Spirituality and Addiction Treatment
Modern medicine works wonders in regards to treating addiction, but long before the right medicine existed, some individuals who didn’t have those resources relied on their spirituality to give them strength. There’s no doubt about the fact that drug and alcohol addiction does a number on someone’s physical and mental health, but there is another component that goes along with that.
Addiction can harm someone’s spiritual well-being just as much as their physical well-being. To combat this harm, many individual’s turn to spirituality and religion. This is due to the fact that for some people, it’s not enough to combat addiction with traditional treatment methods. In these cases, one’s spiritual health could make or break the success of their treatment.
A Treatment Program for Everyone
Addiction has no regard for an individual’s personal life choices. Whether someone practices Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, or Buddism, we accept them for who they are at Sana Lake. Our programs at Sana Lake are built upon acceptance and respect for others. Not only that, but we long to see their spiritual lives transformed if that’s what they need to be free of addiction. Our programs do not favor any one religion, but instead aim to seek spiritual harmony and balance within each individual.
Some of those who aren’t religious or don’t believe in a higher power may feel a bit turned off by the idea of exploring their spirituality; this process, however, is much more than just worshipping a particular deity. There are many practices that allow people to reach into their souls. Some of these include meditation, yoga, or even spending time in nature. These practices allow someone to gain clarity and self-awareness, regardless of whether or not they believe in a god.
At Sana Lake, we don’t discriminate when it comes to someone’s spirituality, nor do we encourage them to change their minds when it comes to their worldview; we do, however, know that spirituality may open up another side to a person that they have never explored themselves. Because of this, an individual may find closure and be at peace knowing the fullness of their own being.
Our aim for individuals who are desiring to find a sense of wholeness within themselves is to help them to discover themselves spiritually. Doing this in conjunction with one’s physical treatment will help them strengthen their resolve to get better.
Spirituality vs. Religion
One of the most common misunderstandings regarding spirituality is that it’s synonymous with religion; this couldn’t be farther from the truth. There are many individuals who tap into their spiritual side but aren’t religious in the slightest. None of that is at all a bad thing. At Sana Lake, we believe that each of our memes are unique individuals with their own world view, and we celebrate that diversity.
Spirituality and religion have been thought as synonymous for hundreds of years, but spirituality isn’t defined by religion. Religion is often how individuals make sense of the world or their purpose in life. When it comes to religion, regardless of whether or not someone is Christian, Jewish, Hindu, or Muslim, beliefs, rituals, and practices are followed through to express one’s belief in a God or gods.
The difference between religion and spirituality is that spirituality relates to one’s personal meaning or belonging. Spirituality is more of a search for something greater than any one person; it aligns more with helping an individual find peace and wholeness within themselves.
Looking at spirituality through the lens of religion, although possible, doesn’t appeal to everyone. Some of the ways that others practice their spirituality include yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. Regardless of the specifics, spirituality absent from religion aims to practice holistic methods of personal care.
All in all, regardless of what an individual believes to be true about the world around them, we are more interested in accepting these individuals and allowing them to explore their inner-peace and purpose in life.
Spirituality and Addiction Treatment at Sana Lake
Offering members the utmost in addiction treatment is at the forefront of what we do at Sana Lake. We start by assessing their individual needs, and once that is done, we figure out which treatment best fits their particular situation. There is no one-size-fits-all method to addiction treatment, and that’s why we take each individual on a case by case basis.
A spiritual path allows individuals to incorporate their beliefs as it relates to their faith and spirituality into their path to recovery. Our goal for these spiritual treatment methods is to integrate truths from each member’s spiritual background. This allows the individual to be treated uniquely and helps them stay motivated in the very core of their being.We typically do this in conjunction with other methods of drug and alcohol treatment.
How Spirituality Helps People in Addiction Treatment
Spirituality goes a long way in helping those who suffer from addiction. One of the worst parts of addiction is the fact that it takes so much from people. It has no regard for anybody’s background, relationships, dreams or aspirations; addiction is something that takes without personal bias. However, things aren’t all doom and gloom. Addiction may take some things away from an individual, but it can never take away the core of the individual. That part of a person will be the part that helps them recover successfully.
When it all boils down to it, exploring one’s spirituality may be the spark to light the fire of someone’s recovery so that they can find themselves again. Spirituality gives people purpose. When someone is addicted, their purpose is to feed their hunger for more. Spirituality combats this by providing someone with a gradual sense of purpose until it becomes more important than the addiction itself. Once someone’s purpose is shifted, they act in accordance with that purpose.
Sometimes, one of the most impactful things someone can do for themselves is reconnect with themselves spiritually. This allows someone to tap into their emotions and the true depths of their soul. When people recognize that their spiritual health is important, they start to realize that their soul matters. No matter what, nobody can take away the spiritual potential that exists in everyone’s life. This aspect of humanity gives us motivation and empowers us to take on what seems impossible.
For Those Who Don’t Pursue Spiritual, Holistic Methods
It is vastly unrealistic to assume that everyone would resonate with exploring their spirituality in their addiction treatment. In fact, this method does not come naturally to everyone. This idea further echoes our philosophy at Sana Lake. We believe that each person that walks through our doors comes from a different background and responds uniquely to different kinds of treatment. This is why it is so important to us that we assess their needs on an individual basis.
I Struggle With Exploring My Spirituality, But Want to Know How
Exploring one’s spirituality does not come naturally to everyone. Some individuals find it effortless while others find it difficult. Some couldn’t care less about seeking to understand their soul, while others may struggle and desire to pursue a prioritization of spirituality. For these individuals it is imperative that they are being intentional with themselves. Learning about your own soul can prove itself difficult, but with patience and understanding, it’s not impossible.
Some things members can do to explore their spiritual being include journaling, meditating, and sometimes even being present with nature. Alone time can lend us thoughts and emotions we otherwise didn’t know existed. It’s important, if one is to explore their spirituality, to write their thoughts, concerns, and emotions down, and share it with someone. The ultimate goal is to seek clarity for oneself.
For some individuals, it’s not that easy. It’s difficult to take intentional time to search one’s soul and pay attention to what their bodies and minds are telling them. It’s imperative to remember, however, that just because it is difficult doesn’t make it impossible. Spirituality does not demand some awestruck experience. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Spirituality oftentimes requires one to pay attention to the ordinary moments. Being present is just as important as making something meaningful.
Sana Lake is Here to Guide You
Life with addiction is difficult. Each person that walks through the doors of our facilities is unique and comes with their own history. Our ultimate goal is to seek to understand them, and then help them understand themselves. It is imperative to us that if someone needs help exploring their spirituality as a means to recover, we help them do just that. Our philosophy is to put our members first. If you or a loved one would like to find out more, you can contact us here.
