What Is Spiritual Therapy For Addiction Problems?
Spiritual therapies for addiction are a very popular rehabilitation method. These are being chosen more frequently as Spiritual therapies focus on holistic healing. Recovering from an addiction requires a lifestyle change and growth in spirituality can help to turn one’s life around.
The Twelve Step Program is the most famous therapy that has become the foundation for the rehabilitation of different kinds of addictions like alcoholism, drug addiction, overeating, debt and even co dependency.
Spiritual therapy stresses on the existence and influence of a greater power. Alcoholics Anonymous originally came up with the Twelve Step program which was then adopted by different groups.
The addicts are encouraged to admit that one cannot control the addiction and that one needs the help of God to overcome the obstacles. They are made to examine past errors with the help of a sponsor who is an experienced member and making amends for these errors. Once this hurdle is past the addicts can learn new code of conduct to rebuild their lives. After successfully reintegrating back into society these members are encouraged to help others in the same situation to beat their addictions. These therapy groups are more often known as fellowships to encourage bonds within the group. Everybody is instrumental in helping each other. The importance of family support systems is also stressed.
The Twelve Traditions accompany the twelve steps as the traditions help in group governance. These were introduced to resolve conflicts between publicity, religion and finances. The traditions stress on common welfare. Since members are encouraged to help one another, unity is given utmost importance. Next, a loving God is always looked up to for guidance and strength. The leaders are just people who guide the rest, they do not govern. The desire to stop drinking or quitting any of the other forms of addiction is the only criteria necessary to join a therapy group. Each group is autonomous except in matter affecting other groups or the joint association of whichever form of therapy. The purpose of these groups is to help people in need. Financing or lending the particular group name to any related facility or enterprise is strictly prohibited in order to avoid distractions of any kind. Thus the therapy groups are encouraged to be self supporting so that there might not be outside influences. The groups are non professional in nature both in therapy and in organization. However, service boards can be created to directly serve the particular groups. The groups are not encouraged to have any opinions on any outside issues in order to avoid any kind of controversy. Personal anonymity is always encouraged, as the group’s goal is to attract people in need not promotion of any personal agenda. Therefore, anonymity is key.
Spiritual therapy groups help to serve by example. The belief in a higher power helps them to gain strength while also reminding them that God is always watching thus helping them not to slip from their goals.