Addiction is not only a disease of the brain but also of the spirit, highlighting the critical role of spiritual healing in recovery. In the 12-Step Program, integrating a higher power into our lives is a cornerstone of combating addiction. This connection with a power greater than ourselves is not necessarily religious but is about finding a profound spiritual grounding. 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.
Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12-Step Program
Thankfully, the “spiritual malady” is no longer a “missing piece” of Step One for me. It is a reality of my powerlessness and unmanageability and enables me to see why I so desperately need to seek a Power Greater than myself. And unless this malady is recognized, and a course of action (the Twelve Steps) is taken to enable God to remove it, the root of our alcoholic illness can lie dormant and burn us when we least expect it. Thankfully, the “spiritual malady” is no longer a “missing piece” of Step One for me.
Understanding the Spiritual Malady in AA and its Impact on Recovery
It’s impossible, I think… it feels like many were trying to pretend my trauma never happened. So the question isn’t how to “heal” your soul (because the soul is Divine and incapable of being fractured – you can experience this while meditating), but how to find your soul. In other words, they are living in a lifeless, colorless world that lacks the joy and succulence that the soul brings. Yes, something is certainly wrong, but it’s not that the soul is broken (which is impossible from an objective standpoint), it’s that they’ve lost touch with their soul.
- For instance, when breaking free of their negative thoughts, they may come to realize a newfound appreciation of things before unseen – such as the beauty of a sunset or the feeling of freshness of a morning spring rain.
- It is simply to move people away from threat and towards safety.
- The term “spiritual malady” does not mean that our “spirit” is sick.
- However, this does not mean, necessarily, they’ve abandoned their faith.
Evolving Spiritually
This spiritual disease affects every aspect of our lives, leading to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and despair. It is this spiritual emptiness that we often try to escape from through alcohol and other addictive behaviors, which can also make us physically ill. It is important that when we embark upon this quest to alleviate our spiritual malady that we are not too harsh on ourselves.
Types of Spiritual Healing
Addressing selfishness, self-centeredness, and self pity is crucial for overcoming spiritual malady. By fostering empathy and meaningful connections, we can break free from the isolation and find a path to recovery. Grasping the way spiritual malady drives addiction is vital to break this cycle.
Why is professional help important for addressing spiritual malady and addiction?
- We also house traumatic memories in the threat centers of our brains that are slightly different than predictive codes as they may bubble up to awareness or into nightmarish dreams.
- True spiritual healing is about facing, acknowledging, exploring, and integrating what we are going through.
- This biases our system towards threat physiology and plays a significant role in our health and wellness.
- A really effective tool for building that list is to ask ourselves questions.
- Spiritual wellness involves developing a purpose in life and having a clear sense of right and wrong.
They seem very judgemental of everyone and it’s just not my thing. Healing takes truth and awareness and can be lonely sometimes and wondering what am I here for if healthy connections and like hearted people are few in my realm. I’ve done so much healing and awareness that I’m ready to have fun hoping it leads me to my passion of service to others and empowering them to heal also, healrhy and pure loving connections.
This https://ecosoberhouse.com/, or spiritual disconnection, is the driving force behind our addiction and self-destructive behaviors. 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.
But first, it’s crucial that you understand the difference between a spiritual experience and a religious one. While I could go on forever on the differences between these two ideas, I’ll keep it as simple as possible. If you are seeking drug and alcohol related addiction rehab for yourself or a loved one, the YourFirstStep.org hotline is a confidential and convenient solution. For example, one can engage in psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can get to the underlying emotional issues that often lead to that first drink or drug.
Contact Your First Step’s National Hotline
These programs are designed to address the whole person, providing both medical and psychological support to facilitate recovery. Detox specialists can provide guidance on the best treatment options, ensuring that both physical and spiritual aspects of addiction are addressed. Focusing on self-love and repairing personal relationships is crucial for overcoming spiritual malady and achieving sobriety.
Big Book of AA Definition of Alcoholic
Spiritual awakenings don’t necessarily happen the way we might expect, along a timeline we prefer, or in a form obvious to us. Spiritual awakenings often evolve so gradually that they are almost imperceptible. And only when our eyes, ears, mind, and heart are fully open, are we positioned to discern, receive, and appreciate them. AlSO I have been approached by the fake healers you speak of… they left me feeling filthy and horrified. Running screaming was my initial reesponse… although I remained calm enough to exit the situation diplomatically. Also you are very right, I too faced people trying to force me to heal fast; as well as trying to force it on myself too.