Many people confused spirituality with religion, but there is a major difference. Religion is defined by the dictionary as the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. Spirituality, on the other hand, is defined as being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. The New Hope Recovery Center provides a compelling look at the difference between the two. Some people find religion through their recovery, such as the 12 steps, to be beneficial in connecting them with a higher power to help them find more meaning for their lives. Spirituality, no matter if there is a religion involved or not, helps people discover themselves and their impact on the world.
Lance Dodes, M.D., the Training and Supervising Analyst Emeritus for the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute and a retired assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School noted in a 2015 article for Psychology Today that spirituality focuses on oneness and being in touch with one’s inner self, and has a focus on well-being, to be put simply. Spirituality can have a positive impact on a person’s life and recovery. Dr. Greg Jantz in 2014 for The Center, a place in Washington aimed at helping those with addictions or mental illness, listed several benefits of incorporating spirituality into recovery:
- Increased sense of self-worth and self-esteem
- Improved ability to cope with overwhelming situations and stress
- Increased feelings of joy and peace in daily life
- Hope for the future and in uncertain situations
- Finding a greater meaning and purpose in life
- Greater ability to forgive and heal from past grievances
New Hope Recovery Center, located in Chicago, emphasizes the importance of spirituality by explaining that addiction starves us of our spiritual growth. The center explains that addiction disconnects us from ourselves and others, and forces us to focus solely on the object of desire. Addiction causes us to lose ourselves and our focus – we are no longer present and aware of each moment. Instead, we are saying and doing whatever it takes to maintain the addiction – the opposite of mindfulness.
Spirituality helps us to connect with ourselves and those around us; it teaches us to be okay with stressful events and accept whatever comes our way. Although one does not have to incorporate spirituality as part of their recovery, it can be extremely beneficial to do so.
If you are looking for an integrative treatment center that assists with mind, body, and spirit, speak with someone from the Avalon Malibu Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Center today. Our licensed health care team will ensure that you make the most of your recovery journey; by providing a nurturing and therapeutic environment, you will be encouraged to participate in your recovery from the very start. Act now by calling: 855-400-0304.
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