This course equips students to bring freedom and restoration to those who are in bondage because of addictive behaviors. It explores the causes of severe physical, psychological, spiritual, and social problems that result from addictions. Topics include: a biblical understanding of addiction and recovery; the roots of addictive behavior; definitions and criteria for diagnosis; world addictions; skills in leading support and therapy groups; unhealthy and healthy family systems; healing the wounds of addiction; sexual abuse and other childhood traumas; stages of maturity and relationship to addictions; working through grief, forgiveness and recovery; the brain and addictions; and the role of the church and community in the healing/recovery process.