"This is the beginning of a long process that will result in educational segments being incorporated into seminary courses that will help train clergy and pastoral ministers across denominations," said SAMHSA Administrator Charles G. Curie. "The people that SAMHSA serves are the very same people that turn to clergy every day -- the homeless, the drug-addicted men and women, the teens who abuse alcohol, and the children who are affected by all of this."

The "Core Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministers in Addressing Alcohol and Drug Dependence and the Impact on Family Members" guide provides information needed to address alcohol and other drug addiction before families and individuals are in a crisis.

The guide was developed through a partnership of SAMHSA, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, and the Johnson Institute.

Copies of the publication can be obtained online at the link above or from SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information: 1-800-729-6686.

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