Spirituality is an important part of many people’s life and is a big component of their addiction recovery journey. The word “spirituality” can have different meanings for everyone but essentially it is about finding and developing a connection with something bigger than yourself. It can be a religion, a higher power, or anything that gives your life meaning and purpose. For many recovering addicts spirituality can be the key to long-lasting sobriety and joy.
Many recovery programs incorporate spirituality in their treatment plans. These programs can include prayer, meditation, and finding a sense of community. Many people find that a support group, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), helps them build a stronger spiritual foundation. They can find strength and support in others who are also in recovery from substance use disorder and can relate to their common struggles. These groups often become a second family for their members and are a great source of positive reinforcement during recovery.
People in addiction recovery need to have a light at the end of the tunnel to keep them motivated during difficult times. It is hard to stay sober without a belief in something greater than yourself and often it is the lack of this that triggers relapse. A spirituality practice is a way to find that light and hold onto it even in the darkest of days.
In addition to building a connection with a higher power, spirituality in addiction recovery can help you develop a better understanding of yourself. It is easy for addicts to lose sight of who they are and have a warped view of their own lives. Spirituality in recovery can help them discover who they really are and reconnect with their core values.
It is a time to learn about yourself, the good and the bad. It is a time to explore what makes you tick and why you do things the way that you do them. Spirituality in recovery can give you a sense of purpose, hope and love. It is a way to connect with something that is bigger than yourself.
Many people find comfort and support during recovery in a church, temple or mosque, but there are also other ways to connect with a higher power. Meditation, yoga, art, music and nature can all be used to find a spirituality practice that works for you. You can also find a sense of community through volunteering or participating in 12-step homegroups that focus on spirituality. You do not have to be religious to tap into your spirituality and it can be as simple as practicing daily gratitude or reading a bible verse. You may want to explore your spirituality by going back to the religion that you were raised in or you may be agnostic or atheist and still have a strong spiritual side to your life in recovery. The most important thing is that you find a higher power that resonates with you and you can connect to that for guidance during recovery.
