If you are someone who struggles with a substance abuse disorder (SUD), you might find yourself asking a lot of questions. How did I end up here? When did things go wrong? What happened to me? How do I stop this or What is my way out? There may be aspects of your situation that you’re fully aware of or maybe things have been out of the norm for so long that you forgot how you even got where you are. What’s important to remember is that you don’t have to stay in the place that you’re in, you have the opportunity to change your life for the better and to find yourself again. You are at a point where you can rekindle the things you used to love about yourself and work on the things that maybe needed improvement. Even more important is that you are not alone. There may be people who don’t feel as though faith in a higher power may do much for them, but for others, welcoming some divine intervention was the best thing that they ever did for themselves. At this point, you don’t have anything to lose from choosing to have faith and using it as a guiding force in order to start and maintain recovery.
In fact, coming from Baylor University, Dr. Brian Grim, a sociologist, who was published in the Journal of Religion and Health, studied the relationship between faith and recovery from addiction. Programs that incorporate faith into their treatment plans are said to be widely successful in the aiding of long-term recovery for reformed addicts. This is something that should certainly be paid attention to seeing as how in the United States alone there are roughly 20 million people who are suffering from SUD. Dr. Grim also noted that despite less than half of the U.S. population feeling as though faith has a solution for the problems that currently exist in today’s society, over 70% of treatment programs, for example 12-step programs, implement faith or spirituality into their recovery plans. In the same way that various programs and treatment centers utilize group therapy models and seek to have those in recovery be a part of a strong, growing community, having some form of faith enables people to further be a part of a group that can have a strong influence in a positive way other their life. There may not be an understandable reason as to why things are the way they are, but with faith, there is the promise of a way out and for better things to come to you.
Developing a Personal Relationship with God
One important aspect of faith in recovery to note is that people are not required to subscribe to some sect of religion. While choosing a church and attending services may help for community inclusion and offer a chance for structure, that is not all that faith is about. Many people in present times denounce religion for many reasons. Some people do not like the rules and others simply don’t agree with all the practices that take place. The most important facet of faith and spirituality is that you develop a personal relationship with God or whichever higher power you choose to place your faith in. Prayers can be said anywhere, and they are always heard and answered, even if the answers come in unexpected ways. You can talk to God without the formality of a scripted prayer, just through using regular conversation, and He will hear you. Doing your part to show respect and reverence on your own is far more valuable that sitting in a church getting nothing out of the message. Within treatment programs, there are often prayers that are said regularly and that is because they work, especially when you believe in them. You, yourself, may have felt powerless over many situations and experiences that you have come across, and perhaps you really were. However, it doesn’t have to stay that way, you have the power to take back control and reclaim your life, your identity, all of it. Life may not be perfect, but it does get better, and knowing that you have someone who is capable of miracles on your side is one of the best tools that you can have to overcome any obstacle that you may face.
Call to Action
If you are currently suffering from a SUD, there is a chance that you may feel as though you have lost your way. You may not understand why you are where you are or how to find a way out. We want to help you get back on track. Make a personal investment in yourself and get help today. Having a team and really community of support to help get you through can offer piece of mind and a sense of security. At Enlight Treatment Center, we emphasize care and comfort and we want to be that team for you to help you overcome issues and get back to your best self. Whether you have questions or want to visit our facility and talk with us in person, we are always here for you. You can call us at (805)719-7954 or schedule a tour of our facility at 11811 Darlene Lane, Moorpark, CA 93021.
