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Fighting Drug Addiction with Religion

man seated on couch clutching crucifix and fighting drug addiction with religion

A great deal of drug addiction treatment research is focused on different ways to fight off relapse during and after drug rehab. Therapeutic treatments, talk and behavior therapy, support groups, individualized therapy, exercise, meditation, and medical treatment are all part of well-rounded drug treatment programs. The religious focus during treatment can come in the form of a spiritual focus or a guideline for living based on a specific religion. No matter your denominational affiliation or lack thereof, adding a spiritual or religious component to your or your loved one’s drug treatment program can produce positive results.

At Michael’s House, we offer a 12-step addiction treatment program that incorporates a spiritual focus, drawing on the principles and practices of various religions to help recovering individuals find their connection with a higher power. This emphasis on spirituality can provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose during drug rehabilitation. Reach out to us today at 760.548.4032 to learn more about how drug addiction and religion can work together toward successful recovery.

12-Step Recovery for Addiction

12-step treatment programs have as their foundation a recognition of the need for a higher power in life. The second step in the 12-step treatment program aimed at eradicating active drug and alcohol use and addiction speaks for itself: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

This Power is generally defined as God, but many keep it vague. They choose a higher power to which they give up control based on many things. Some raised in Christianity, Judaism, or Hinduism opt for God simply because God is powerful in these religions. Others choose the Earth or evoke the Goddess in favor of more maternal power.

Still, others have a comical take and assign their higher power the name of a favorite childhood superhero or fictional character. The point is not the name but the idea that you are no longer in control of your life. When you took over control, you ended up “hitting bottom” due to drug addiction. The hope is that your higher power wants you to be healthy, happy, and emotionally stable. Giving up control to this entity rather than trying to end your addiction alone is helpful during all stages of recovery.

Drug Addiction Recovery and the Moral Treatment of Self and Others

The religious aspect of the 12 steps and traditional treatment goes beyond the higher power and focuses on giving back. Volunteering your time and energy to help others is advised, as is working your way through the steps so that you can become a sponsor and help someone else work their way through the steps.

The idea is to focus on something besides yourself. The act of living with a focus on other people’s needs gets you out of your head and allows you to build self-esteem by making choices that are meaningful to others. When you realize that you are valuable to others, you treat yourself and your body more valuably, making you stronger against relapse.

Benefits of Using Religion for Recovery

For many people, religion is an integral part of their lives. It provides a sense of community, teaches moral values, and can be a source of comfort in times of trouble. Not surprisingly, religion can also be a helpful tool for recovery from addiction. For many people in recovery, the structure and support provided by a religious community can be invaluable. Some benefits of using religion for recovery can be:

  • A sense of purpose and meaning
  • Community support and accountability
  • Guidance on making healthy choices
  • Comfort during difficult times
  • Forgiveness for past mistakes

In addition, religious teachings can provide a moral compass to help individuals stay on the right path. Finally, religious rituals such as meditation and prayer can help to reduce stress and promote positive mental health. For all these reasons, drug addiction and religion can work together to support a successful recovery.

Learn More About Using Religion for Recovery at Michael’s House

One of the benefits of residential addiction treatment is that others understand your struggles and help you make every decision. From what to eat to when you eat it, how to spend your free time, what to focus on during treatment, and how to fight off relapse when you return home, you have a team of people coming alongside you at every step of the journey. When it’s time to go home, however, many feel lost without that same level of guidance.

Religious principles and a continued focus on growing in your faith can provide extended support and guidance to help you stay committed to your new life, free from the control of drugs and alcohol. We are here if you or a loved one struggles with alcohol addiction. Contact Michael’s House at 760.548.4032 to better understand drug addiction and religion and how they can work together for successful recovery.

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