Many people rely on spiritual beliefs when going through difficult times. For battling addiction, for instance, a method based on spirituality and faith in God’s love provides support and strength to help individuals. It is sometimes called the ‘human dimension’ of healing and is rapidly becoming more accepted by science as an effective means of treating and healing addiction.
Studies have shown that spirituality positively impacts the outcome of addiction treatment programs. Research has also shown that people who believe in God, transcendence, or another higher power are more likely to recover and have a lower risk of relapsing.
Spirituality is a universal tool for people struggling with addiction. It helps them to see the purpose of their struggles and find meaning.
What is spirituality?
According to havenhouserecovery.com, spirituality involves reflecting on our relationships with the world and spiritual intimacy with higher beings. It’s all about how we can let go of ourselves and surrender to higher powers. The essence of spirituality is accepting the uncontrollable and believing that a higher power controls things.
What role does spirituality play in addiction recovery?
Treatments for people suffering from alcohol and drug addiction often involve spirituality. Spirituality is an effective way to refocus and find new ways to live your life.
Spiritually-based addiction treatment programs provide guidance and support to help people battling addiction reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Spirituality helps them feel they’re not alone and restores the joy of living life to the fullest.
What are some spirituality activities to help people with addiction recover
Devotional activities
These practices help people feel transcendent and connected with a higher power. Some of the most popular devotional activities to try include:
- Participating in religious worship services
- Singing sacred songs
- Reading passages from a holy text
- Praying
- Repetition of mantras
Others may simply enjoy listening to music or looking at art.
Meditation
Focusing your attention on a particular object, thought, or activity is called meditation. It helps you achieve mindfulness and self-regulation, improving your awareness, promoting relaxation, and cultivating compassion.
Meditative activities help people feel calm and at peace. It helps clear their minds and achieve higher levels of concentration. It also helps people feel in control and connected with their emotions.
Yoga
Yoga, a practice that originated in Hinduism and Buddhism, is often linked to spirituality. In Western culture, we view yoga as a mindfulness practice that involves stretching and breathing exercises that promote mental, physical, and emotional balance. Regular yoga practice has various psychological and biological health benefits, making it a perfect part of spiritual rehabilitation.
Gratitude
Teaching participants to recognise and be grateful for all the good things in their lives is a critical part of most rehabilitation and recovery programmes. Each moment matters, and it’s a good idea to take a few minutes each day to express gratitude verbally or to keep a gratitude journal.
These other spiritual practices can produce psychological, emotional, and physical benefits, including:
- Better sleep
- A feeling of being healthier and more robust
- Enhanced empathy
- High-quality friendships and romantic relationships
- Feeling positive emotions most of the time
What does spirituality do for addiction recovery?
Spirituality and faith in God can bring many benefits to people who are struggling with addiction. People who practice spirituality can find renewed energy and improve their mental and physical health in times of trouble.
Here are some areas where spirituality can help in the rehabilitation process:
Healing
Spirituality is a way for people to forgive themselves and heal from past mistakes. It also gives people undergoing rehab a sense of belonging and helps individuals find better ways to heal.
For example, when undergoing rehabilitation, people can keep a journal in which they can express their spiritual thoughts. They can look back at these journal entries and gain a fresh perspective on their growth and development.
Coping skills
One study found that spirituality helped people with substance abuse disorders better manage their cravings.
Studies also show that spirituality is a helpful tool for people abstaining from substance abuse after treatment. The studies show that when people embrace spirituality, they can cope better with the challenges and impulses that come with their disorders.
Meaningful connection
A spiritual connection can significantly impact an individual’s recovery process by encouraging and helping them regain a sense of purpose and belonging. It helps people refocus and dedicate their actions to a power greater than themselves or their addiction. Moreover, it also helps recovering addicts reconnect with other human beings.
Scope
Addiction can make people feel empty and lost; spirituality can help recovering addicts find their purpose. Spiritual activities can help them feel valued and give them a renewed sense of importance.
Quality life
One study of more than 200 people found that spirituality is linked to lower psychopathology and better emotional well-being. The study showed that patients who believed in God and regularly engaged in religious practices had higher levels of happiness and satisfaction.
Takeaway
Spirituality is a practical and effective component of many rehabilitation programmes. These can help struggling addicts undergo long-term rehabilitation by establishing a spiritual connection to a higher being. Spirituality is also becoming more accepted by science for treating and healing addiction.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
