Importance of faith in recovering from addiction

Faith is often associate with believing in the power of God to make something happen. In the Christian faith, believing in the power of God to make something happen is consequential to receiving a miracle. Recovering from an addiction should be regarded as a miracle because some people try rehabilitation, detoxification, and other stuff that eventually do not work for their addiction.

Praying to God and having faith in God is another way to break free from addiction. There are several miracles in the bible and our contemporary age that are yet to be proven by scientific research. Of fact, God holds the key to fixing problems in the life of humans.

Besides believing in the power of God for a miracle, the positive energy that comes from faith in the impossible is a psychological factor that can aid recovery. Believing God for a miracle like recovering from an addiction reshapes the mind to positive thoughts and ideas.

Psychologists think that addiction is more of a mental illness than a physical one. They believe that it is an attitude of the mind. Whatever belief the mind is channeled towards is what the body projects.

Christian faith promotes such positive thoughts that prove to be important in the recovery process of any addiction. Even therapists and physicians attest that patients believe in treatment can aid positive effects on their recovery.

Therefore, praying concerning an addiction recovery process is not only spiritual but psychological as well. The community of believers is also a great boost for addicts to boost their faith and increase their recovery process.

Addicts should also try opting for Christian counseling as it can be of help to reduce chances of relapse and risk factors. Having faith in the recovery process also promotes holiness and lessens the chances of addiction triggers.


The importance of the church in helping the recovering addict

Recovering from addiction often comes with a lot of challenges that the church can help the addict displace or manage. Addiction is often related to the feeling of abandonment, need for secrecy, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and a bunch of other spiritual and emotional mind illnesses. The church is a place that can alleviate the hold of addiction in one’s life.

It is very difficult to fight addiction alone. However, with the power of God and with the help of the church, addiction will in no time become a thing of the past. Here is a list of benefits that the church may offer the recovering addict:

Sense of belonging

Most addicts find their recovery process difficult because they lack a community of people with positive vibes. The people of the church are ready to give the addict all the love and care that they need to defeat their addiction.

Instead of living in guilt, abandonment, and the shadow of your trouble, get closer to the people of God. They see less of who the addict is and more of who they want the addict to be.

Prayers of intercession

The power of intercessory prayer is not to be swept under the carpet when dealing with addiction recovery. Ministers believe that intercession is a great way to get things from God.

Individual member of the church who knows about the situation of the addict can offer prayer to God concerning the addict. Lots of miracles do happen through this.

Counseling

Leaders of the church often offer spiritual and psychological counseling to the people of the church. Some churches even have counseling units where they help people going through spiritual or emotional breakdowns. Such counseling will help the addict discuss their challenges and decipher ways of counteracting.


How the higher power helps you recover from addiction

Everyone believes in a higher power. People who don’t believe in God know that there is a higher power who dictates what happens in the universe. And one way or the other, people have sought various ways to communicate with their higher power for different purposes.

In the addiction process, not everyone feels comfortable with their lifestyle. There are some who live life as it comes. They know they are addicted and cannot help it because of the immense pleasure their addiction comes with.

However, there are some people who are tired of their addiction and they have nowhere to turn to. They cannot reach out to family and friends to avoid being stigmatized.

Hence, they prefer to stay on their own and figure things out. Some people in this category end up getting better and relapse again.

For people who believe in their higher power to help them recover from addiction, it would be interesting to point out that it has been successful for them. According to the rules of the universe, what you believe in will work for you.  

If you believe you have a higher power that will see you through, it would happen that way for you. Also, if you believe you have a higher power that would make you defeat addiction, you will be surprised at how you will surmount it in no time.

Trusting in your higher power helps to give perspective on how to proceed as regards entering for addiction treatment. One of the reasons why people never get better from addiction is because they don’t know how or where to seek help.

With the help of your higher power, you get perspective on where to seek help and who to meet. Your higher power ensures that you have the right set of people around you that would facilitate your recovery right from start to finish.  


Why you need to draw closer to God in addiction recovery

Anyone who has been addicted before and recovered can agree to the fact that it can be very challenging. One minute and you are very tired of your addictive habit and you want to give up and the next minute you find yourself indulging in the addiction.

Many people who are addicted have given up home of them being sober. They continue to indulge in their addiction hoping that they would permanently snap out of it.

For believers who are addicted, the only way they get better is by drawing closer to God. Now, this looks impossible because someone who is addicted tends to drift from families, friends and other categories of people. Hence, drifting from God would not be an exception.

Addiction is a sin which draws people away from God because the individual places more attention on their addiction rather than their fellowship with God. More so, they remain this way for a very long time because they do not open up to people in the church who can help out.

One of the reasons why we belong to the body of Christ is to be of great help to one another in times of distress. Although it looks impossible for an addict to open up, if they reach out to someone in the church for help, they are certain of getting the best support possible.

The body of Christ encourages you to draw closer to God because he grants the grace to surmount life’s challenges. It is important to note that addiction cannot be go off instantly. It requires prayer and treatment as well.

Drawing closer to God gives you the courage to go in for treatment. Not everyone is comfortable doing this, but when you commit your ways into his hands, you will be encouraged to seek treatment.

In addition, if everyone seems to have abandoned you, the only person who cannot leave you is God. He provides sufficient support and sends beneficial people to you.


SUBMISSION TO A HIGHER POWER IN ADDICTION RECOVERY

Addiction is a difficult problem which controls the minds of people, and makes them feel as though they have been disjoined from people and the environment.

There are spiritual remedies to addiction recover, and based on the fact that they feel disconnected from the efficacy of a higher power, they would rather not depend on any spiritual recovery process.

When it comes to the concept of a higher power, it is regarded as an unseen influence which controls the universe, and has a power that all humanity bow to forcibly or not.

Being in submission to a higher power implies that, the person is on the right track. From time to time, the individual would have to submit himself or herself to a form of evaluation.

Addiction has a way of disrupting the fellowship which an individual has a higher power. It also takes the free will of an individual. Any individual who wants to break free from the bondage of addiction would need to believe in the presence of a higher power.

An individual who is an ardent observer of nature and its constituent features, would come to realize the importance of a higher power. It would also help to build the faith of the individual, and this would definitely help in recovery.

This informs the addict that, there is a consciousness that he or she belongs to a calling which is mightier than themselves. When there is faith and confidence, it triumphs over the depression which exists in the minds of addicts, and they can find solace in the higher power.

Sometimes, there are occurrences which show to a believer that, there is a supernatural force at work. The addict would only realize this, but it would be difficult to comprehend because it is way beyond what he or she can fathom.

Hence, this is why it is essential for an addict to accept the fact that there is a higher power, and this in turn has a great influence on the recovery process.  


THE LINK BETWEEN SPIRITUALITY AND ADDICTION

The definition of spirituality is usually difficult to define, as it has a distinct meaning, and form of experience for everybody. However, it is conventionally defined as the connection to a higher form of power or source which is possibly greater than all individuals. Some school of thoughts also have the definition of spirituality as Spirit, Universe, God and Oneness.

When it comes to the identifying with things that are spiritual, it is specific for each person, and it also validates the beliefs which are centered around spirituality. Hence, it would seem different for everyone.

As for addiction, it is basically defined as a brain disorder which is featured by engaging in a compulsive behaviour in a bid to satisfy oneself, irrespective of the consequences which could be disadvantageous in most cases.

Addiction and spirituality are two concepts which are interwoven. In an active addiction process, there is definitely the absence of the link to a spirit, which could take any form depending on the individual. During recovery, the spiritual practice is very important and it is usually the basis for remaining sober.

Addiction can be said to be a disease which is linked to isolation, and it makes the individual think that he or she is not having the connection which they used to have before they got addicted. During this phase, it seems as if there is no sense of understanding of spirituality and the higher power in general.

Then, we come to believe that there is nothing for use to be thankful for, and hence, we are seemingly shut-off from the present state of reality. Some people are of the opinion that for someone to be successful in breaking free from addiction, there is a need for toeing a certain spiritual path in recovery, and also having a family of support for the necessary support.

Why this is important is, the spirit of addiction in every individual wants the person to be left in the dark. However, the spiritual path wants the exact opposite, and alongside with the community of support, the light of recovery serves as the liberation channel.

Spirituality has a strong effect on our hearts and mind, and connecting to a higher power helps us to trounce shame and stop addictive thoughts.


The Role of a Higher Power

A higher power refers to something greater than humans and can be seen as a connection and relation between human nature and living things. A higher power is believed to be a force to be reckoned with and the one that supersedes all influence. A belief or faith in a higher power can spur ones recovery from addiction and intense bondage of feeling disconnected. Spirituality which involves a confidence and conviction of the potency of a higher power can help in providing solution to addiction.

In the process of recovery, an addict should tend to have an intense purpose that provides a form of motivation to achieve moderation and modesty. Hence, believing in a higher power can help find such purpose and enables the addict have faith that they can find the peace and rest of mind they seek through the efficacy of the higher power. Since inspiration is required in maintaining a clear mind, a knowledge that a power or force exist that motivation can be drawn from enables the addict to be driven to quit the abuse of substance which causes addiction. Therefore a higher power plays the role of ensuring people are connected to something of significance.

Although, establishing a connection with a higher power can be an arduous task for a number of people for recovery purpose. Surrendering to a higher power seems to be challenging especially after dwelling on will and choice of the mind for a long period of time, but coming to a consciousness about the potency of the power, it becomes a pivotal constituent for recovery. Also when the reality that the cause of an addict’s craving or addiction was due to the fact that they had control of their will power, they tend to release their self to the influence of the higher power. When there is a failure to create a relationship with a higher power, it hampers the recovery process.

After being relieved from the burden of control of will, the addict is able to divert their strength in other spheres of affairs which is very important in the process of recovery which involves engaging in other activities that take their minds away from the things that make them addicts. Hence, having a sense of connection to a thing greater than oneself can provide a way from being free from the ruins of addiction.

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Is Addiction a Spiritual Problem?

Addiction can be regarded as a symptom of spiritual malady. When an individual loses connection from the environment and relationship with people around, there would be a sense of isolation and separation experienced by the individual. Spirituality which is a belief in a power that controls the world and supersedes human nature. In spirituality, one finds a connection with nature, a sense of belonging among the living and a purpose for which exists.

Hence, a lack of concordance with the principles of spirituality leads to feelings of emptiness and seclusion. An after effect involves an intense feeling of unhappiness, low self-esteem and this in turn causes a sequence of addictive behaviors. Addiction is a strong result of a deep suffering from disconnection from everything and everyone that relates to a person. As the individual sinks deeper into this disease of addiction, there is a negative tendency to become separated more from nature.

The spiritual malady of addiction tends to become complex and worsened after a long period of time if proper care is not taken. When one cannot find solution to the section of the mind which stores negative ideas and distress as a result for longing to be connected spiritually, there is need for urgent intervention. The addict continually seeks peace and satisfaction with intent of staying in connection but eventually finds pain and dissatisfaction.

Addiction constitutes a static effect on spirituality. When one is in an addictive situation, there is an urge to maintain the false moment of connection, not feeling the emptiness usually being felt. Therefore, addiction causes a stagnation in spirituality and makes one become in profound bondage with the abuse of substances. A separation from healthy spirituality and a higher power is increased by certain engagements considered immoral.

Addiction is a disease that can drive a person into unjust act. It is a form of deception, it allows addicts feel a deep need of completeness is solved and that they have found peace and accomplishment. It also makes them mistake their feelings for an intensity of intimacy and a delight for fulfilment.

No amount of substance or effect that can replace the satisfaction we get from feeling in touch with something that is higher than human’s personality. There is a sense of rest, assuredness and certainty that one is secured and indispensable when connected in spirituality but an absence of such connection leads to unimaginable acts of addiction.


Connection Between Spirituality and Mental Health

Spirituality and its essence affects mental health in a number of ways. It plays a significant function in assisting people in sustaining a positive mental health treatment facilities and also help recover from mental health problems as the case may be. Although, Spirituality is a universally acknowledged concept, it is viewed by people differently and in diverse manners. Basically, it involves the belief and faith in a higher power and this forms a core aspect of an individual’s identity and purpose in life.

Spirituality and mental health are entities related together such that spirituality can help an individual in terms of emotional stress, mental disorders, pain due to loss etc. Spirituality focuses more on the healing of the individual and not just on the ailment or condition. Spirituality also provides a faster and more effective recovery of the person by concentrating more on recognition of strength and will to get better. Also, spirituality can instill a feeling of being attached to a bigger personality than one self hence, providing an extra effort to the individual’s mental strength in solving mental health problems.

People have diverse spiritual beliefs and this tends to influence their choice of mode of receiving support or treatment of mental health issues. Putting the spiritual needs of such people at a higher pedestal can help provide support for their recovery and help them make the best out of their mental health predicament.

However, it is important to note that spirituality doesn’t always have a positive effect on the mental health of people. The effect of spirituality depends on the individual’s beliefs and if such a person’s belief system is the one promoting negative tendencies such as hatred for other non-believers, this affects the thinking orientation and can lead to increased stress causing mental health disorders. Also, people tend to feel they are being chastised anytime they experience health difficulties or problems and due to this, they avoid getting treatment and this is turn leads to emotional distress and sometimes loss of life.

There are situations where patients would rely entirely on spirituality to solve mental issues and refuse to take treatment. For instance, a patient undergoing treatment for a mental disorder and discovers there is a slight improvement in the state of the illness and decides to stop the treatment because the patient believes he or she is healed. This may later aggravate into more serious mental health problems.


Are Mental Disorders a Spiritual Attack?

Mental disorder is a mishap which happens to an individual as negative effect after a failed attempt to solve issues relating to the mind. It holds the individual in bondage and captivity and makes the soul sick and under places it under a terrible oppression. Mental disorders can in a way emanate as a spiritual affliction, it is an occurrence of damage and attack caused by a life that is spiritually declined and disconnected. This leads to a wreck in the individual’s life, emotions, ambitions and hope.

The systems of the world are constantly in war against the essence of spirituality, the way of life of people deviates and are not aligned with the purpose of spirituality which is to be connected with a higher or a supreme force or power. The beliefs and attitudes accustomed to being worldly are hampering the ability to attain a successful spiritual life. The moment an individual stops seeking comfort and solace in the strength of a higher power and realm, it leads to weakness and susceptibility to negative acts such as substance abuse in order to acquire the strength craved for which. In the long run, the mental health is adversely affected.

The behavior of a person with mental disorder is that which is negative and as such they receive condemnations quite easily but it is imperial to understand that such people are influenced by terrible forces or terrors. This takes a negative toll on their lives and lifestyle. There is a negative power at work in the minds of people suffering from mental disorder that makes them vulnerable and defenseless and as such they don’t have a will power to withstand or fight against all negative behavioral attitudes that exhumes from that state of weakness.

The grip of mental disorder can cause a change and an overturn in the brain’s orientation of the addict and becomes a difficult task to battle. The drive to attain a sense of relief and pleasure or to take away a measure of discomfort causes the individual to find succor in the use of harmful and dangerous substances such as drugs and alcohol which can affect the brain.

Furthermore, the cause of mental illness is in the immediate and direct necessity to obtain satisfaction and rest from a troubled mind but it all ends on a false note. Hence, once an individual falls into this deception instead of trying to seek help spiritually and try to attain a spiritual connection, they end up living a life of pain and misery.