When a person is going through addiction recovery, they are going through a significant change in their life. It is a time of restoration and rebuilding. For many people, addiction recovery is a catalyst to positive growth. However, it does require a lot of physical, mental, and emotional energy. The entire process can be overwhelming and draining. For this reason, many people draw strength from spirituality as they go through recovery.
For individuals who already belong to a particular faith, this recovery could involve practicing their religion. For other individuals who may not have a predefined faith, spirituality could mean a connection to nature or personal development and growth. Regardless of how a person defines spirituality, it can be a powerful tool to help them get through recovery.
Why Some People Find Spirituality in Addiction Recovery
Many view addiction recovery as a leap of faith. A person must believe that there is a process that will allow them to change their harmful beliefs and thoughts. For many people, spirituality accomplishes a similar goal. It gives people guidance on how they can live better. That being said, not everyone who goes through recovery finds spirituality. A handful of recovery programs are specifically created for individuals who do not want to embrace the spiritual aspect that is typically connected to rehab. These rehabilitation programs focus on science, coping methods, and other forms of guidance to help a person break free from addiction. A person looking to get benefits from recovery groups needs to work with programs that are relatable to them.
The Role of Spirituality in 12-Step Recovery Programs
Spirituality is vital in 12-step recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. The basic principle behind programs like AA is that a person can only recover when they let go of their perception of control over their life. The belief is that a person’s perception and belief in self is what pushes them toward self-destruction. With 12-step recovery programs like AA, people are encouraged to look past themselves and trust a greater power for guidance. This reliance on the spiritual is an integral part of many steps of the program. Most people see the higher power to mean God. For others, it can be a spiritual entity that has personal meaning to them. Steps that are included to help a person develop a sense of spirituality in 12-step programs include meditation, prayer, or some other form of communication with a higher power. The focus is on a sense of connection.
Spirituality Is Not Religion
The spirituality that some people find while going through rehab is not the same as religion. Spirituality is personal. The definition of it is left up to the individual. Religion is a structured and defined way of expressing spirituality. Are you ready to make a positive change in your life? Would you like help to break free from drug and alcohol addiction? If so, we want to help you. Call us today at 844-844-3463.