In The Big Book of AA, the 12 steps outlined are a formalized approach to achieving this transformational change. Many of us felt that there was something wrong with us or something missing—in short, we felt different from other people. We couldn’t understand why the people surrounding us could feel happiness or contentment, so we turned to drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medicating our perceived shortcomings. From our time spent spiritual malady feeding our addictions, we feel that the opposite begins to happen.
The Spiritual Malady: A Hole in the Soul
Of course those things can be classified as « unmanageability » – but they are external unmanageability. The unmanageability that the 1st Step is pointing to is the INWARD unmanageability of our lives – the restlessness, irritability, and discontentment that most alcoholics have even BEFORE they ever picked up their first drink. Some refer to it as « untreated alcoholism. » Others use the term « bedevilments », which comes from page 52 of the Big Book (which I’ll be discussing in a moment). Page 64 simply refers to this « inward unmanageability » as « the spiritual malady. » Taking time for reflection, pondering the significance of life events, and practicing forgiveness and compassion are key practices for spiritual wellness.
- One unique way of fostering spiritual wellness is through building connections with others who share similar values and beliefs.
- 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.
Thoughts of Recovery – No.17 – The Spiritual Malady – Step 1
Living by the principles of AA helps maintain spiritual fitness and reduces the influence of spiritual maladies. Daily practice of these principles can lead to sustained sobriety and spiritual development. One way to think of a Higher Power is simply as a force that is greater than yourself. This could be the power of nature, the universe, or even something as simple as your cats or dogs at home – perhaps their love for you and the fact that they need you to be sober is your Higher Power. It doesn’t matter what your Higher Power is; what matters is that you believe in something that can help guide and support you on your journey to recovery. One of the most important things in AA is finding a sponsor – someone who has been through the program and can help guide you through it.
- There’s actually a more fulfilling (and less accusatory) way to weave spirituality into the picture — one that doesn’t clash with the science and is ultimately more positive and optimistic.
- Living by the principles of AA helps maintain spiritual fitness and reduces the influence of spiritual maladies.
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- The 12 Steps of AA encourage improving one’s conscious contact with a higher power, specifically focusing on prayer and meditation in Step 11.
What are some benefits of overcoming the spiritual malady?
By practicing self-care, individuals can create an environment of self-love and acceptance, achieving a better understanding of their purpose and connection with themselves. These strategies can aid individuals in overcoming spiritual maladies and lead to an marijuana addiction improved quality of life. It can also help to mitigate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. To achieve a deep spiritual connection with oneself and others, it is essential to overcome spiritual malady. This conquest ensures a healthy and holistic lifestyle, free from mental and emotional disturbances. The significance of such a state is rooted in improved relationships, mental clarity, self-acceptance, and inner peace.
The Concept of Spiritual Disease
- Finally, someone explained to me that those things are not the insanity that the Big Book talks about; nor are those things why the alcoholic’s life becomes unmanageable.
- Many men and women in AA describe certain feelings they had before picking up a drink or drug.
- Studies have shown that those who give of themselves for the betterment of others tend to experience increased happiness and fulfillment in their own lives.
It’s also important to remember that your understanding of a Higher Power can change and evolve over time. As you grow in your sobriety and learn more about yourself, you may find that your concept of a Higher Power changes as well. The most important thing is that you keep an open mind and heart as you continue on your sobriety journey. Even if you don’t believe in God right now, it’s important to keep an open mind.
For many struggling with alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction, the only way to overcome these feelings is to embark upon a spiritual program of action fearlessly. We have found that these problems no longer exist for us when we begin living by spiritual principles and improving our conscious contact with our higher power. There are many men and women who felt the same way and have been able to overcome the malady by maintaining spiritual fitness and practicing the principles of AA in all of their affairs. The 12-Steps focus on addressing and fixing the spiritual problems that led us into our addiction, and by doing so, we find that they allow us to positively change our mental and physical issues. Understanding spiritual malady and its impact on recovery is essential for anyone battling addiction. This deep-seated sense of disconnection and unrest drives the cycle of addiction and self-destructive behaviors.
- External factors like societal pressures and expectations can cause spiritual distress.
- Some causes of a spiritual malady may include a disconnection from one’s spiritual values or beliefs, unresolved emotional trauma, feeling stuck or unfulfilled in one’s career or personal life, and a lack of self-awareness.
- And yet, if you’ve spent any time around AA folks, chances are the term has come up.
- Overcoming the spiritual malady is an ongoing process that requires consistent commitment and effort.
- These core beliefs make it harder for us to connect with a god of our understanding.
This may involve a variety of practices, such as meditation, prayer, or simply setting aside time each day to reflect and connect with your inner self. By taking steps to nourish your spiritual self, you can overcome a spiritual malady and return to a state of balance and harmony in your life. One way to help others is by offering support through listening and genuine concern. This can include sharing personal stories of triumph over spiritual challenges https://ecosoberhouse.com/ or just lending a nonjudgmental ear. Another approach is through prayer and meditation practices that foster a deeper connection with God or a higher power. At Oceanfront Recovery, our team of addiction treatment professionals understands how to approach alcohol addiction as the chronic disease it is.