Here at Renaissance Ranch, we believe that addiction recovery is not only mental, physical, and emotional. Rather, we believe there is a heavy, crucial spiritual component to the healing process. Without recognizing that key element, your recovery is left with a big, gaping hole.
Until you find the necessary equilibrium, not only is your recovery left unbalanced, but your reintegration faces the same missing pieces, as well. It is not enough just to recognize the topical reality that spirituality plays a large role in addiction healing and reintegration. Instead, those who are recovering from addiction need to recognize specific spiritual tools that serve as deep-rooted aids along the way. Once these aids are identified, they can be harnessed to enhance an overall healing — mind, body, and spirit — from addiction, especially after classes and programs are complete.
Take a look at these two spiritual tools that you will need as you not only continue to recover from addiction but as you make your way back to a normal, everyday lifestyle:
#1. Understand where true joy comes from.
Louie Giglio, Passion City Church Pastor in Atlanta, Georgia, recently hosted a sermon on happiness — why we love it, crave it, chase after it, but can never hold onto it. The answer was quite simple: happiness depends on current circumstances, which are fleeting and ever-changing. However, joy, which is a deeper, lasting elation, comes not from current circumstances but from a consistent discipline of gratitude — which never hinges on change.
You see, true joy can’t be a reflection of highs and lows or the up and down feelings of the here and now. This is because joy doesn’t rely on what we want to make us happy. Rather, it relies on what we know satisfies the soul.
So if joy is what truly satisfies the soul, how do we not only find joy but find ways to keep it alive? Gratitude. Yes, it’s that simple. Joy comes from a constant, inward sense of humility that recognizes how much we have been given. This revelation not only provides us with joy but it calls us to give joy to others. True joy is seen as an outflow of gratitude that spreads to others.
While your addiction recovery likely comes with regret, mistakes, severed relationships, and fear of the future, it is important to take the time to physically list out what you are grateful for. Recall the treatment you’ve received. Think about the incredible staff, doctors, counselors, and friends who have supported you along the way. Remember the opportunity you have to reshape your future.
If you sit down and think hard, you’ll find plenty of reasons to be thankful. This thankfulness, once implemented daily, becomes deep-rooted gratitude that results in a joy that both you and others can celebrate.
#2. Realize the value of encouragement, both for you and others.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”
While “encouragement” is not specifically mentioned in this list, encouragement is the perfect embodiment of each of these fruits. It’s vital for you to not only encourage yourself with positive thoughts and words, but it’s important to encourage others who are on this addiction recovery journey, too. This requires a daily practice of implementing love, joy, peace, patience, and more — for yourself and others.
Meanwhile, encouragement’s root word is, to no surprise, “courage.” Encouragement takes a bold willingness to not only recognize your past but to accept forgiveness for yourself, and at the same time, extend such grace to others who are fighting their own regrets, mistakes, and fears for the future.
Additionally, The South Suburban Council found that “Motivation… [is] a primary component of the addiction recovery process.” Motivation stems from internal convictions and conversations, so you must not only speak to yourself with words of encouragement but your convictions that drive what you do must come from a positive, healthy place of inspiration.
As Romans 15:5 (NIV) says, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”
Encouragement is crucial. Joy is vital. These two elements must be implemented into the spiritual part of your healing process. Without them, it’s easy for regrets, shame, and fear to take the steering wheel and wreck your recovery. Actively pursue ways to find joy and give encouragement.
It’s not always easy to spiritually invest in your addiction recovery process. Like all other aspects of the journey (the physical, mental, and emotional), it takes some uphill work and a constant willingness to stay in the fight. However, when you can maximize joy and encouragement for yourself and others, you possess so much more power over temptations and potential relapses. If you’re having trouble tapping into these spiritual aspects, or you need someone to hold you accountable, our staff at Renaissance Ranch is available to connect you with the right people and the right resources. Healing is hard, but you don’t have to walk through it alone. If you’re struggling with any aspect of addiction, addiction recovery, or reintegration, we can help. The Renaissance Ranch team is here to assist you through all aspects of the drug addiction recovery process. To learn more about our assistance, please contact us today at (801) 308-8898.