Vicky Dulai is an independent psychedelic and philanthropic consultant who advises peers and foundations on emerging studies on psychedelic research, treatments, and training programs. In the following article, Ms. Dulai explains how spirituality plays a role in addiction recovery.
Anonymous and its sister program, Narcotics Anonymous, have helped people from all walks of life overcome addiction for nearly a century. Yet, the two organizations often receive criticism over their support for spirituality, leading many to claim that they are proselytizing under the guise of addiction services. Vicky Dulai says that these claims ignore the services’ manyfold therapeutic practices as well as the research-backed role of spirituality in addiction healing.
Spirituality in addiction recovery is not meant to be a single healing treatment. Instead, it is viewed as a way for addicts to put faith in something greater than themselves, as well as to seek forgiveness in moments when they lapse back into addiction. Vicky Dulai takes a look at how spirituality can benefit addiction recovery services and whether these services require members to become religious.
The Early Days of Recovery and Its Spiritual Roots
The first meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) were held in the homes of its co-founders, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. The two men had both struggled with addiction and found that they could not overcome their alcoholism by themselves. In 1935, the pair met for the first time and discussed their shared belief in a higher power explains Vicky Dulai.
This conversation would lay the foundation for what would become AA’s “12-Step Program.” The 12 Steps are a set of guiding principles that direct members on a path to recovery, with Step Two reading, “Come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
However, AA’s founders made it clear that the organization would be based on spirituality, not religion. In AA’s Big Book, Wilson wrote that the program is “not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution.” He also noted that members are not required to believe in any particular religion or higher power, but that they only need to have “a desire to stop drinking.”
Vicky Dulai on the Role of Spirituality in Addiction Recovery
Vicky Dulai explains that for many people in addiction recovery, spirituality plays a key role in their healing journey. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that spirituality was a significant predictor of successful outcomes in people receiving treatment for substance abuse disorders.
The study’s authors noted that spirituality can provide a sense of hope and meaning, which can be helpful in moments of temptation or relapse. Vicky Dulai says that other research has found that spirituality can help people in addiction recovery by:
- Reducing stress
- Improving mental and physical health
- Increasing life satisfaction
- Providing a sense of community
It’s important to note that spirituality is not a cure-all for addiction and that it is only one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, for many people, spirituality can be a helpful tool in their journey to recovery according to Vicky Dulai.
Can Addicts Recover Without Spirituality?
The simple answer is yes. While spirituality can be helpful for some people in addiction recovery, it is not required for everyone. There are many people who have overcome addiction without ever attending an AA or NA meeting or believing in a higher power. The most important thing for people in addiction recovery is to find the treatment methods that work best for them explains Vicky Dulai.
For some, this may include attending 12-Step meetings and incorporating spirituality into their recovery. For others, this may mean finding an abstinence-based program that does not focus on spirituality. The important thing is that people in addiction recovery find a path that works for them and helps them stay sober.
Non-Spiritual Approaches to Addiction Recovery
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are not the only organizations that provide addiction recovery services. Vicky Dulai says that there are also many secular and non-spiritual programs available that do not place an emphasis on spiritual growth. For example, the following services base their recovery plans on behavioral modification techniques:
- SMART Recovery
- LifeRing
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety
- Rational Recovery
- Women for Sobriety
These programs take a variety of different approaches to addiction recovery, but they all share one common goal: helping people overcome addiction without incorporating spirituality. Each person’s journey to recovery is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Vicky Dulai says that the important thing is that people in addiction recovery find a program that works for them and helps them stay sober.
Final Thoughts on Spirituality in Addiction Healing
The role of spirituality in addiction recovery is a controversial topic. Some believe that spirituality is essential for recovery, while others believe that it is not necessary. The important thing for addicts to remember is to find a path that works for them. While spirituality may help some people maintain their progress, it’s not a prerequisite for addiction healing.
