Spirituality provides a Higher Power.
The 12-step program uses the idea of a Higher Power, a useful tool a recovering addict can use in times of stress. It is something that is present and accessible when they have no means of human support.
Spirituality in addiction treatment can take many forms.
Most 12-step programs use the idea of God as their base, but some treatment programs include other spiritual practices as well. For example, meditation, typically used in Eastern religions, can help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress in people recovering from alcohol and drug abuse.
Spirituality develops meaning and purpose.
Coming from a dysfunctional purpose in life—drug or alcohol abuse—spirituality gives recovering addicts new personal meaning and purpose. In the difficult post treatment period, it gives them something to live for and strive for.
Spirituality can support physical and emotional balance.
In drug and alcohol treatment programs that take a more holistic approach, spirituality may be defined more loosely. In these programs, spirituality can provide a way for recovering addicts to explore exactly what spirituality means to them.
Spirituality can also help the non-spiritual.
Some people prefer not to use spirituality as part of their addiction treatment. These individuals can still use some of the positive parts of spiritual healing, however. These aspects include developing a clear definition of right and wrong; life balance; forgiveness; fostering unique strengths and talents; and becoming more aware of one’s needs and sense of self.
12-step meeting attendees are often told “choose to do the next right thing, even when no one is watching.” Spirituality may not be a cure for addiction for some, but it can help those recovering from drug or alcohol abuse to deal with challenges and stresses in a different, more positive way.
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