There is also an opportunity to take advantage of some of the best recovery centers in the country, which can offer help with the mental obsession and the physical allergy. That said, for many, it’s ultimately not satisfying to simply call the problem a “spiritual malady” and call it a day. Have you physically or emotionally mistreated a family member?
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By dedicating time to these spiritual practices, we can nurture our spiritual life and find the strength to overcome addiction. Another significant symptom is the challenge in personal relationships. The Big Book of AA identifies these difficulties, or “bedevilments,” as clear indicators of spiritual malady.
Get to know your needs as an empath or highly sensitive person
It leads to judgment, isolation, and a feeling of superiority. None of these things are conducive to a healthy recovery. Without a connection to a higher power, it can get quite ugly in sobriety. People in the rooms refer to this as a ‘god-sized hole’. It’s a void that we used to fill with drugs and alcohol. We will try to fill this god-sized hole with anything we can.
A Spiritual Inventory
- Many discover that acknowledging a higher power aids in letting go of control and finding guidance in the recovery journey.
- What activities or habits have caused harm to my physical health?
- This is not to say that all HSPs or empaths will develop complex grief, but for some, there is certainly the possibility – especially if there has been a history of unresolved trauma.
- But alcoholics have an “allergy” to alcohol, so for them, a couple beers turns into a world of hurt.
- I was the director in the drama of life and managing the world so I could get what I thought I needed to feel ok.
As we learned above, complex grief is caused by a variety of reasons, including previous unresolved trauma. But trauma is not just emotional or psychological – it’s also spiritual. In fact, in my perspective, all trauma, deep down, at a core primordial level, is spiritual. But if you can relate to most of spiritual malady these signs and struggle to function in life, I strongly recommend reaching out to a trained psychotherapist or psychiatrist. Admitting that you need help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. Simply go to your internet browser and type in “grief counseling” and you will find many options.
Spiritual vs Religious
It is this spiritual emptiness that we often try to escape from through alcohol and other addictive behaviors, which can also make us physically ill. The way humans think is on a spectrum of self-centeredness and god-centeredness. When dealing with the disease of alcoholism we are selfish and self-centered beings. We use everything and everyone, even when we stop using alcohol and drugs to cope with thesefeelings of being unsatisfied and uncomfortable in life. The more we focus less on ourselves we allow a god of our understanding to enter our minds and work in our lives.
- Addiction is not only a disease of the brain but also of the spirit, highlighting the critical role of spiritual healing in recovery.
- As overwhelming as I’m sure this all may seem for someone who’s either never had a spiritual connection, or been disconnected for years, I’d like to assure you it’s not as formidable as it may seem.
- Have you physically or emotionally mistreated a family member?
- An environment that is supportive and appreciates the spiritual aspects of addiction is crucial for sustained recovery.
Finding the right support system can make a significant difference in maintaining sobriety and fostering spiritual growth. Repairing personal relationships and focusing on oneself during the initial year of recovery helps create a stronger foundation for personal growth and stability. This focus on self-love and relationships is essential for long-term sobriety. By embracing these steps and principles, we can experience a profound transformation and find peace and purpose in our recovery journey. Spiritual malady can trigger feelings of irritability, restlessness, and discontentedness. The overall sensation can feel like crawling out of your own skin.
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