Integrating Spirituality into Addiction Recovery
Many of us benefited from routine recovery work, such as rehab and recovery meetings, in order to break out of the grasp of addiction. This included learning how to manage intense cravings, triggers, stress, and old associates. We also benefited from practicing spiritual principles such as living with a higher purpose, forgiveness, gratitude, mending relationships, and cultivating a relationship with our creator. Deep down, we are wired to know and connect with our creator and live a balanced life. When this instinct is suppressed, it leads to deep discontent. Many try to fill this emptiness with different things that work for a while until they don’t. Living in a recovery residence that promotes spirituality can provide the environment necessary to cultivate this connection. We have programs and recovery homes for people of all spiritual traditions and have specific faith-based programs and recovery homes for Muslims. For Muslims struggling with their spirituality, see below for more information.
Why use the word spirituality?
The first 13 years of the Islamic Prophet’s mission was focused on cultivating the heart and minds of people. The verses of the Quran that were revealed during this time also focused on this objective. The tranquility and light of Islam gradually loosened the grip of wine and other habits. This was a practical process over time and not an abrupt event. For many, the word spirituality can be an open concept that allows them to get closer to the reality of this process of spiritual transformation in Islam. On the other hand, religion can be a closed concept for some, associated with judgement and superstition.
What if I’m not ready to change?
Having conflicting thoughts about change is normal. Many of us felt the light and spiritual experience of Islam, and at the same time, may have not completely let go of all our old habits. Ambivalence is normal, and part of the process. We still engaged in learning and traveling the path of Islam. This was the process since the time of the early Muslims. For example, the habit of drinking alcohol among the companions was gradually decreased in phases. After the first verse (chapter 2:219) revealed about alcohol informed about the its great harm, some companions stopped out of piety. The second verse (chapter 4:43) revealed prohibited people from coming to prayer while intoxicated. Finally, after 17 years of Islam growing in people’s hearts, the final verse (chapter 5:90–91) on Alcohol was revealed prohibiting it. At this point, the early Muslims had worked on themselves and many had already reduced and stopped drinking alcohol because it no longer served any purpose for them.
Science behind Spirituality
Numerous studies show that people with higher levels of spirituality and religious faith are more likely to be abstinent following treatment, have higher resilience to stress, and lower levels of anxiety. The most consistent finding is that higher measures of spirituality are more likely to be abstinent following treatment than those with lower scores. Here is just a few:
Pardini, Dustin A., et al. "Religious faith and spirituality in substance abuse recovery: Determining the mental health benefits." Journal of substance abuse treatment 19.4 (2000): 347-354.
Walton-Moss, Benita, et al. Relationship of Spirituality or Religion to Recovery From Substance Abuse: A Systematic Review. J ADDICT NURS. 2013;24(4):217-226.
The Spiritual Process in Islam
Growth is a process that takes time and strategy. We focus on our hearts and minds, and as we work on and prioritize ourselves, everything else falls into place.
There is an organ in the body, if it is reformed, then the whole body is reformed, but if it is troubled, then the whole body is troubled. Is it not the Heart? (Bukhari; Book 2, Hadith 45)
The first thing that was revealed was chapters from Al-Mufassal (i.e. the shorter chapters), and in it was mentioned Paradise and the Fire. When the people’s hearts turned to Islam, the Verses regarding legal and illegal things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was: 'Do not drink alcoholic drinks.' people would have said, 'We will never leave alcoholic drinks.’ (Bukhari, Book 66, Hadith 15)
I need to be a better person before I reconnect with Islam
Believe it or not, this is a common concept many of us have struggled with initially. If we waited until we were good enough to reconnect with Islam, we would still be waiting. Some of us were still chasing our addiction when we encountered Islam. And slowly, we gradually found it a source of inspiration, strength, peace, and healing. And slowly, we reduced our reliance on our addiction. We encourage others to do the same. It is like someone with a broken leg saying, “I’m going to wait until I can walk to use crutches.” Islam is not some sort of finish line that we cross when everything is already better. Rather, it is the healing and energy we found that we needed to get us to the finish line.
Are religious and spiritual leaders helpful to us?
Many of us have found that spiritual leaders such as Imams, Shaykhs, Chaplains, and others can help us answer the questions related to spirituality, theology, and finding meaning in the suffering we are currently going through. Finding relevant and wise guidance from these sources is possible.
Signs of a spiritual leader that can provide meaningful help are that they follow the Sunnah inwardly and outwardly, they are recognized by other spiritual leaders as being learned in the Islamic sciences, and they are able to handle addiction with empathy, understanding, and wisdom. Interactions with them should lead to feeling empowered, enlightened, and included, and should not lead to feeling alienated, judged, or demoralized. These spiritual leaders do exist and their teachings and advice can provide essential support to improve chances for success.