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Scott Koenig of Arlington, TX was recently released as bishop after serving for over five years. He has a love and a testimony of the addiction recovery program. Upon his release he asked his stake president what he could do to help spread its inspired and healing message. Listen in as Scott tells us about his experiences with the addiction recovery program as a bishop and now as the co-chair of the program and his stake.
- (2:20) Getting to know Scott
- (4:15) What lessons did you learn while serving as a bishop?
- (6:00) Getting involved with the addiction recovery program.
- (7:49) Kurt tells us about his first day as serving as a bishop.
- (8:24) What was your understanding of the addiction recovery program when you were first called as a Bishop?
- (10:25) Was pornography addiction the most common addiction you encountered as a bishop?
- (12:05) Inviting Ward Council members to help the bishop counsel addicts.
- (15:34) The keys to success with the addiction recovery program.
- (21:28) How does your stake structure it’s addiction recovery program?
- (24:45) Implementing a successful youth addiction recovery program.
- (26:40) Kurt’s first experience attending an ARP class.
- (28:13) Scott meets with and introduces the Bishops of his stake to the ARP.
- (30:50) Scott shares a sacred experience… The importance of family and spousal support.
- (39:57) How did serving as a bishop transform you?
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My experience as bishop was that the ARP was good initially in helping people apply the atonement to overcome their porn addiction. But by the end of a year, about 80% of the people I worked with relapsed, even when they had good facilitators and sponsors. 12-step programs in general have a history of high relapse.
There are alternative programs available that are consistent with gospel principles that can complement ARP or be used as stand alone. Some therapists have good programs. Another program that seems to work well (80% success rate instead of 80% relapse rate) is in the book Power Over Pornography. It’s very different than ARP but works quite well.
I think one reason for the relapse rate is people thinking they are recovered when really they are in remission. They stop working the steps because they feel better. Thanks for the recommendation on the book.