Advertisement

Reformers Unanimous welcomes anyone fighting addiction, unhealthy habits

Error message

  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 133 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to get property 'settings' of non-object in _simpleads_adgroup_settings() (line 343 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 157 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in include() (line 24 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/templates/simpleads_ajax_call.tpl.php).

For anyone battling addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, cutting, eating disorders, pornography, anger or otherwise, Reformers Unanimous offers weekly meetings on the north end of Prairie du Chien.

By Correne Martin

Reformers Unanimous is a little-known yet highly successful  addiction program available in Prairie du Chien to anyone, age 16 and older, struggling with substance dependence and stubborn habits of any nature. It’s free every Friday at 7 p.m., for about two hours, at the Bible Baptist Church north building (515 Cliffhaven Rd.), which is handicap accessible.

Area residents of any faith looking to “Break the Chains of Addiction” to drugs, alcohol, gambling, cutting, eating disorders, pornography, anger or otherwise are welcome. Attendees can join at any stage in their recovery process as well. Family members and friends are encouraged to accompany loved ones if they wish.

“It’s faith based but very informal,” said Pastor Andy Doll, whose church organizes the weekly meetings. He expressed that there’s no pressure to join the congregation, and added, laughing, “there’s no secret handshake.”

“It’s Biblically based in the sense that every problem has its origin in the heart. Every problem people struggle with, there’s a reason why they resort to their unhealthy habits,” Doll stated. “The scriptures are weaved in because scripture is the basis of the heart.” He added that his church simply supports the program “110 percent” and wants to see it continue for the community’s benefit.

Leading the meetings are Ben Payne and Mike Johnson, who’ve been personally helped by Reformers Unanimous themselves. 

“It’s a blessing to have people with those kind of stories that give so much more validity to what they’re working toward,” Doll said. 

The Reformers Unanimous addiction program is based out of Rockford, Ill., and was founded in 1996 by a man named Steve Currington. Doll summarized his story: Currington grew up in a Christian home but had gotten involved with a lot of things that really messed up his life. When he got his life in order, he wrote his testimony in a pamphlet and received permission to hand it out at his church. This was the catalyst for group meetings with others who had struggled with addiction. Currington eventually married and had five children. He passed away in 2010. 

Reformers Unanimous currently boasts 1,000 chapters worldwide. It started in Prairie du Chien about seven or eight years ago through Bible Baptist Church. It went “tremendously well,” according to Doll, but was discontinued for various reasons after about four years. 

However, because of a recognized need across the area, the meetings have started anew again at the church’s north building, which was donated to the church in recent years.

“It was just a blessing. It’s cozier and it’s more of a neutral site,” the pastor said of the building, which is only 20 years old. “We’re very thankful to get this off the ground again.”

Anywhere from 15 to 35 adults, mostly, are present at every meeting. Each week, the night follows a similar schedule, based on the idea of three different “talks.” The first is short. Everybody gathers in one large group, a video is shown about the program’s 10 Principles, and then praises and prayer requests are shared. The second talk divides members into groups. This allows men and women to share their personal issues and experiences of any kind in a smaller setting. Third, the whole group reconvenes, a challenge is given for the week and achievements are recognized with awards. The night ends with social time and refreshments. 

“People can participate however they want. There’s no requirement to even speak,” Doll assured those considering the confidential group. 

Reformers Unanimous participants will follow the book and daily workbook, “Nevertheless I Live.” There is a minimal cost to purchase the workbook. 

Doll is a firm believer in the success of the program. He’s seen it work. He’s also gone through it so he can understand its process. He only advises people to put in the effort in order to see results: “If you want the program to work, you have to work the program.”

Rate this article: 
No votes yet