The course/text looks at the processes of attachment that frequently result in addiction and examines the relationship between addiction and spiritual awareness. It considers addiction as a broader issue that involves a range of behaviors far beyond alcohol and drugs to include work, sex, performance, responsibility, and intimacy. Drawing on his experience as a psychiatrist working with the chemically dependent, May emphasizes that addiction represents an attempt to assert complete control over ones life.

He asserts that addiction is a separate and even more self-defeating force than repression. 'Addictions abuses freedom and makes people do things they really do not want to do. While repression stifles desire, addiction attaches desire, bonds and enslaves the energy of desire to certain specific behaviors, things, or people. These objects of attachment then become preoccupations and obsessions; they come to rule our lives. Attachment 'nails' our desire to specific objects and creates addiction.' According to the author this explains why traditional psychotherapy, which is based on the release of repression, has proven ineffective with addictions.” The clinician will find in this course/text a compassionate and wise treatment of a topic of major concern to all in the people helping professions. The course offers a critical yet hopeful look at the issue and guides the reader to view a freedom based on contemplative spirituality.

Educational Objectives

• Identify the five essential characteristics that mark true addition
• Identify attraction and aversion addictions
• Understand the neurological nature of addiction
• Understand the theological nature of addiction from a Judaic/Christian perspective
• Understand the relationship between grace and the will in overcoming addiction

Syllabus / Course Instructions

• The Course consists of reading the selected book, successfully completing an online posttest and filling out a course evaluation.
• The book is not included. It must be purchased separately. We have supplied a link to Amazon.com for your convenience.
• Purchasing your course will give you access to both a printable copy of the test and an online version. Print the test to use as a companion as you read the book and answer the questions.
• You cannot exit the online test once you begin, so have your answers available.

Additional Resources On This Site for CE

• The Addictions Recovery Workbook
  by James E. Phelan: 5 CE Credits
• Hidden Addictions
  by Marilyn Freimuth: 8 CE Credits
• Treating Alcohol and Drug Problems in Psychotherapy Practice
  by Dr. Arnold M. Washton and Dr. Joan E. Zweben: 10 CE Credits
• Spiritual Approaches in the Treatment of Women with Eating Disorders
  by P. Scott Richards, PhD, Randy K. Hardman, PhD, Michael E. Berrett, PhD: 9 CE Credits
• Treating Patients With Alcohol And Other Drug Problems: An Integrated Approach
  by Robert D. Margolis, PhD and Joan E. Zweben, PhD: 10 CE Credits

Additional Resources Not On This Site

• Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation www.shalem.org
• APA Division 50 – Addictions www.apa.org/about/division/div50.html
• Harvard Medical School Division on Addictions www.divisiononaddictions.org

Bio: Gerald G. May, M.D.

Gerald G. May, M.D. (1940–2005) practiced medicine and psychiatry for twenty-five years before becoming a senior fellow in contemplative theology and psychology at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Maryland. He was the author of many books and articles blending spirituality and psychology, including Addiction & Grace, Care of Mind/Care of Spirit, Will and Spirit, and The Dark Night of the Soul.