Spiritual Recovery

Spiritual Recovery is a type of spiritual healing that can be useful in helping those addicted to certain behaviors or substances come to terms with and overcome their addictions. The methodology involves using a spiritual component of therapy to deal with dependency, co-dependency and the myriad issues that go along with these dysfunctions.

At the core of the spiritual recovery concept is the belief that recovery depends first on having a peaceful relationship with one's self, as well as open and caring relationships with friends and family. Without this important sense of peace, trying to recover and stay away from drug, alcohol or other abused substances can be a nearly impossible task.
Scientific studies bear this out; a 2003 study showed that those patients who attended spiritual recovery sessions while in recovery showed improved success in their sobriety attempts.

Not surprisingly, the medical field is just starting to realize how important the spiritual aspect can be to an addict's recovery. Many in-patient rehabilitation programs incorporate a spiritual component into their treatment plans, and out-patient support groups are doing the same. The most effective programs seem to combine solid medical practice with intensive counseling and spiritual healing, to change the way the body and the mind reacts to the world around it.

With the increased popularity of spiritual recovery comes new ways to celebrate one's journey to sobriety. There are a number of websites and stores offering a wide range of gifts, including crystal bracelets, gemstones, necklaces and earrings. Some of these even feature birthstones, designed to signify the month in which the wearer entered recovery. There are also a number of books on the topics, and calendars, inspirational art and other gift items that demonstrate your recovery.

The basis of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, their 12-Step recovery program, is in essence a spiritual recovery plan, with its emphasis on forgiveness, understanding, and acceptance. Many spiritual healers preach the same ideas, with the notion that recovery involves the entire person, not just the physical realm. It is this idea that forms the basis for spiritual recovery programs like AA.

Those embarking on a journey of spiritual recovery will find that there are a number of resources available. In addition to Alcoholics Anonymous, with its meetings in every town on almost any given night, there are also support groups, online forums, message boards, and entire websites devoted to providing a safe place to continue the spiritual journey. And you can find a number of online spiritual counselors who can help you in your recovery process.

For those who are looking for more one-on-one help, a spiritual adviser with a background in drug or alcohol issues might be a good choice. Many rehabilitation centers offer out-patient or community support programs, and this can be a good way to start on your journey to spiritual wellness and freedom from your addictions. It's important to remember that, if you do have an addiction, you need to treat the physical issues as well, so be sure that whatever program you are in is based on sound medical as well as spiritual principles. Your health care provider can probably assist you in finding a supportive spiritual recovery counselor, and some health care insurance plans will even cover the cost.

If spiritual recovery sounds like a good path for you, congratulations on taking that first step. Remember that there are no easy fixes; recovery is a life-long process. But by starting on your journey with a desire to return to spiritual health, you can find your way on the path to spiritual, emotional and physical recovery.