How Can a Spiritual Path Help in Recovery?

Recovery from addiction is not about restricting people’s lives. Instead, it is a path of growth and freedom full of exciting possibilities for the future.

Why Spirituality Matters

Studies show spirituality can play a powerful role in recovery. The concept of spirituality is one that everyone understands differently. Yet, as a unique and personal experience, spirituality provides so many benefits to a person’s life.  There are a diverse set of treatment options that provide opportunities for self-discovery through incorporating a foundation of spirituality and/or spiritual practices. Those with a secular perspective can also benefit from these resources. They can help you accept your limitations and recover. We are all works in progress on this journey called life.

Finding Your Unique Spiritual Path in Recovery

The spiritual path that is the most important to you is the one that will make you feel whole. This may be a tradition, community, or practice that has helped others before you find peace and contentment in their lives. Opening yourself up to new experiences can help bring balance into your life. The goal of spirituality isn’t necessarily to become more religious—it’s about finding what works for you, what fits who you are as a person with your unique thoughts and feelings. Participants in one study noted that their spirituality deepened as they progressed on their path of recovery.  Here are some options for you to consider as you continue to explore your own spiritual path.

Recovery Groups

Like 12-Step programs, many recovery groups give an individual the opportunity to explore spirituality without feeling alone. People who suffer from substance use disorder (SUD) or alcoholism often feel isolated. These meetings provide the connection members need to thrive while staying sober.

Recovery groups respect people having their own spiritual or religious affiliation. They encourage members to explore their own path, which might be through organized religion or simply a set of personal convictions about the greater good.

Many who join a recovery community develop a daily spiritual practice. This can take many forms, from regular prayer and meditation to tithing some of their time, energy, or financial resources. Through these endeavors, you can develop a level of humility that benefits recovery and spiritual growth. Essentially, spirituality becomes the foundation to help you stay present, interact positively in the world, have a guiding purpose, and set an intention to be your best self.

Organized Faith

Some people turn to organized religion for spiritual guidance and community. When you feel lost, it’s natural to look for a way to find your bearings again. Many people find solace in an organized religion where they can go to a house of worship each week and find others who share their beliefs. These are also places where you can make friends with people who have similar values as yours. In addition, many religions offer beautiful rituals that help remind us of the bigger picture: prayers, candles, singing, service, etc. These rituals can help you feel more grounded and connected to your spirituality and community in recovery.

Meditation

Meditation is one way to connect with spirituality. Being mindful is a good way to connect to your Higher Power or guiding principles. The practice of meditation helps realign and heal our minds. It is a natural form of introspection that provides you with the opportunity to live in the present and can lead you to a better understanding of yourself. Moreover, it can provide insight into the challenges that you’re facing.

There is no right way to meditate. Try different things until you find what works best for your goals and needs in your life. Deep breathing exercises and visualization are two of the most common practices, but there are many more. Some people focus on personal prayers, affirmations, art, uplifting text, or scripture to meditate. Overall, meditation will help you function at your optimal level.

Letting Go of Shame and Guilt

People in recovery can consider using spiritual tools to feel empowered, confident, and connected to their community and purpose. Spiritual practices can help people feel heard and taken seriously. Spiritual practices allow us to process emotions like shame or guilt related to our past and SUD. When guilt and shame become intertwined with addiction, people may isolate themselves, which does not help their recovery. A person might also run away from their spiritual path, which should be a place where they feel safe enough to grow from within. Fortunately, spirituality teaches us to acknowledge our shortcomings, make amends when possible, and realize our authentic value beyond shame and guilt. Then we can redirect ourselves to a more positive focus, contributing our gifts and talents.

Spirituality Changes Your Focus

Someone talking about spirituality can trigger many feelings in people. However, spirituality is here to help us focus on what grows. What grows applies to tending our garden of service. When we focus on humility and service, it helps us see the most in life. We have so many talents and gifts to contribute to this world. These gifts and skills can make a difference in others’ lives. When we do this, we’ll feel better about ourselves and the world. And feeling better ourselves through serving is far healthier than using substances.

 Spirituality isn’t just for those who believe in a higher power and it isn’t about belonging to a specific religion or group of people. In fact, spirituality provides benefits to anyone willing to explore it as an essential part of their recovery. At Restoration Recovery Center, we offer treatment options for all types of spiritual perspectives–including secular ones. Our expert team will work closely with you on the journey towards self-discovery. At Restoration Recovery Center, you can work through your own personal beliefs and gain a better understanding of yourself and your spiritual practice.  Our treatment program will give you structure, provide support and encourage you to value yourself and what you have achieved. We are all works in progress on this journey called life. That is why we want everyone to have access to support services regardless of their spiritual background. We can help guide you towards recovery. Call us at (888) 290-0925 today.