It is with great happiness and much gratitude that we have come to the end of the first annual Islamic Addiction Counseling Certificate. We had roughly 20 students from around the world, including the US, UK, Canada, Pakistan, the Caribbean, France, and India. Our fantastic faculty gave a wonderful series of lectures that ranged from introducing Islamic models of addiction to highly advanced instruction on trauma-informed care and Islamic mindfulness.
Some of the comments from students include:
“The course helped clear many stigmas and misconceptions I previously held about addiction. Through the genuine and sincere manner in which the material was presented, I not only gained insights and a deeper understanding of the subject but also the adaab and etiquettes of approaching addiction.”
“The quality of presenters was excellent. All course content included relevant addiction-related topics. The session on pornography addiction was particularly relevant and a subject that is not widely discussed. I also very much appreciated that the class not only provided education on addiction-related topics, but practical intervention approached for treatment.”
“What I liked most about the program is that it brings Islamic ideas, values, and practical spiritual solutions into the conversation about addiction. I truly believe that faith-based guidance, personal responsibility, community support, repentance, hope, and spiritual healing can play an important role in helping people recover from addiction. These Islamic principles should be used more often as part of a meaningful and compassionate approach to supporting people who are struggling.”
It was a great experience to offer the course for the first time, and I have great hopes that going forward the IACC will bring relevant and timely support to the addiction treatment community that will increase access to culturally competent care for people suffering from substance use disorders.
Stay tuned for details on next year’s program!