Although the disease has biological, behavioral, and psychological roots, treating those aspects, without including the spiritual component, is like sticking a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. Instead of seeing spirituality as a means to correct a “flawed” character, it can be viewed as a tool to enrich life and recovery. It involves exploring personal growth, embracing self-acceptance, and finding joy in new, fulfilling activities that don’t involve alcohol. AA suggests that when the spiritual malady is overcome, the Higher Power creates an opportunity for recovery. This connection is believed to restore sanity and address the turmoil caused by alcohol misuse, aligning thoughts, emotions, and beliefs to overcome the spiritual unrest. That said, for many, it’s ultimately not satisfying to simply call the problem a “spiritual malady” and call it a day.
Personal growth is usually not the primary goal of the alcoholic and addict. Once a sufferer has experienced the growth and change that comes from working the program, they often find themselves feeling satisfied, rewarded, and striving to grow in other ways. Once a man has experienced growth (for example, in his willingness to accept responsibility) and reaps the benefits, he finally gets a glimpse of the true merit of the 12-Step program. Not only is his disease dealt with on a daily basis, but the same process is helping him grow and improve as a person. Suddenly, he is sold on the limitless potential for growth and improvement that the 12-Step program provides. No, the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are a spiritual program, not a religious one.
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Through a combination of self-reflection, spiritual practices, and a supportive community, individuals can achieve a deep spiritual connection with themselves and others. It is crucial to note that overcoming spiritual malady requires dedication and ongoing effort. One must remain vigilant of their thoughts and actions, embracing change, and practicing selflessness. Incorporating spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer, and fostering a loving and supportive community, can aid in this journey. The “spiritual problem,” in turn, calls for a “spiritual solution.” And in AA, that spiritual solution is the Higher Power. When “the spiritual malady is overcome,” this Higher Power is supposed to “restore us to sanity” and tidy up the physical, mental, and spiritual mess that booze has stirred up in our life.
Step 6: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
They describe the profound freedom and peace that result from making amends and living in integrity. Step 8 is where we begin preparing for direct action in our relationships. It’s not just about writing names—this step calls us to honestly acknowledge those we’ve harmed and become spiritually prepared to make amends. The focus here is not on immediate action but on emotional readiness, ensuring we approach amends from a place drug addiction of humility and sincerity. This step allows us to face the truth about our past while preparing to mend it. Humility, as described in the Big Book, is not about shame or self-deprecation—it’s about recognizing our need for help beyond our own strength.
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- It’s a decision to let go of self-will and begin living by spiritual principles that lead to freedom.
- A sense of constant fatigue, lack of energy and enthusiasm can lead to us feeling that everything is pointless.
In fact, this method is so effective that it has been adapted to provide recovery from a large number of other diseases and ailments. Scientifically, issues like dependence and withdrawal are linked to how alcohol affects brain chemistry, such as dopamine levels and neurotransmitter activity. Finally, someone explained to me that those things are not the insanity spiritual malady definition that the Big Book talks about; nor are those things why the alcoholic’s life becomes unmanageable. The idea is to look for a spiritual solution to an addiction problem, as this type of issue affects more than someone physically. Below is an overview of the 12 admissions that support the 12 steps toward recovery. By using this approach, a recovering addict can experience a notable change in their outlook.
The concept of spiritual malady is discussed on page 64 of the AA Big Book. It explains that addiction stems from a threefold illness—physical craving, mental obsession, and spiritual sickness. The book emphasizes that without addressing the spiritual malady through the 12 Steps, lasting recovery is impossible, making spiritual healing essential. Sustaining a conscious connection with a higher power through prayer and meditation is crucial for spiritual development and recovery. Engaging in regular prayer can deepen our connection with a higher power, providing a sense of peace and guidance. This daily practice helps stabilize and clarify our lives, significantly reducing the obsession with substances and offering a sense of freedom.
- But by recognizing the signs of a spiritual malady, understanding its root causes, and surrendering to a power greater than oneself, real and lasting healing becomes possible.
- This seems compounded by not always being able to read our emotions or somatic states.
- When people become too self-reliant, they may stop working on their program entirely.
According to Alcoholics Anonymous, informally known as The Big Book, when someone with alcoholism drinks, they have an abnormal reaction likened to an allergic reaction. Once a person with AUD takes an alcoholic drink, the body craves more on a physical level. This is why 12-step organizations believe it is not possible to conquer alcoholism using willpower alone. The role of physical dependence and psychological addiction in alcoholism partly explain why those with alcohol use disorder are unable to moderate or discontinue use. To initiate a full and sustained recovery, it is also helpful to address the spiritual role of this disease. I really like the analogy that the physical part of our disease is an “allergy of the body”.
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. One way to address the spirituality and healing in Glenwood Springs is to connect to all of the amazing natural surroundings that it has to offer. This includes finding a sense of spirituality in the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. From May 29–31, 2025, the West Coast Symposium on Addictive Disorders (WCSAD)—organized by HMP Global, a leader in healthcare events and education—will bring together industry leaders, mental health… Listen to your thoughts, emotions and your body and be guided by what you discover.
- The spiritual model of addiction has found its way into various treatment modalities and recovery programs.
- Once we finally took the 12-Steps with earnest willingness, honesty, and humility, we found ourselves, and our lives soon transformed.
- True humility means accepting that we can’t transform alone and trusting in God’s guidance for personal growth.
- It’s not just about writing names—this step calls us to honestly acknowledge those we’ve harmed and become spiritually prepared to make amends.
One of the classic examples of a spiritual malady is the feeling that you don’t belong. You may feel different from everyone around you in every sense of the word, almost as if you were born on a different planet. This sense of separation or detachment from others can lead to isolation, loneliness, and may leave you feeling desperate to figure out any way to fit in. Often, this desperation to fit in can lead to experimentation with addictive substances. People experiencing a spiritual malady may not always recognize it at first. Often, it doesn’t show up as something obvious like withdrawal symptoms or physical cravings.
So let me say up front that when we talk about the spiritual side of recovery, we’re not talking about religion or rules. 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 and then we’ll talk about building what we call a “spiritual inventory”. Receive weekly mailings to support your meditation journey and your daily practice.
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Rather than providing a feeling of relief, we find ourselves in a perpetual “dark night of the soul,” cut off from any sense of spiritual comfort. Frequently, individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction are also experiencing a mental health issue like an anxiety disorder http://ilunisma34.com/index.php/2021/11/09/dialectical-behavioral-therapy-for-mental-health/ or a depressive disorder. Abusing alcohol is a form of self-medicating that, at first and superficially, seems to help.
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The Big Book provides a column-based structure for writing an effective inventory, focusing on who we’ve harmed, what was affected, and our part in it. Taking this step thoroughly and honestly clears the path for real healing and transformation. Remember, this is not a step to delay—freedom begins when we face the truth, not when we avoid it.