Understanding the Tie Between Spirituality and Addiction Recovery

At Miramar Recovery, we understand the importance of creating a solid foundation in your journey to long-term recovery. Whether you find yourself struggling with alcohol or drugs, we are here to help you build your new foundation from the ground up.

One of the most significant outcomes of addiction recovery is a direct tie to a newfound appreciation for embracing our inner spirituality. It helps many clients in recovery aspire for new dreams, make big changes in their lives, and pave a path of healing that they can rely on for the long run.

Spirituality provides us with a profound sense of hope and belonging as we begin a new, more sober chapter in our lives.

What Is Spirituality?

Spirituality is a personal feeling and, often, the exact definition is left up to each person who experiences it.

Generally speaking, though, spirituality is a direct connection to the universe, a divine source or a Higher Power, such as God. It is important to note that the identity of the Higher Power is up to the individual, but it is most often something outside of and far beyond ourselves. 

For some, spirituality is tied to a structured religion that they find comfort, strength and healing in. For others, it is more loosely defined, with no ties to any particularly defined religious entity and more tied to things such as the environment, nature, animals or other positive aspects of the real world.

Often, many people intermix the terms for spirituality and religion, but they are actually two separate things.

Spirituality vs. Religion

Although similar in nature, spirituality and religion differ greatly when examined closely.

Religion is often directly tied to a set organization that creates rules, regulations and guidance for religious practice that people should follow to be considered a faithful religious servant.

With spirituality, the journey is a more personal one, having less to do with any external connection and more to do with each person’s soul and innermost self.

Another big difference is that in religion, you are provided with a set of beliefs, while spirituality is based on a person’s own experiences and the beliefs they set for themselves based on what they’ve gone through in their lives.

The Benefits of Spirituality in Addiction Treatment & Recovery

There are various benefits to incorporating spirituality into your addiction treatment plan.

The most empowering reasons include:

  • Helping to live a more balanced, healthier life mentally, physically and emotionally.
  • Increased empathy and compassion for yourself and others.
  • A self-love toolkit that helps you through negative emotions as you navigate the healing and sobriety journey.
  • An increase in self-respect and appreciation of your personal journey, challenging moments included.
  • A new sense of gratitude.
  • Creating a new network of like-minded individuals who can provide you with a shoulder to lean on and continuous support through your recovery journey.

 

There are plenty of benefits when it comes to spirituality in addiction recovery. If you are unsure if you want to incorporate spirituality into your treatment plan, your feelings are entirely valid.

For some, spirituality has never been a thought, while others have explored religion and spirituality but are unsure how it can positively affect their lives. As you work your way through recovery, adding in feelings of spirituality may come naturally.

We encourage all clients to be open-minded about their treatment plan and don’t believe in forcing anyone to follow a strict set of guidelines to reach recovery.

Spirituality-Based Addiction Treatment Close to Home

We proudly offer a spirituality program that provides a clear pathway for clients to align their own meaning of spirituality, release shame, and balance their wellbeing with their spiritual essence.

If you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, we are here to help. Whether you’re trying to understand the spiritual component of treatment or looking for a new way to get sober sooner, our team of compassionate and experienced addiction specialists can help you through your journey to long-term recovery starting today. Don’t delay treatment; get the help you need now.