A.C.T.S./L.A.M.(Anger Management)

A.C.T.S.-Alcohol Chemical Treatment Series

There is hardly a family in America that has not been touch with the effects of alcohol and drug addiction. We believe there is hope, even an abundant life.

This course is designed to fulfill the court ordered substance abuse requirements.

More importantly it is faith based and addresses the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of an individual.

The church has been involved in the ACTS program since summer of 2008. It continues to grow and make a difference in the lives of many souls.

Anger Management offers faith-based community services to people in need; regardless of language, status, or culture.

In a classroom setting using a curriculum based workbook, we explore the cause and effect of anger. The workbook will lead the participant through a journey of themselves, their family, and others while providing skills and techniques to control anger and use it in a constructive and creative manner.

These programs are helping to rebuild our communities, one person at a time:

Healing broken homes and the brokenhearted

Breaking the bonds of addiction

Making the dysfunctional purposeful and hopeful

We have grown to two ACTS classes and five Anger Management classes each week. In March of 2010 we have nearly 100 clients in all combined classes. Many of these clients voluntarily attend our regular church services plus some are asking for Home Bible Studies.

We are thankful for the local support of the judges , prosecutors and attorneys.They have been instrumental in making these programs known to the public.The church has been supportive of this community service effort with prayers and a helping hand when ever needed. These programs could not be successful without all their prayers and concern for the community.

With a staff of 15 full and part time helpers,instructors and co-ordinators we are able to minister to 100 or so clients every week. We thank the Lord for the burden to stretch forth a hand of help and hope to this community.

The following newspaper article appeared in our local paper "The El Dorado News-Times".

A.C.T.S. Program garnering positive attention in city

By: Sara Mitchell - -

Published: 02/24/2010

The A.C.T.S. Program in El Dorado has generated a considerable amount of positive attention in El Dorado, and Union County judges in both District and Circuit Courts have been referring people to the out-patient drug/alcohol and anger management program, which is conducted by the Pentecostals of El Dorado.

An acronym standing for “Alcohol Chemical Treatment Series,” A.C.T.S. is currently offered in 50 states and several foreign countries. The program has brought about solutions for those who are struggling with substance abuse and anger problems. Anger management treatment is also offered.

Union County District Judge George Van Hook Jr., who has referred many from his courtroom to the program, said he gives the clients a choice to try and improve their lives.

The A.C.T.S. and Anger Management Programs offered at the church are free, with the client paying only for a $15 charge for random drug/alcohol testing.

“A lot of people who are drinking and have drug problems don’t have a way to pay for services,” said Van Hook. “So many people are out of work or have a limited income. This program doesn’t cost anything.”

A.C.T.S., which is a curriculum-based program, offers a holistic approach that encompasses the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of an individual or family.

Coordinators for the program may provide information back to the court, such as periodic program reports, attendance and drug test results.

The community outreach program also accepts those who have not been court-ordered or referred, but want to go voluntarily.

“The alcohol and drug classes tend to be larger,” said the Rev. William Dillon, overseer of the program. Dillon is also pastor at the Pentecostals of El Dorado Church.

The anger management classes are usually in smaller group settings, Dillon said, where the exploration of the cause and effect of anger can be more direct.

“This is just the leaves and branches of the tree,” Dillon said, describing the effects that alcohol and drug abuse have on behavior and the body. “We get to the root of the problem.”

The A.C.T.S. classes last for a period of 36 weeks, with the client attending sessions on Tuesday night or morning. Dillon said that on occasion, the judge has in addition requested aftercare treatment, which is also available in the program.

Anger management classes last for 24 weeks, but 12 weeks of A.C.T.S. classes are included for a total of 36 weeks.

“There are a lot of people out there who have no one to trust,” Dillon said.

The rise of drug and alcohol problems in society has prompted several alternative programs available in addition to the traditional 12-step models. The A.C.T.S. Program, Dillon said, has an average nationwide success rate of around 70 percent.

Dillon has years of experience working in the prison system and has also worked with a suicide hotline. He is the national commander for Occupational Chaplains and serves in the chaplain role for several businesses in the area.

According to literature provided by the program, A.C.T.S. stresses the importance of the participant accepting responsibility for a successful recovery and reinforces a positive character development.

Van Hook said if the program is followed and the person charged with the crime has remained successful for a year, the charges are usually dismissed.

“Everybody deserves a second chance,” Van Hook said, adding that the Pentecostals of El Dorado are “volunteering for the community” with the services.