When you’re managing symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD), there will be challenges. But for many people, recovery isn’t just about stopping the use of substances or behaviors—it’s about reclaiming purpose and finding peace, even when there are struggles. One of the most powerful tools in this journey is faith. While spirituality is frequently associated with religion, faith extends far beyond the confines of traditional beliefs and can provide you with inner strength.
Faith: A Source of Strength and Healing
Faith holds a unique power in recovery. It’s not necessarily about adhering to a specific religious practice or dogma, although it can be if that’s your preference. Religion is an organized system, while faith is more personal and can be experienced in many forms. Even if you don’t identify with a particular religion, faith can still play an essential role in your recovery journey.
Faith, in its broadest sense, is the belief in something greater than oneself—whether that’s a higher power, the support of others, or simply the confidence that positive change is possible. It fosters hope and trust, which also provides a sense of direction, comfort, and resilience during a time when you feel overwhelmed, burdened, or trapped. As the famous philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” Faith provides that “why”—the reason to keep moving forward, even on the most difficult days.
Research reinforces the significant role of faith and spirituality in recovery. For instance:
- A 2021 study in Addictive Behaviors investigated the role of spirituality and religiousness in aiding alcohol and drug recovery. The findings revealed that spirituality, rather than religiousness, played a significant role in recovery, particularly among individuals with prior treatment or 12-Step program involvement.
- A 2022 study indicated that participants who experienced a spiritual awakening attributed to their 12-Step group affiliation reported increased self-efficacy and hope.
Practical Ways to Use Faith in Recovery
For many people, faith is integral to their healthy lifestyle because it taps into something deep and human: the need to believe that life can be meaningful again. If you’re curious how this might work for you, here are some ideas.
Start With Hope
This is the first step in believing you can overcome obstacles and avoid relapse. If that feels difficult, keep in mind that many other people have walked this path and emerged stronger on the other side. Faith in the process and others’ stories of recovery ignites the belief that positive change is possible for you, too.
Connect With Something Greater
Whether it’s nature, meditation, or a higher power, taking time to connect with something larger than yourself can offer a sense of peace and purpose. Spend more time outside, practice mindfulness, or reflect on your personal beliefs. Meditation and deep breathing exercises are also helpful when you need to quiet your mind and take a break from the busyness of life.
Embrace Gratitude
Faith thrives in a space of gratitude. It’s easy to focus on what is wrong when you’re struggling to manage AUD or SUD, but practicing gratitude shifts your perspective. Start by acknowledging small victories in your recovery journey—whether it’s one day substance-free or the support of a friend. Gratitude strengthens the belief that good things come from your efforts, reinforcing your faith in the process.
Surround Yourself With Support
Recovery is rarely a solo journey. Faith can be nurtured in community. Whether you join a 12-Step support program or find a network of people with healthy living intentions similar to yours, this connection emphasizes the importance of understanding, accountability, and shared strength. You might also enjoy a non-secular group called Sunday Assembly, which is “a network of secular (non-religious) communities who gather to celebrate this one life we know we have. We’re a global movement for wonder and good.”
Read Inspirational Literature
Many people find books about successful recovery or spiritual teachings help them rediscover a sense of faith. There are many self-help books, recovery memoirs, and spiritual texts that encourage faith in the process of healing—here are a few you might enjoy.
Find Meaning in Service
Faith grows when you focus on helping people. Giving back, whether through volunteer work or small acts of kindness, shifts the focus away from yourself and towards the well-being of others. This sense of purpose reignites your belief in the goodness of life, as well as in your strength to overcome challenges.
Focus on the Joy
Maybe Wednesday dinner with your family is the highlight of your week. Or when you clean, you turn up your favorite tunes and sing really, really loud! The Mayo Clinic points out that while “happiness is an emotion, joy is a state of being,” and offers these tips to help you cultivate more of it to reaffirm your faith.
Trust in Willingway’s Whole-Person Care Approach
Using spiritual guidance to avoid relapse is just one of many comprehensive techniques recommended by the board-certified professionals at Willingway’s Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations. Our purpose is to help you heal emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually so you live by your design. Ask a member of our admissions team for more information.