The Role of Spirituality in Addiction Recovery

Abstract

In the area of addiction, Canada has been in a public health crisis since 2016. Addiction takes a toll on an individual’s self-worth and identity. A single approach to addiction recovery does not function as a sustainable path to spiritual development for clients diagnosed with substance use disorder. Understanding of spirituality can inform counsellors regarding spiritual development in addiction recovery. Research was conducted to explore the role of spirituality in addiction recovery. Using heuristic inquiry and thematic analysis, I interviewed six coresearchers who had at least one year of continuous sobriety, were active in Alcoholics Anonymous, and abstinent. Six themes emerged: identifying with collective knowledge, finding a translator, body talk, let love in, nourishing a healing perspective, and elevated consciousness and manifestation. The themes highlighted the importance of body-mind-spirit-based psychotherapy. Implications for counselling include a roadmap to support clients developing an individualized spiritual connection and operating as a functional system.