•  
Support crystalwind.ca with your donation and help spread spirituality and positivity. Blessings!

This article was posted by CrystalWind.ca

A+ A A-

Can Spirituality Help Addiction Recovery?

Can Spirituality Help Addiction Recovery?

Science has been slow to acknowledge the role that spirituality can play in addiction recovery, but new research sheds important light on its potential. A study published in the journal 'Alcohol Treatment Quarterly' found that spirituality can significantly enhance health and quality of life. As noted by Ellison et al, those who give importance to faith, report greater life satisfaction and happiness, and less psychological and social consequences of traumatic life events - all of which are essential in the relationship between spirituality and addiction recovery.

Spirituality and Religiosity

It is vital to differential spirituality from religiosity. Spirituality has a more ample scope, in that it does not necessarily follow organized rules. In essence, it involves a belief in, and search for connection with, a powerful force that runs through all humanity and sentient things. It may involve religion but does not necessarily have to do so. Key elements of spirituality include a sense of community, support, and connection.

Spirituality vs Stress

Stress is a known trigger for substance abuse and relapse. Therefore, addiction recovery programs always include therapies and strategies for keeping stress at bay. Meditation and yoga, two spiritual Eastern practises, are commonly used as complementary therapies owing to their proven ability to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels. A study by Culliford et al found that religious and spiritual beliefs appear to act as protective buffers that moderate the ability of stressful situations to hamper one’s quality of life. Another study by Carson & Green found that spirituality can confer resilience in stressful situations. By enabling one to find greater meaning and purpose, and providing one with a sense of ‘social support from the divine’, spirituality can be an important means of limiting the negative effects of stress.

Spirituality and Motivation

Those who have been addicted to substances for many years may lack the motivation required to make important changes for improved health and wellbeing. These changes include exercising regularly, attending therapy and group sessions, and making important nutritional changes to promote healthy skin and to amend deficiencies and the heavy toxic burden one’s body may have been exposed to. In a study by G Chen that compared personal and emotional changes between participants (who were in addiction recovery), scientists found that those who took a spiritual approach to recovery enjoyed a higher sense of coherence and meaning in life and a greater reduction of intensity of negative emotions. Anger, bitterness, and hostility, can wrest from one’s motivation to make changes. They need to be channeled to more positive behavior if progress is to be made.

A New Definition for Spirituality

Th 12-Step program, which does have a spiritual basis, is commonly used in many recovery centers but it certainly isn’t the only route to improvement. As noted by Harvard academics Casper ter Kuile and Angie Thurston, spirituality can take many individual routes and can comprising everything from joining a yoga or meditation group to completing a tough gym workout with supportive friends or taking part in a Tai Chi class. Spirituality is anywhere and everywhere that one can feel like part of a greater whole or form part of a community in which members support and propel each other towards a life of greater purpose.

Addiction recovery is a personal path that often requires a multifaceted approach to support positive outcomes. If you are in recovery, spiritual based practises such as meditation and yoga can help lower stress, thus reducing anxiety and depression. Feel free to find your own definition of spirituality and try to be surrounded by others so you feel the sense of community that will bolster you in what can be a challenging time.

Sally Benson is a professional freelance writer with many years experience across many different areas. She made the move to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family and travelling as much as possible.

This article is written exclusively for CrystalWind.ca.  © 2018 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved. Do Not Copy.

 

Pin It

Join the Conversation Now! Comment Below! arrow down small 11

 
CrystalWind.ca is free to use because of donations from people like you. Please help support us! 
Blessings!

Follow this blog

Disclaimer Health

All post and information provided within this blog is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website.  Please consult with your healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes or taking supplements that may interfere with medications. Any products or information discussed are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any illness, disease or lifestyle. Please consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this website.

 

Featured Writers

crystal-wind-oracle-mobile-app
Cut Through The Illusions!
Available On
Apple  | Android | Amazon
NEW Expanded Version - 53 cards!

Spirit Animal Totem Of The Day!

CrystalWind.ca is free to use because of
donations from people like you.
Donate Now »

CrystalWind.ca Donation!

Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!

 

 

Follow Us!

 

 

Who is Online Now

We have 31109 guests and no members online

Featured This Month

Page:

The Crystal Wind Oracle Card Deck

The Crystal Wind Oracle Card Deck

The Crystal Wind Oracle™ The Crystal Wind Oracle Myth & Magic Card D... Read more

Sun in Aries

Sun in Aries

Aries March 21 through April 20 An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristics for A... Read more

Aries

Aries

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Spirit: Adventurous, courageous Objectives: To plan... Read more

Aries Spiritual Stone - Eudialyte

Aries Spiritual Stone - Eudialyte

Eudialyte Birthstone: Aries Planet: Mars Element: Fire Chakra: Heart E... Read more

Green Aventurine

Green Aventurine

The Emotional Balancer Stone Green Aventurine is perhaps the best balancing... Read more

Birth Totem - Falcon

Birth Totem - Falcon

Birth Totem Falcon Birth dates: March 21 – April 19 Birth Totem is: Falcon... Read more

The Time of No Time: Beltane!

The Time of No Time: Beltane!

Around the medicine wheel of life we go, from season to season (solstice to ... Read more

Beltane

Beltane

Beltane Ritual Celebrated May 1st Beltane is also known as May Day, Walpurg... Read more

Budding Trees Moon

Budding Trees Moon

Red Hawk - Fire Opal - Dandelion - Yellow March 21 – April 19 The Budding Tr... Read more

Bloodstone

Bloodstone

The Blood Energizer Stone The combined colours of bloodstone allow it to fu... Read more

Bright Beltane Blessings!

Bright Beltane Blessings!

The wheel turns to Beltane, also known as Mayday, marking the beginning of S... Read more

Dandelion

Dandelion

Reminds you of the abundance life holds. Gender: Masculine Planet: Jupiter E... Read more

Hematite

Hematite

The Grounding Stone With its iron content, hematite has a strengthening inf... Read more

Aries Mythology

Aries Mythology

The Mythology of Aries First things first, when referring to the mythology ... Read more

Diamond

Diamond

The King of all Stones The diamond symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment, pur... Read more

© 2008-2024 CrystalWind.ca. All rights reserved. Site Creation by CrystalWind.ca.
Web Hosting by Knownhost.com

 

 

X

Right Click

No right click