Handbook for Christ-Centered Substance Abuse and Addiction Counselors

Book excerpt: Dr. Michael Belzman is the founder of the Association of Christian Alcohol & Drug Counselors (ACADC). An educator, counselor and pastor, he is also a speaker at congressional hearings warning law makers against making laws that exclude Faith-Based counselors from participation in the professional arena or infringe upon their religious freedom. ACADC is the only Christ-centered counselor certification organization authorized by any state government. ACADC Institute trains their students biblically so they can provide addiction counseling to Christians in need of the biblical rather than secular options. Few thought it possible that a Christ-centered certification board could exist in today's postmodern society, yet ACADC was written by the hand of God into the California Code of Regulations, opening a door that no man could close. From a background of teaching psychology at secular universities, and a false belief in human solutions to the problems of the soul, Dr. Belzman surrendered his life to Christ in 1980. By nurturing a personal relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study, he found that God's life principles and promises changed his life in a way that psychology or prescribed drugs could not do. He saw first-hand how God's power not only overcomes deep addiction, but can direct the decisions of kings. Dr. Belzman pastors ACADC Christian Fellowship founded on the notion that healing of the soul best takes place in the context of Christ-centered relationships bathed in prayer. He lives with his family in Calimesa, California and welcomes communication from anyone desiring to serve God by becoming a Christ-centered counselor. He and his staff of Christ-centered professionals may be contacted by email at [email protected], or by letter addressed to the Association of Christian Alcohol & Drug Counselors, attn: Mike Belzman, PO Box 8604, Redlands, CA 92375.