We Don’t…
… but we have found some major missing pieces when considering the field of restoring behaviorally impaired clergy to health and ministry. True, Church Governing Bodies often have sound misconduct policies, employee assistance programs, and health insurance. Less often, they offer education and encouragement to their clergy for self-care.
But very few Church Governing Bodies have the thorough, structured, long-term impaired practitioner programs for their clergy that other professions have.
Successful Impaired Practitioner Programs
Many other professions have enjoyed great success with their impaired practitioner programs. Their success is proven by the fact that they have continued these programs for up to 50 years. CRIC has patterned its approach after those models The studies briefly cited below demonstrate the success of the approach we’re adapting.
A 2009 study of 904 physicians in impaired physician programs showed that 78% had no positive test for either alcohol or drugs over a five-year period. A 2010 study reported a similarly high five-year abstinence rate and virtually no evidence of risk or harm to patients from participating physicians.
A 2020 study of 7,737 nurses revealed a strong correlation between the length of the program and continuous abstinence as revealed by frequent drug screens. The highest success rates, from 89% to 95% were in programs lasting 4 or 5 years.
A 2024 study of 178 pilots who were followed for 8 years showed continuous abstinence of 92.3%. Their abstinence was also verified through random drug screens.
Our Conclusion
After decades of success, many professions use well-designed impaired practitioner programs that demonstrate compassionate accountability. This success provides the compelling rationale for the methods of CRIC. We’re not smarter than anyone else, but we’re honored to borrow from the organizations with the kind of success we’ve discovered in their programs.
For a more detailed report on the research above, contact Otto at otto.schultz@restoreimpairedclergy.com.
Just Say “No Thanks”
Compassionate Accountability is the newsletter of The Center for the Restoration of Impaired Clergy. You receive it since you indicated an interest in the Center’s work. To stop it, just say “No Thanks.” The newsletter is assembled by Otto Schultz so address your complaints and questions to OttoBSchultz@outlook.com.