Alcoholism is a severe illness that goes beyond mere drinking problems, and its recovery requires spiritual support. The 12-step program is a crucial recovery process for alcoholics, where the concept of "God" plays a significant role.
This "God" is perceived not only as a religious deity but also as a transcendent being understood individually by each addict.
The Role of God
The recovery process from alcoholism is mentally challenging, with addicts facing numerous temptations and difficulties. In such times, the presence of "God" serves as a significant source of spiritual support. Research indicates that faith in God contributes to the mental stability and continued sobriety of addicts.
For instance, a study by Kelly and Yeterian (2011) revealed that participants in mutual-help groups (like AA) who have faith in God experience enhanced mental stability and continued sobriety in the following ways:
- Reconstructing Lifestyle:
Reorganizing the addict's lifestyle to make healthy, substance-free living rewarding and appealing. - Participation in Alternative Activities:
Encouraging addicts to actively engage in enjoyable social activities that do not involve drugs or alcohol. - Enhancing Enjoyment in Home and Work:
Undertaking efforts to increase the enjoyment derived from "communities" such as home and work. - Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA):
An approach targeting adolescent addicts and their caregivers, based on the same operant mechanisms (behavior reinforcement through rewards). - Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT):
An approach to involve family members in persuading reluctant addicts to participate in treatment.
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Additionally, Springer's research (2023) provides detailed insights into how faith in God and spiritual beliefs specifically aid in the recovery of addicts. According to this study, positive religious coping and God's support have a clear effect on the spiritual growth and recovery of addicts. Specifically, the following results are reported:
- Stress Reduction:
Faith in God provides addicts with a sense of reassurance, helping to reduce stress. - Increased Hope and Optimism:
Faith in God instills hope and optimism in addicts, fostering a strong desire for recovery. - Enhanced Social Support:
Faith in God helps addicts gain support within their community.
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Metrics for Self-Awareness and Improvement
The 12-step program provides guidelines for addicts to introspect and strive for self-improvement. The presence of God serves as a metric for addicts to reflect on themselves and improve. In each step, addicts are required to acknowledge and correct their past mistakes, achieving spiritual growth. For example, in Step 4, they thoroughly inventory their past actions, and in Step 5, they confess their mistakes to God and a trusted person, experiencing spiritual liberation.
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Strengthening Community and Empathy
According to Kaskutas' (2009) literature review, spiritual growth and faith in God are essential in the recovery of addicts. Through faith in God, many addicts strive for self-improvement and aim to become better individuals. Additionally, faith in God in the 12-step program strengthens the community among addicts. Sharing the same faith allows addicts to encourage and empathize with each other during their recovery. In this community, faith in God serves as a common foundation and a source of emotional support.
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A Being to Entrust Specific Wishes
Furthermore, God is also a being to whom specific wishes can be entrusted. By praying to God for concrete wishes such as economic stability and family happiness, addicts can maintain a strong will to recover. This helps them hold on to hope and courage even in difficult situations.
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Conclusion
Spiritual support is crucial in the recovery from alcoholism. The presence of "God" in the 12-step program holds various meanings for addicts and strongly supports their recovery. Maintaining hope and courage through a personally understood "God" is key to their recovery.
References
- Kelly, J. F., & Yeterian, J. D. (2011). The role of mutual-help groups in extending the framework of treatment. Alcohol Research & Health.
- Kaskutas, L. A. (2009). Alcoholics Anonymous effectiveness: Faith meets science. Journal of Addictive Diseases.
- Springer, A. (2023). The Mechanism Underlying the Relationship Between Positive Religious Coping and God's Support in the Recovery of Alcohol-Dependent Individuals. Journal of Religion and Health.