Addiction is a progressive disorder. One can become addicted to substances such as alcohol or drugs or have a process addiction like gambling or compulsive spending. In both, the addict behaves compulsively. This type of compulsive behavior is self destructive and as it progresses, turns into addictive behavior. The addiction becomes all important and relationships with self, family and friends are no longer meaningful connections because they are all viewed beneath the veil of the addiction. The addict moves further away from others and attaches more and more to the addiction with the growing belief that they are avoiding pain and are in a pleasurable state, even if for a brief moment. The ability to identify an authentic emotion is gone and one’s access to their feelings are either blocked or numbed. The addict believes they cannot survive without the addiction and it becomes the most important relationship in their lives. Addiction blocks spirituality and joy, but the addict believes that the addiction provides relief and escape from their pain and suffering, when in fact, the pain and suffering are exacerbated by the addiction. What an illusion!
Until the addictive cycle is abated, the addict is unable to regain Self, the true connection to who he/she was that was lost along the wake of the addictive path. Denial, rationalizing, minimizing and justifying are part of what keeps the self destructive cycle in motion. This cycle must be broken in order to begin the recovery process.
This is often accomplished by joining a 12 step program such as AA or GA or entering into a treatment environment. In the fellowship of a 12 step program the addict is offered a safe, anonymous environment with others who have participated in similar behaviors. There is an atmosphere of love and acceptance, a spiritual haven where the addict can admit to his/her behavior and surrender to their powerlessness around the addictive behavior. This surrender begins a process of self honesty that paves a path to begin a renewed spiritual growth.
Once a relationship with Self begins to return, the recovering addict can begin to heal relationships with others. The recovery process invites the addict to make amends to others they have harmed or disappointed, but forgiveness of Self is inherently important on this recovery journey. Without incorporating spiritual principles in recovery, forgiveness is impossible.
Through disciplined spirituality practices one can realign with Divine Self and learn to feel a natural high. When this happens, the cravings for returning to self destructive behaviors dissipates and dissolves.
There are varied practices that promote a spiritual connection and not everyone can get to a destination by taking the same road. It is important to find your own path and this path may change as your recovery days increase. Integrating several types of these practices may work for you. There are the healing arts of recovery like Reiki, Rising Star, Qui Gong, and Tai Chi. Other spiritual practices include meditation, breath work, chanting, silence and prayer. You will know if the method works when it stills the mind, brings to the surface awareness of what needs healing and invites balance, harmony and serenity into your life.
Through incorporating spiritual practices into recovery, the addict moves from experiencing the world as a difficult place to survive, to a place where it is possible to live a full, meaningful existence. And the greatest joy comes from Knowing that you are not alone and are never abandoned on the spiritual path.
