to Christ. Repentance is the most effective step in overcoming alcoholism. But we cannot bring a person to the temple by force. Saint Philaret (Drozdov) said: if a door is open, you can enter this door with advice, and if it is closed, you can knock on it with prayer. (I quote from memory). A person does not recognize his illness, does not want to change his life - you need to pray for him. And this is a very strong help. According to our faith, through our prayer, the Lord can change the heart of any sinner. From the experience of church life, we know that some saints have special grace to help in the healing of specific illnesses. Thus, with a request for healing from the passion of drinking wine, many traditionally turn to the martyr Boniface or go to Serpukhov to the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “The Inexhaustible Chalice”. Prayer can help any saint if we pray with faith, humility, and pain for the person we want to help. Prayer is not magic, but a heartfelt appeal to the Lord and His saints. In church practice, such a way of helping alcoholics has developed as a vow of sobriety. But this requires at least minimal churching of those suffering from alcoholism. At the very least, they should start confessing and receiving communion. Then you can make a vow to God not to drink intoxicating drinks for a certain period of time (usually from one to three years). A prayer service is served, during which the sick person asks for God's help in order to keep his vow. For a person who is a believer or who consciously acquires faith, this is a very powerful remedy. He promises God fidelity and sobriety, and for his responsibility the Lord gives His gracious help and strengthens his strength. It is very difficult for both a priest and a doctor to give abstract advice. To help a person overcome alcohol addiction, an individual conversation is needed. Ideally, of course, a person should come to the temple voluntarily. And even if he comes only at the request of his wife, that’s good, it’s a small victory, but it’s a victory. And then - the work of the priest and the help of God. According to the World Health Organization, alcoholism is a disease that is practically incurable by medical means. But this does not mean that these means should be rejected. Under no circumstances should you resort to coding or other hypnotic methods. This completely relaxes the already relaxed will, and is often accompanied by an occult effect on a person, because such “psychotherapeutic” techniques are very popular among various kinds of occultists. But the introduction of medications, after which a person is afraid to drink for fear of death, in severe cases (for example, during long-term drinking bouts), in my opinion, is acceptable. This is not a panacea, but often it is impossible to get out of binge drinking in any other way. Often, relatives of those suffering from alcoholism want to find a priest-psychiatrist, but, having learned that there is no such thing nearby, they do not go to the church closest to their home: they say, how can this priest help us, he is not a doctor. This is the wrong approach. Of course, my secular specialty helps me in working with such people. But, despite the fact that I continue to practice as a doctor, in the temple I am only a priest. And I never prescribe medications to people whom I receive at the church, but I try to provide them with spiritual, psychological help, and help them become churchgoers. There are many experienced, sensitive priests who perfectly understand the problems of alcoholism. There are also many wonderful doctors. A good priest will always understand and tell you when to seek medical help without interrupting the church service. And the job of a priest is to help heal the soul.

Interviewed by Leonid VINOGRADOV

You can make an appointment at “Good Deed” by calling: 452-93-36. Secretary: Svetlana Germanovna

Treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholism

The problem of alcohol addiction is so serious that it is dealt with by government and public organizations, private clinics and shelters. Treatment of alcoholism is practiced in monasteries and churches. Modern rehabilitation methods include:

therapy with medications that cause unpleasant symptoms when combined with alcohol;
detoxification – cleansing the body of alcohol breakdown products.

An important factor in the effectiveness of treatment is a person’s desire to change. Rehabilitation of patients dependent on alcohol is carried out using:

Shichko method;
psychotherapy – group family, individual;
“12 steps” techniques;
lifestyle corrections;
hypnosis methods;
spiritual conversations in church with a priest;
labor obediences in the monastery;
prayers;
sacraments of the church;
worship of icons.

Rehabilitation centers

Alcohol dependent people can get help in special free centers. In them you can recover, get rid of psychological and physical disorders. An Orthodox rehabilitation center for alcoholics can operate at monasteries, churches, and public organizations. Main Feature:

lack of drug treatments;
individual approach to a person;
conducting rehabilitation of alcoholics under the supervision of specialists;
voluntary desire to be healed.

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The duration of the recovery period depends on the neglect and severity of the disease. Often such centers are located in churches and monasteries far from the city, so that a person avoids unwanted temptations. At the same time, it is important that close people can come to him for support - work is also done with them. Rehabilitation course programs solve the following problems:

psychological correction of personality;
social adaptation of an alcohol addict;
restoration of work skills.

Hospitals

Treatment of alcoholism in monasteries and churches is carried out on a voluntary basis. The person's desire to change plays an important role in the healing process. Unfortunately, many alcoholics do not realize the need to return to normal life. Relatives have to deal with their forced treatment in private clinics and free government hospitals. Help involves two stages:

detoxification - cleansing the body of toxins with IVs;
therapy that ensures the absence of relapses and long-term abstinence from alcohol.

The following treatment methods are used in inpatient or outpatient settings:

use of hypnosis;
coding using medications that cause unpleasant symptoms when consumed;
psychotherapy when the patient cannot tolerate medications;
the use of drugs that act on the area of the brain responsible for cravings for alcohol;
use of drugs that create aversion to alcohol.

Shelter for alcoholics

Quite recently, there was a state practice of compulsory assistance to alcoholics. There were medical sobering stations where a drunk was brought from the street and brought to his senses within 24 hours. Therapeutic labor centers, by court decision, admitted people for up to three years. There, patients were treated under the supervision of doctors and worked at the same time. Now there is a slow restoration of these traditions:

private shelters for alcoholics are created;
State centers are appearing - analogues of sobering-up stations, where you can get first aid, get yourself in order, and get some sleep.

Types of monasteries

For the convenience of patients, there are different types of monasteries where you can get rid of addiction. Usually you choose the program that suits you best according to your own wishes.

Anonymous

The process of recovery from alcoholism is possible under conditions of anonymity. Rehabilitation centers of this type exist in many cities.

For example, the St. Daniel Monastery in Moscow offers the “Metanoia” program for treatment, and at the church in the village of Saushki, Volgograd Region, soul-saving conversations “The Inexhaustible Chalice” are held.

State

Some churches have government programs to help alcoholics. They exist not only on donations from parishioners, and are based not only on the clergy’s own initiative. State centers are distinguished by the presence of specialists - psychologists, narcologists, social workers. They often use modern methods, such as the “12 steps” program, when a person gradually, step by step, eradicates an addiction, color therapy, kinesiotherapy and others.

Treatment of alcoholism in the monastery

Orthodox help for alcoholics has a long tradition. Church ministers, with God's help, prayers, appeals to icons of saints, and spiritual conversations, help to cope with drunkenness. To get to the rehabilitation center for alcoholics at the monastery, you need to contact the nearest diocese. It is important that the place is close to home - for support from relatives. Treatment must be voluntary, the person must be a believer. Help for alcoholics at the monastery lasts from six months, includes:

isolation from the world and temptations;
hard labour;
household restrictions;
prayers.

Treatment methods

An important feature of church help for alcoholism is anonymity and a feeling of a friendly atmosphere. There are two forms of treatment organization. One of them is an outpatient clinic, which is used by Orthodox communities and monasteries. This program includes:

participation in religious services;
conversations with a priest;
a vow to abstain from alcohol;
pilgrimage;
“12 steps” methodology;
color therapy;
consultations with psychologists and narcologists.

Residential treatment for alcoholism in a monastery is distinguished by the complete separation of a person from his drinking friends and his usual habitat. The main thing is that he is not an atheist and voluntarily decides to be cured. An alcoholic has to get used to a sudden change in the situation, a new routine. A measured monastic life includes:

work in the fresh air;
spiritual practices;
constant prayers;
communication with people who have the same problem;
having time to think about your life;
proper nutrition;
psychological assistance from priests.

Drug treatment

Medications are not used in monasteries and churches to treat alcoholism. Only licensed clinics and hospitals do this. For chronic alcoholism, drug treatment is prescribed, using:

Cavinton, which dilates blood vessels in the brain;
Piracetam, which restores memory and attention;
Nicotinic acid, which improves cerebral circulation;
Glycine, which reduces cravings for alcohol;
vitamin complexes that alleviate the general condition.

Social rehabilitation

Rehabilitation of alcoholics in a monastery helps a person get rid of the fear of returning to their usual routine. This is facilitated by work, a healthy lifestyle, and communication with people who have gotten rid of their addiction. Social rehabilitation in a monastery or church is helped by:

achieving a state of peace;
overcoming fear of future life;
formation of moral values;
change in attitude towards life;
gaining confidence;
setting new goals;
understanding the need for a healthy lifestyle.

Psychological rehabilitation

Effective treatment of alcoholism includes the provision of psychological assistance. Rehabilitation of alcoholics in the monastery takes place using sacraments and rituals, conversations with priests. The Church heals with:

prayers;
Sacraments of Penance;
posts;
Sacraments of Communion;
Akathist to the Mother of God;
prayers to the Great Martyr Boniface for drunkenness;
readings of the Psalter about health;
sacraments of Unction.

Labor rehabilitation

Many people who are addicted to alcohol quit their jobs, they are not interested in material wealth or supporting their family - the need to get alcohol remains. Labor activity plays an important role in the rehabilitation program of monasteries, helping to return to normal life, leave thoughts of drunkenness, and restore lost skills. Existence begins according to the monks' routine, which includes:

getting up early;
clear daily routine;
heavy physical labor in the fresh air;
acquiring a profession;
the opportunity to see the results of your work.

Principles and methods of treatment in monasteries and churches

The principle of rehabilitation of alcoholics in a church monastery is to show the drinking person the harmfulness of his addiction, as well as the possibility and advantages of life without alcohol.

There are two areas of treatment:

Outpatient form, when the patient lives at home and comes to the cathedral to participate in services, conversations with clergy, and communication with specialists. Classes can be individual or group.
Residential treatment for alcoholism in a monastery means that a person leads the life of a novice. Refusal of previous dubious acquaintances, new impressions, a strict, clear daily routine, regular work and participation in religious services allow you to forget about the desire to drink, accustom you to work and righteousness, and help you find new interests.

Medication

Medicines are not used to treat alcoholism. Only a doctor can prescribe medications; any self-medication is unacceptable here: the effect of drugs when used with alcohol can be unpredictable.

A recovered alcoholic will need to return to society, build his new world so that the addiction does not drag him in again. For this purpose, social rehabilitation is used, which helps to overcome fear of society and contributes to the formation of new values in a person. An effective method is to communicate with psychologists, social workers and those who have already given up alcohol.

Psychological rehabilitation

If a person is addicted to alcohol, there is a high probability that he has some kind of psychological problems. Such people are either lonely, or feel helpless, or are subject to some kind of fear. Any believer can receive psychological help in the cathedral, make sure that he is not alone in this world, that someone can hear him and help him.

For the rehabilitation of alcoholics, the following sacraments are used in churches:

frank conversations and joint prayers with clergy, requests for God's help;
reading the Gospel and reading the Psalter;
serving prayers to the Mother of God, Great Martyr Boniface;
Christian rituals such as Repentance, Communion, Unction.

Labor rehabilitation

Most monasteries are self-sufficient: the monks produce food, household items, and earn money by selling surplus products.

Labor is actively used in the rehabilitation of alcoholics. Beneficial activities combine two types of therapy:

physical - early rise, fatigue from working in the fresh air, hard physical labor does not leave time for bad habits; psychological - allows you to receive moral satisfaction, seeing the fruits of your activity, to find new meaning and purpose of your existence.

Which monasteries provide treatment for alcoholism?

Since, in addition to treating alcoholics, monasteries practice working with members of their families, an important point is the location close to home. It is convenient to choose a religious community by contacting a temple nearby. You can undergo rehabilitation in monasteries in the Leningrad region, not far from Moscow, and small towns. Important points:

the existence of a recovery program;
availability of a hotel for receiving patients.

Monasteries

Alcoholism treatment at monasteries helps those who have lost their home and family due to drunkenness. Hermitic life in the company of people with similar destinies contributes to a return to normal existence. Monasteries provide assistance:

Orthodox Brotherhood of Temperance at the Church of Florus and Laurus

work in workshops, in the garden, prayers

Orthodox community "Erino"

residence for up to three years, monastic regime

Vysotsky Monastery

conversations with a priest, joint prayers, occupational therapy

Nunneries

Unfortunately, there are cases of female alcoholism. To cope with a problem, you must have the desire. Help can be obtained from nunneries:

Location

Program

joint prayer, work

Maklakovo, Moscow region

participation in monastic life

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

assistance with parish work, church services

How do monasteries work with alcohol addicts?

An alcoholic undergoes treatment in a monastery under voluntary consent. You can't force it there. The patient lives in the temple during the therapy period.

The alcohol addict is isolated behind the walls of the monastery. There is no familiar environment for him, no reminders of alcohol. He is completely fenced off from drunkenness, temptations, and drinking companions. In the temple, a person fully feels his weakness caused by the craving for drink.

In the monastery, the patient reconsiders his life priorities. Analyzes moments where he showed cowardice, did not solve problems, but tried to get away from them.

This is where spiritual rebirth begins. Conversations with yourself, with God, and spiritual mentors help you realize that drunkenness is a false pleasure. In fact, this is torment, a fall down, a sin.

This shows disrespect for oneself, loved ones, and society.

A person lives a monastic life - participates in services, does work. Physical labor makes an alcoholic forget about his addiction. An excellent motivation is the example of those who have recovered and returned to sobriety.