Board of Social Witness - Specialist Ministries

Drug Education

Addiction is a wide, embracing word covering a multitude of forms. People of all ages are suffering from many varied addictions. They may be addicted to alcohol, drugs, solvents, gambling, pornography, sex, food... the list is endless.

Through education, support and treatment, the Addiction and Education Service Committee aims to promote a lifestyle free from addiction and a life transformed by the renewing power of Jesus Christ, who can set captives free, including captives to addiction.

Parents in Ireland are increasingly concerned about the growing availability of illegal drugs and rising cases of the misuse of prescription drugs. It is therefore ever more urgent that parents receive sufficient information and advice regarding the danger of drug-taking in order to educate their children about the negative and dangerous effects of drug abuse.

The Board trains volunteers to work with both young people and parents. Information about the effects of alcohol and drug abuse is available from the Board office as the Presbyterian Church continues to be deeply involved in preventative education.

Initiatives of the AES Committee:

Carlisle House which provides residential rehabilitation for persons addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Gray's Court, a complex of flats for those without accommodation moving on from Carlisle House.
Alcohol and Drug Education Volunteering Scheme which trains volunteers to provide education in churches, youth groups and community groups on alcohol and drugs.