Programs
Education and Prevention
“Education is the food of youth, the delight of old age, the ornament of prosperity, the refuge and comfort of adversity, and the provocation to grace in the soul.” St. Augustine
Through our comprehensive, faith-based approach to education, we want to transform the way the Catholic Church understands addiction. Through the programs below, parishes and communities educate the Catholic community on the nature of substance use disorders, in age-appropriate language, and demonstrate how our Catholic faith can be a powerful tool of prevention.
In addition, we offer formation for laity and clergy to equip them as Certified Spiritual Companions capable of supporting addicted individuals and their families thirsting for relief, thereby helping parishes and dioceses impacted by the scourge of addiction.
Our Education programs include:
- iTHIRST Spiritual Companionship Training
- School/ Parish Programs
- Catholic Campus Ministry Program
- Pastoral Care Guide
According to USAFACTS.org
In 2019, more than 70,000 people died of drug overdoses – more than 50,000 were attributed to opioids.
Support for Treatment
Facilities and the Incarcerated
Through our outreach, those in withdrawal management, long-term treatment and those who are incarcerated encounter the concept of spirituality as a necessary dimension of wellness. They have the opportunity to develop a spiritual ‘roadmap’ that enables them to find a Higher Power, even in the midst of their struggles – and allows it to change them.
Representatives formed by iTHIRST speak to those who are incarcerated and in essence, “sow the seeds” of spirituality by addressing spirituality as a “system of beliefs, existing outside of ourselves, from which we draw a moral code.” Some examples of topics include “Spiritual Breadcrumbs – Learning to Find Joy and Spiritual Nourishment in the Day to Day”; “Learning the Art of Self Forgiveness”; “Focusing on our Inner Good” and “The Road to Hope – Making the Journey from Anger and Fear Back to Love.”
Through our programs, those who have not experienced a faith tradition or who have been so turned off by ‘religion,’ still have an opportunity to find a healthy relationship with something outside of themselves, a God of their understanding.
We strive to bring light, hope, and joy to those who have been in the darkness and despair, often because of their substance use disorders or other challenges which have led them to this point of incarceration.
According to USAFACTS.org
An average of 192 people die daily in the United States from an overdose.
Aftercare and
Community Building
“The power of grace is nowhere as brilliant nor as mystical as in communities of faith. Its power includes not just love that comes from people and through people, but love that pours forth among people.” Dr. Gerald G. May.
Some of the challenges that come from substance addiction do not end with sobriety. For that reason, I THIRST seeks to accompany former addicted persons through the following programs, aimed at providing community, formation, and support.
- iTHIRST Spiritual Companionship
- Retreat Programs
- Recovery Bible Study
- Spirituality of the Big Book Study
- Recovery Mass and Intercessory Prayer Session
- Sober Community Living
- Alumni Ambassadors
- Family and Friends Support Group
- Special Events
According to USAFACTS.org
According to the CDC, 17% of Americans had at least one opioid prescription filled in 2019.
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in the work of iTHIRST.
If you want to learn more about bringing iTHIRST to your community, please click here.
If you want to donate to bring assistance and accompaniment to more individuals and their families, please click here.
CALL US:
973-370-DRUG (3784)
For all other inquiries, please fill out the form below and we look forward to being in touch with you soon.