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Beach House Recovery Center » Blog » Spirituality’s Role in Addiction Recovery
You may have heard that spirituality is an essential ingredient in addiction recovery, but newly sober people often have questions about how spirituality helps support a healthy lifestyle. What role can spirituality play in helping you protect your sobriety, and how can you become a more spiritual person?
For many people, religion and spirituality are two sides of the same coin. However, if you aren’t religious, you might struggle a bit with the notion. It’s essential to understand that you can find comfort in spirituality, even if you prefer a secular way of life. It may be helpful to embrace the practice in terms of finding meaning, connection and purpose outside yourself.
Cultivating your spirituality can also help you foster closer relationships with others, increase your compassion and cope with circumstances outside your control. In growing your spirituality, you’ll also become more mindful of yourself and your impact on others.
Addiction can lead to feelings of loneliness, shame and worthlessness. In rebuilding your life in recovery, you’ll need to start by creating a foundation of community and a sense of purpose.
In recovery, it’s crucial to discover a sense of connection to replace the isolation engendered by substance use disorder. Acceptance is also a building block of recovery, and spirituality helps you view yourself as a valuable member of a larger community.
As you work on becoming a more spiritual person, you will likely experience some physical and emotional health benefits, too. Becoming more aware of the value of self-care and the need to treat yourself and others with kindness might lead you to seek opportunities to explore wellness by eating nutritious foods, exercising and improving your sleep hygiene.
While you progress in your recovery, you might also wish to consider volunteering for causes you believe in. Giving back to something larger than yourself will boost your self-esteem, make you happier and provide you with something to look forward to.
Working through the 12-step recovery process requires you to surrender to a “power greater than yourself.” While the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous were devout Christians and built their program on the principles they learned from their faith, AA and other 12-step groups don’t require you to believe in a god or gods.
Plenty of non-religious people have found success in following the 12-step approach by interpreting the “higher power” concept as anything that inspires them or makes them feel loved and needed.
What are some ways you can incorporate spirituality as a daily habit? First, it’s crucial to remember that there are many facets of spirituality, and you’ll need to find the approach that resonates with you.
Beach House is a thriving community of adults in all phases of their recovery journey who are discovering all the love, joy and meaning that await them in a substance-free life. We offer a complete continuum of evidence-based care, from medically managed detoxification to aftercare programs. Contact our caring, experienced admissions counselors when you’re ready to learn more.
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
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