It’s really not my mind — the mental obsession — that is the underlying root of what will take me back to drinking. It’s the “spiritual malady”, as manifested by my EGO (selfishness-self-centeredness), that can eventually lead me back to drinking or sometimes even suicide. It simply means we are spiritually blocked off from the Power of God, which enables us to remain sober, happy, joyous, and free. This spiritual malady, or spiritual disconnection, is the driving force behind our addiction and self-destructive behaviors. Without addressing this spiritual malady, we have absolutely no hope for intrinsic change or recovery.
Contact Your First Step’s National Hotline
No one is perfect at first when attempting to live a spiritual life, especially when we are coming back from a long spiritual hiatus. What is important though is that we strive to be a little better every single day and never give up on our spiritual journey in recovery. Our spiritual malady never just goes away and stays away on its own, it requires a constant spiritual connectivity and effort on our parts in our programs to keep it and the subsequent alcohol and drug abuse at bay.
- The same holds true for identifying what a relationship with God or the Higher Power is like.
- The spiritual malady in Alcoholics Anonymous refers to a profound sense of disconnection and unrest that drives many alcoholics to seek solace in alcohol and other substances.
- As Founder and Executive Director of the 501(c)3 nonprofit, Recovered On Purpose, and Managing Partner of Behavioral Health Partners, Adam has helped thousands find freedom from addiction all over the world.
- It simply means we are spiritually blocked off from the Power of God, which enables us to remain sober, happy, joyous, and free.
- Adam Vibe Gunton is an American author, speaker and thought leader in addiction treatment and recovery.
What are the symptoms of spiritual malady?
If you are suffering from symptoms of the spiritual malady, use these clarifying questions to ascertain where the problem lies. If you wish to contact a specific medical detox center then find a specific treatment center using our addiction treatment locator tool. Taking time for reflection, pondering the significance of life events, and practicing forgiveness and compassion are key practices for spiritual wellness. Daily gratitude and journaling help recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of life, fostering spiritual growth. Grasping this concept allows us to truly understand the necessity of spiritual healing in our recovery journey. Here at California Detox in Laguna Beach, we can help you unpack the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of alcoholism.
thoughts on “How do you know if you are having a spiritual experience?”
A spiritual malady, then, reduces to a sense of otherness felt by many alcoholics that prevents them from feeling at peace with themselves and the world around them. When these physical, mental, and spiritual components come together, an individual with alcohol use disorder will be rendered powerless to arrest a vicious cycle of obsessions, cravings, and alcohol abuse. Today’s guide spiritual malady explores the spiritual malady meaning in the context of 12-step recovery groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). According to AA, spiritual malady is often fueled by resentments and renders life unmanageable. My troubles are of my own making and arise out my living a life run on self-will. I must be God centered instead of self centered and God directed rather than self directed .
Professional Help for Spiritual Malady and Addiction
- Untreated spiritual malady can lead to a deep sense of dissatisfaction and disconnection, further fueling our addiction.
- By embracing these steps and principles, we can experience a profound transformation and find peace and purpose in our recovery journey.
- By fostering empathy and meaningful connections, we can break free from the isolation and find a path to recovery.
- From admitting powerlessness over alcohol to making a moral inventory and admitting wrongs, each step plays a crucial role in spiritual healing.
Adam Vibe Gunton is an American author, speaker and thought leader in addiction treatment and recovery. After overcoming homelessness and drug addiction, Adam found his life’s purpose in helping addicts find the same freedom he found. As Founder and Executive Director of the 501(c)3 nonprofit, Recovered On Purpose, and Managing Partner of Behavioral Health Partners, Adam has helped thousands find freedom from addiction all over the world. An environment that is supportive and appreciates the spiritual aspects of addiction is crucial for sustained recovery. Maintaining close relationships with AA sponsors is critical, particularly in the first year of recovery, to avoid distractions and stay focused on healing.
Seeking professional treatment is crucial to address both the physical and spiritual dimensions of addiction. Integrated treatment programs offer a combination of medical detox, therapy, and spiritual support to provide comprehensive care for addiction. A connection with a higher power is intrinsically tied to overcoming spiritual malady.
Addiction is not only a disease of the brain but also of the spirit, highlighting the critical role of spiritual healing in recovery. In the 12-Step Program, integrating a higher power into our lives is a cornerstone of combating addiction. This connection with a power greater than ourselves is not necessarily religious but is about finding a profound spiritual grounding.
