While there is certainly a physical component to addiction treatment and recovery, the main component is the mental side. After all, it is your brain that convinced you that you needed these substances and it’s your brain that has to be re-programmed to no longer need those substances.
Spirituality is a major component of addiction treatment and recovery. Looking within oneself can go a long way when it comes to spiritual recovery from addiction. Let’s take a look at spirituality and addiction recovery and how spirituality can help not only achieve sobriety but also help maintain sobriety.
Is Spirituality the Same Thing As Religion?
Before understanding how spirituality helps in addiction recovery, it is first important to know and understand what exactly spirituality is.
While they are often closely linked, spirituality and religion are NOT the same things. Religion is a set of beliefs, rituals, or practices regarding a belief in God or multiple gods. Spirituality is more of a personal search for meaning in life and a connection with the universe or something greater than ourselves. While some people choose to combine spirituality with their religious beliefs, it is important to know that it is not required. Many holistic methods such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi all have a major spiritual component that has nothing to do with religion.
What Is the Significance of Spirituality in Recovery?
Addiction wreaks havoc on you just physically but mentally as well. It changes who you are in every aspect. It changes you physically, mentally, and even spiritually. While most of the focus during recovery involves the mental and physical aspects, becoming one with yourself spiritually again can be the most effective tool when it comes to remaining sober.
Rediscovering your spirituality can not only restore your self-worth and give you a new sense of purpose, but it can also provide the mental and emotional support needed to successfully stay sober. When you take the time to truly look inside and become one with your mind and body, you can be more in control when it comes to not just achieving sobriety but continuing to maintain it as well.
How Exactly Can Spirituality Help Me Recover From Addiction?
After learning more about spirituality, you might be thinking “that’s all well and good and all but how exactly is this supposed to help me recover from my addiction?” That’s a great question and, quite frankly, an important one.
One of the biggest reasons that people turn to drugs or alcohol is because something is missing in their life. They might feel a lack of meaning or purpose, or they might be suffering from a mental disorder that has resulted in them turning to drugs or alcohol to help numb the mental pain. When someone can become one with themselves spiritually, it can help them realize that they do have a purpose in this life. By learning how to turn to your inner self for guidance and self-fulfillment you no longer feel the need to turn to drugs and alcohol to make you feel better.
How Does Spirituality Fit In With Holistic Treatment?
Holistic treatment centers on the idea of focusing on both the mind and body as a way of healing. Holistic treatment is used as a way for those in recovery to better address not only their physical needs but their psychological needs as well. Holistic treatment can not only help in improving their rehab but their everyday lives as well.
There are many different types of holistic treatment, all of which have a major spiritual component to them. They include:
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Reiki and other types of energy work
- Yoga
- Meditation
All of these have a spiritual side to them as they help both the body and mind heal. Specifically, these types of treatments can help address the following issues specifically associated with drug and alcohol treatment:
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Stress and other emotional issues
- Unhealthy eating habits
How Can I Find Spirituality in Recovery?
Regaining your spirituality, or even finding it for the first time, can be difficult. It might seem pointless or even impossible. It’s important to remember though that if you can’t become one with yourself then you can’t truly begin to heal and recover. Whether you are newly sober, or someone who has been on this journey for a long time, it is never too late to get back in tune with yourself on a spiritual level. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can find spirituality in recovery.
Religion
As we mentioned earlier, religion and spirituality are not exclusive. You do not have to be a religious person to gain spirituality. However, some choose to incorporate their religion into their spirituality. If you choose to use your religion as a way to get back in touch with your inner self then that’s great. Whatever works best for you.
12-step Meetings
A major component of 12-step meetings is focusing on the spiritual side. It’s one of the main reasons why those early in their recovery process are strongly urged to attend these meetings. They are a great way to not only learn more about yourself as you begin your journey to recovery and sobriety but they also provide a great support system to help you wor through any issues you may have as a newly sober person.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice consisting of very thin needles that are placed into the skin at certain pressure points. It’s used to help center the body and balance the flow of energy passing through the body’s meridian points. Acupuncture is also a great way to stimulate the nerves, connective tissue, and muscles to improve health and connection between the mind and body.
Meditation
While meditation isn’t new as a concept, it is relatively new when it comes to being incorporated into addiction treatment and recovery. For hundreds of years, people have been using meditation as a way to focus on breathing and clear the mind. The best part about meditation is you can do it pretty much anywhere. All you need is a quiet environment where you can focus on your breathing and better become one with yourself.
Yoga
Like meditation, while yoga isn’t new to the world, it is relatively new to the word of addiction recovery. The practice of yoga is a form of stretching and strengthening the body, which is based on movements, prayer, and mindfulness. Movements through different postures, breathing in specific sequences, and meditation are the three core components of yoga.
Yoga is a great way to develop a better relationship between the mind and body from a spiritual standpoint. It’s also a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Exercise
You might not think of exercising as a spiritual activity but it actually can be. Exercising brings your mind and body together to accomplish a singular goal. Whether that goal is to lose weight, get back in shape, or just to live an overall healthy lifestyle, the feeling of accomplishment after successfully exercising can do wonders for self-worth. Exercise practices can also help to distract from cravings while adding structure and routine to one’s daily schedule. 
Give Back
A great way to boost your overall morale and feel good about yourself is to give yourself to others. There are many different ways you can do this too such as volunteering your time and resources to causes you find to be worthwhile. The satisfaction that comes with helping others is a great way to become better connected with yourself on a spiritual level.
Are You Interested In Spiritual Recovery From Addiction?
As the concept of addiction treatment continues to evolve, so do the methods that are proven to be effective. One of the newer treatment methods that more and more treatment centers are adopting is holistic treatment. Holistic treatment, such as yoga and meditation, focuses on spirituality and becoming one with yourself again.
One of our main priorities at Casa Nuevo Vida is to help you get reacclimated into society. That’s why at our sober living facilities we don’t just offer a place to stay, we also offer support. We provide many opportunities for you to be able to grow both physically and spiritually. If you or someone you know could benefit from living in a sober home, contact us today.