Learning About Spirituality in Recovery

I’m just going to come right out and say it, for some of us, it’s a little off-putting to think about recovery when we feel like there is this spiritual part or commitment that we don’t understand or want to make, to be successful in recovery. Some people have a bad taste of religion left over from the past, while others have no experience or simply don’t care for the thought of it. For those considering a treatment program, it can feel like well, it’s not for me because there is a religious or spiritual aspect that I’m not interested in.

Well guys, let me tell you, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Just because you’re not religious or spiritual doesn’t mean that you can’t reap the benefits of a treatment program that relies on a theistic approach. You should also remember that while most people use religion and spirituality in recovery, the are two different approaches. One can co-exist with the other, but each one can exist on its own. And, treatment and recovery can be successful without either one or both being present, it’s entirely up to you.

From what we understand about addiction though, it can be helpful to about 1/3 of the population of people who struggle with addiction to develop their relationship either with religion or spirituality or both for success in recovery. There’s another 1/3 of the population that gets along in recovery without any theistic or spiritual approach.

You should also remember that, technically, you can’t deny it until you try it! There’s nothing wrong with learning knew things at this time in your life, you may be surprised to find out that you enjoy new things. And of course, if you decide that it’s not right for you, then no harm done, right?

Reference
Hartney, E. “A Higher Power, Spirituality, and Addiction”. Very Well Mind. (website). 2018