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Christian rehab centres in Russia and Ukraine are achieving spectacular results. What’s more a high proportion of former addicts find faith along the way.

Alison Giblett is a consultant to some of these ministries

Alison Giblett
In the story of Jonah, a reluctant prophet was left with a sense of having no choice but do the Lord’s bidding. Alison Giblett’s story has some of the same hallmarks. “God unexpectedly but clearly brought me into drug rehab ministry in the summer of 2000 by sending me to Russia then closing all opportunities for service for three months, until I was desperate and told him I was willing to do anything. “I then received an invitation to work as a Bible teacher in a newly opened rehab centre called Izhod (Exodus). This enabled me to see the amazing work of transformation that God provided addicts who turned to him in repentance. Drug rehab has been the focus of my life, work and research ever since.” We asked Alison about her involvement in what’s emerged as one of the most effective fields of mission work in Europe.

Firstly, how big a problem is addiction in the former Soviet Union?

It was identified by former President Putin as Russia’s number one problem. It is affecting one in three families in the former Soviet Union. Some 40 per cent of working age men have serious alcohol problems. This has led to a male life expectancy of 58 which is three years lower than any other in Europe; women’s is 63. Outside Africa it’s the fourth lowest in the world. In Russia and Ukraine becoming addicted to drugs is the biggest danger for young people, linked to the rapid cultural changes where norms are being re-evaluated. There are an estimated 1.5 million addicts in Russia, that’s one in 100, or one per cent of the population. The primary drug is heroin due to its high availability. Some is grown locally and much brought in from Central Asia. Russia and Ukraine are also on the northern trafficking route to Europe. 

So what is the strategy for the work you do?

I currently work with ISAAC (International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition). They are a key partner with CMS for drug rehab ministry around the world. ISAAC ’s strategy is to connect, encourage and equip Christians working in drug rehabilitation. The leaders of the drug rehab centres often work in very isolated situations under lots of pressure. There are large spiritual, psychological and financial demands on the workers so they really appreciate the opportunity to share and learn with others who are fighting similar battles. It is a ministry that has been misunderstood by many churches and there can be a lot of pressure from local government ministers. Up to now there have been limited opportunities for the leaders to get formal training. ISAAC investigates the needs of ministries for a particular region and brings in trainers with the needed skills and holds local training conferences. I am particularly involved in the regional networks in Ukraine, Moldova, and parts of Russia.

Can you tell us what a typical day might look like?

The majority of my time is spent working from home, networking and facilitating communication between local Russian and Ukrainian organisations and western groups and preparing for the wide-scale events such as training conferences. It means lots of emails and Skype Internet phone calls. In 2007 there were seven events, so that meant lots of travelling. I visit rehab centres to build relationships, investigate needs and bring leaders of ministries together. Each trip is different but typical components include meeting with leaders, prayer, Bible teaching, community chores and hanging out with residents. Sometimes I am a sounding board. I’m often a confidant, often a friend and encourager but despite my best efforts I think I’m always a novelty factor. Previously while based in a rehab centres I taught a foundational Christianity course and international communication. Once a year I teach a module on drug addiction ministry on the social work track of the Moldovan College of Theology and Education.

So is there some measure as to how effective this work is?

"Christian rehabilitation centres in Russia and Ukraine achieve on average a recovery rate of between 50 and 75 per cent. Professional secular and government programmes yield 10 per cent"

The effective work of Christian drug rehab ministries in the region of the former Soviet Union means there are now thousands of Christian ex-addicts, many of whom are now providing prevention education and running rehab centres. Although there are hundreds of Christian drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation centres in Russian and Ukraine, together they only have capacity to accommodate one in 100 or one per cent of their country’s drug addicts. There is less help for alcoholics. So the role of these people in the community can be vital. Regional networks in Ukraine, Moldova, the Urals, Siberia, and around Samara in Russia are now providing mutual support networks. Ministries are starting to work together in Central Asia and north-western Russia. The training facilitated by ISAAC has significantly increased the ability of rehab centres to support people with HIV and AI DS. Mildmay, the first UK AI DS hospice, recently provided a series of detailed training weeks (facilitated by ISAAC ) to prepare rehab centres to care for AI DS sufferers. A resource manual called Life Continues was developed and printed by ISAAC and has been very well received. It is being printed in four different countries in the region. The varied training and identification with the international network of ISAAC has provided the rehab leaders with a defence from local authorities who attempt to hinder their access or even shut them down with accusations of being unprofessional or illegal. 

Is drug ministry an effective route to evangelism?

Drug and alcohol rehab ministry in Russia and Ukraine is the strongest determining factor of church growth. As a result many other churches have started a drug rehab ministry who were previously not inclined to do so. Helping to set a person addicted to drugs free of bondage brings a blessing to everyone around them and can be seen as a demonstration of God’s power and mercy. It’s often mothers of addicts who first seek help. Through the church or rehab support groups for co-dependents, they receive healing for their own pain, wise counsel and strength to pray for their son or daughter. It’s still a struggle but through the sometimes long and painful process before and during rehab, God touches the heart of the addict. Rehab centres provide structured support to help them learn to hear and follow God. The work of God’s Spirit affects all areas of their life, leads to visible transformation and often leads to other family members discovering faith in God.

Do you offer a distinctive Christian approach to drug rehab?

Yes. Christian rehab centres see addiction of any form as primarily a spiritual problem, which results from a person’s separation from God. They therefore focus on the heart of addicts, not their behaviour. Even so, only God can change the human heart though his forgiveness on the cross. Addicts are attracted to the love and acceptance they receive through the outreach workers and in the Christian rehab centres. Most have very little understanding or belief in God but they are offered prayer for their healing and invited to give God a try – to repent and follow him. Life in rehab is a process of intensive discipleship with 24 hour support and training to live a new healthy way of life. No drugs are used so many residents are surprised at how light their withdrawal is. The results are remarkable. The President of the Russian Coalition of Citizens’ Initiatives has said that Christian rehabilitation centres in Russia and Ukraine achieve on average a recovery rate between 50 and 75 per cent. That compares with professional secular and government programmes which, on best record, yield a 10 per cent recovery rate.

Extract reproduced from YES Magazine Advent Edition 2008. Published by CMS.