Episode 34- Founder of ”The Center of Addiction and Faith” Pastor Ed Treat, Changing the world of recovery and faith!

Have you struggled with wanting to tell others of your struggles? Have you had someone confess their struggles to you and wondered what to do? This episode is for you, we delve into the topic of addiction stigma and how it affects individuals in professions that are expected to hold themselves to a higher standard. We hear from Ed Treat, a pastor who has been in recovery for many years, about how being open and transparent about his addiction has helped him to connect with his congregation and offer support to those struggling with similar issues.

Ed shares his experience of initially struggling with whether to disclose his addiction during the job application process, but ultimately deciding to be transparent. He explains how his decision has made a huge impact on his ability to connect with others in his church who are struggling with addiction and how he has seen codependency prevalent in churches.

Ed offers advice for pastors who may not have a background in addiction and suggests that they educate themselves as much as possible. He recommends reading books and attending trainings, such as the clergy training offered through the Center of Addiction and Faith. He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space where people can feel comfortable sharing their struggles.

Through Ed's story, we learn about the importance of being open and transparent about addiction, even in professions where it may be stigmatized or viewed as taboo. We gain insight into how pastors can create supportive environments for those struggling with addiction and offer guidance and support to family members and loved ones as well. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to learn more about addiction stigma and how to best support those struggling with addiction in their community.