Receiving addiction treatment requires you to change and grow as a person. Not changing your mindset increases your chances of a relapse. The purpose of therapy during recovery is to provide you with resources and tools that will support your overall transformation. Changing your life is not easy, and it can sometimes feel like too much to handle. Some people use spirituality to help them get through tough times during the recovery process.
While spirituality is not the same for everyone, there is no denying that it can help just about anyone who wants to develop a more spiritual life during and after recovery. Spirituality is a very personal matter, and sometimes there are misconceptions about what it means to be spiritual. People often assume that being spiritual means being religious, but they are not the same. Being religious is believing in a specific religion and following its principles.
Religious organizations typically have more structure and express their spirituality in communities guided by traditions and leaders. Spirituality is broader and focuses on the human spirit instead of physical or material things. You can be spiritual and not be religious. A spiritual person typically focuses on building a connection with a higher power. Some people connect with nature or the universe to express their spirituality.
Benefiting from Spirituality in Recovery
It takes faith to move forward with addiction treatment. You have to believe that you will be able to handle struggles that are difficult to overcome. Many people suffering from an addiction have held on to beliefs that did not serve them well. Sometimes those beliefs contributed to addiction. Spirituality can provide you with a new way of thinking, and it has been used effectively for many years in addiction treatment programs worldwide. Many treatment programs are designed around spirituality to meet the needs of people who lean heavily on their faith.
Even though spiritual practices during addiction treatment are commonplace, some programs focus on coping mechanisms during recovery instead of spirituality. Many people know that spirituality is a significant part of well-known 12-step recovery programs. Numerous recovery program participants find spirituality beneficial because they no longer have to handle everything alone; they can look to a higher power for guidance. Many have found that trusting God as a higher power provides a sense of peace that they could not obtain before. They rely on the wisdom of God instead of the faulty thinking that created problems in the past. Some choose to connect with God through prayer, while others meditate. Some decide to pray in private, while others prefer a group setting. You can choose whatever works best for you.
Types of Spirituality
Finding spirituality in recovery doesn’t necessarily mean you are part of a religious organization, but that is a route you can choose. There are many ways to practice your spirituality. While some choose prayer or meditation, others keep a gratitude journal to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. Journaling can help to process your thoughts. It can also help you develop a different understanding and perspective about events and experiences.
Journaling is cost-effective because you only need a pen, a notebook and time. Another spiritual practice that people find beneficial during addiction treatment is meditation. Learning to meditate can take time, but it’s usually worth the effort. If you cannot sit quietly to meditate, you can choose to walk as a form of meditation. Here are some of the benefits of meditating:
- Helps to gain a new perspective
- Reduces negative emotions
- Increases patience
Feeling Connected
It is not easy to overcome challenges alone. Connecting with others during addiction recovery can be a powerful way to get through struggles. You are less likely to feel discouraged when you see and hear others experiencing similar issues. Isolating yourself during or after treatment can have a negative effect. Spirituality is something that many people use to connect with others during the recovery process. Many believe it helps to pray for each other.
Being part of a community can also help you feel a sense of purpose. Some people find it easier to encourage others than themselves. Helping someone else look beyond their problems to focus on a higher power can help you feel connected and valued. It can also help you find good in the situation. Call us today at 732-392-7311 for information about treatment programs. We are committed to helping you or your loved one get the support needed.
