Discuss The Spiritual Approach To Addiction

Alcohol and addiction has an impact on more lives than just those who suffer from this disease. Addiction has been identified as a disease, by those in the medical field, because they believe is results from biological circumstances. One approach to help one suffering with an addiction or substance abuse disorder is a spiritual approach. The spiritual approach to addiction offers help spirituality by getting in touch with a higher power. They do not address the biological reason behind in addiction, instead they focus on self-help. They do not believe that etiology is sufficient in the treatment of addiction. This approach strongly believes in clinical treatment through counseling. Some psychological approaches study the process of people changing,
so that they can help facilitate change in patients. From this research came the Transtheoretical Model, that focuses on change and the process of change. However, those who are addicted do not have a linear path to change, they often relapse. Abbott says on continual process of the Transtheoretical Model that, “not everyone completes the cycle. Some recycle numerous times; others stay in one or more stages of change, never exiting” (Abbott, 198).
In this model the treatment must be tailored to the individual suffering, in order to see improvement or good change. This model considers the patients age, personality, culture, lifestyle, and the extent of their addiction in order to most successful reach and treat the patient. Furthermore, these approaches treat the whole person. This differs from the disease model, which only takes into account the scientific reasons behind alcoholism and addiction. This model suggests that addiction originates from genetic and biological reasons. This model says that addiction is not simply a behavioral problem and it must be treated as a disease with appropriate medical treatment. Many social workers have gone against the implications of the disease model in saying that the model suggests that addicts do not need to take responsibility for their actions. Spiritual and psychological approaches to addiction value accountability of oneself in order to improve and make changes. However, some people do feel that although the disease model of addiction is certainly not all encompassing, it is a starting place to begin treatment of
addiction. Christianity has long struggled with the concept of addiction, because it has been looked down on as a sinful choice. Although many may still have this view, Christianity did become influential in helping treat addiction. Many have preached that Christian salvation paired with a good education are the cure for addiction. Some Christians believe that converting to Christianity will curb one’s alcohol cravings. From this logic Alcoholics Anonymous was born. Alcoholics Anonymous was rooted in Christianity and understood addiction to have “biological, psychological, and social influences, but primarily offers a spiritual approach to recovery” (Hester & Miller, 1995). The influence of Christianity can be seen in AA’s twelve-step program. The program is centered around willingly surrendering their lives over to a higher power and confessing their wrongdoings to both God and others. They must ask God to help them and this program involves, acceptance, forgiveness, and change. The addicts must make amends with those they have wronged and do right by them. These are strong principles that all Christians must practice. In the conclusion of this article McNeece and DiNitto mention that the problem of defining disease is professionals do not agree whether addiction is simply a bad habit, a disease, or moral corruption.
One extreme approach in treating addiction is the treatment through Christ alone and discounting any biological models. Another form of an extreme approach is addiction programs that totally discount God altogether. A more balanced approach to addiction treatment would balance theological perspectives along with scientific findings. A model that treats the whole person, both spiritually and medically is a balanced model that social workers should implement. As a Christian, I believe that God must be included in addiction treatments to give one a reason to seek change and to give one the strength to change. However, God wants us to use all knowledge He has given us to the best of our ability, so we must not ignore scientific findings. Being able to study creation and learn is a blessing from God, and I believe that He would want us to use our understanding of his creation to help heal the
suffering.