It posits that addiction is not merely a physical dependence or a mental health issue, but also a spiritual malady that requires healing on a deeper level. This model emphasizes the importance of finding meaning, purpose, and connection in life as essential components of lasting recovery. It simply means we are spiritually blocked off from the Power of God, which enables us to remain sober, happy, joyous, and free. When the spiritual malady is overcome, a person experiences inner peace, freedom from resentment, and a restored connection with others and a higher power. This transformation allows for lasting sobriety, emotional stability, and the ability to live a meaningful, service-driven life in recovery.
Spiritual Model of Addiction: A Holistic Approach to Recovery and Healing
He is a Board Certified Internist and Addiction Medicine Specialist having attended the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completing his residency at Mount Auburn Hospital with Harvard Medical School. Following several years work as an internist and physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation). Dr. Curl completed the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Howard University in Washington DC and participated as a RAM Scholar (Research in Addiction Medicine). While part of the fellowship, Dr. define spiritual malady Curl pursued research investigating the barriers to expanding and improving medication for opioid use disorder. Following his fellowship, Dr. Curl spearheaded the Opiate Use Disorder outpatient clinic and worked in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences within the Howard University Hospital. In 2023, Dr. Curl completed his Board Certification in Addiction Medicine.
Addiction Treatment
It’s really not my mind – the mentalobsession – that is the underlying root of what will take me back todrinking. It’s the “spiritual malady”, as manifested by my EGO (selfishness-self-centeredness), that can eventually lead me back to drinking or sometimes even suicide. Now, the mental obsession is how our minds have been conditioned to crave alcohol and preferred illicit substances.
Spiritual Malady and the Relapsing Nature of Alcoholism
It is sad that countless addicts and alcoholics have rejected 12 Step recovery because the G_d word is up on the wall and included in prayers and literature. Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. If you have found yourself or a loved one suffering from alcoholism or addiction, you are not alone! If you are ready to change your life and live free of addiction, thenFind Addiction Rehabscan help.
Addiction Treatment Options
Spirituality is the aspect of recovery that I think most often gets overlooked. Some of us are very comfortable embracing spirituality, but for others, it feels weird or uncomfortable. But for people who have spiritual beliefs or are willing to engage with that side of themselves, it can be powerful to know that AA’s methods connect closely with their values. AA’s strong emphasis on spirituality may be problematic for some people, and it’s one of the reasons many may have trouble following the 12 Steps. We know much more about allergies today and can confirm that classifying alcohol addiction as an allergy is incorrect.
Without addressing this spiritual malady, we have absolutely no hope for intrinsic change or recovery. It is this notion that the fellowship of AA was founded upon, and how millions of recovered alcoholics equate their success in overcoming a seemingly hopeless situation. The only solution to a spiritual malady is a spiritual awakening. Only once we open the spiritual channels and begin to accept a Higher Power into our lives can we hope to find a solution to our alcoholic condition. To conclude, it’s not my body – my allergic reaction to alcohol – that’sgoing to take me back to drinking.
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(Although I’m not sure who would ever want to do that!) But for me, I’m allergic to cats and if I did that I’d be in a world of hurt. Same thing with alcohol; some people can have a couple beers, no problem. But alcoholics have an “allergy” to alcohol, so for them, a couple beers turns into a world of hurt. But for food addicts—because of their body’s “allergy” to sugar or processed foods—one Christmas cookie leads to a dozen. Those of you who have been in Celebrate Recovery (CR) for a while know that our 12-steps are exactly modeled on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Research in the realm of psychology often underscores the benefit of a moral and spiritual framework, though it may label these benefits in purely natural terms (e.g., coping mechanisms, social support).
- Spending time with God and reading His word is a big part of keeping our minds healthy and grounded in truth.
- The 164 and More book is sold on this website at the Publisher List Price of $20.00 plus postage.
- In our addictions, we tried to quench our soul-thirst with fleeting pleasures.
By surrendering our ego and self-will, we open ourselves to the guidance and support needed to navigate the recovery journey. This total surrender of one’s ego is essential for finding relief from the burdens of addiction. The symptoms of spiritual malady can vary greatly, yet they are profoundly impactful. Common signs include irritability, restlessness, and a pervasive sense of discontent. These feelings often drive us to seek relief through alcohol, creating a vicious cycle of dependence https://odean.lk/how-to-fine-purpose-in-life-steps-to-a-meaningful/ and escapism. Untreated spiritual malady can lead to a deep sense of dissatisfaction and disconnection, further fueling our addiction.
- Unfortunately, the snapshot of consciousness taken of them in 1938 didn’t last.
- For many folks, including myself, ‘the spiritual’ aspects of recovery can be a challenge.
- Thoughts like we can eventually manage our lives while in active addiction.
- When your internal world feels unstable, controlling the external world can seem like the only solution.
- Entitlement leads to unrealistic expectations, which often leads to disappointment and resentment.
You are merely instructed to be open to the idea that you are not the end all be all, that there exists out in the universe something that is greater or more powerful than yourself. However, you choose to interact with that higher power is also up to you. Whether you seek to engage in formal prayer, informal mental conversations, or merely by doing good and putting positive energy into the universe, there is no right or wrong way to pray to your higher power.
This relationship is a vital part of finding serenity and healing, so let’s take a minute to look at the spiritual side of recovery Sober living house and then we’ll talk about building what we call a “spiritual inventory”. If you or someone you know is dealing with alcohol addiction, consider talking to a professional about it. Alcoholism is a progressive disease that can cause many disturbances in your private and professional life and can also be fatal when not treated.