The Role of Spirituality in Healing Addiction

A reported 1.9 million people are admitted to treatment annually for abuse of alcohol and drugs. This astounding figure represents only a fraction of the individuals struggling with addiction, millions more have not yet found the strength or the spirit to seek help.

Defining Addiction

For those who have never been tempted by the allure of a quick fix or drowning the day’s problems in too many glasses at the bar, understanding chemical addiction is nearly impossible. Yet there are many other addictive behaviors with which people struggle such as binging, compulsive shopping or gambling, codependency and excessive use of video games and internet.

Addiction is a state of enslavement to a behavior or action that is psychologically or physically habit forming to the extent that cessation would cause trauma. Human nature is designed to develop patterns of behavior, either healthy or unhealthy, and changing or developing a new pattern requires a tremendous amount of perseverance. What is it that motivates an addict to seek help for their problem?

Seeking Help

Dr. Abraham J. Twerski is a world-renowned author of multiple best-selling books on addiction, healing and many other self-help topics. He is the founder of Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Pennsylvania and a highly sought after motivational speaker and spiritual leader. He recently shared his experiences and perspective on addiction and healing in an exclusive interview with Natural Awakenings.

In over 40 years of counseling and guiding patients, Twerski has found that the most effective motivators that inspire an addict to seek help are the threat or loss of one’s job or family and the fear of legal action. “The turning point varies,” he adds. “For example, there was one case where an alcoholic thought his children, certainly his younger children, were not aware of the problem. When he heard his six-year-old talking about the father’s problem, that’s when he broke down. There are people that when the realization finally hits them that they have hurt people they really loved—until that time they were in denial of it—they will then decide to seek help.”

At one particular AA meeting, a man who was sober for 20 years shared the following. “The man I once was drank. The man I once was would drink again.” Dr. Twerski explained that this man’s statement correctly implied that healing and recovering from addiction requires a change of character. The most important thing, Twerski adds, is to steer away from self-gratification and become considerate of others—evolve spiritually.

Reaching Out

Gordy Weinand lived a life of alcohol and drugs for many years and found freedom from his addictions in the Arizona State Penitentiary in 1967. “I was introduced to Narconon, which was founded in prison by a fellow inmate named William Benitez, and realized things could change and I could turn my life around.” Weinand did turn his life around, and upon release from prison, headed to California with Benitez to begin Narconon there.

Narconon, short for Narcotics None, is one of the most successful drug rehab programs in the world today, with over 100 programs in 45 countries around the world. Narconon International recently released a moving film documenting their efforts entitled, “Four Decades of Saving Lives.”

In 2001 Weinand moved to Atlanta and immediately began working for Narconon of Georgia. “It’s amazing to give back,” he shares, “The Narconon program can get people off drugs—we have a 75% success rate and our goal is getting them out of our program so they don’t need any more treatment.” After 40 successful years, Gordy Weinand continues to reach out to communities in Georgia through radio, television and visits to schools. “Every day when I go to bed at night I am so much more at peace knowing that I am doing everything I can to help people,”  says Weinand.

A Drug Free Approach - Prevention that Works

While many drug rehabilitation centers utilize prescription drugs to reduce cravings or treat co-existing problems such as mood disorders, there is a firm belief that the most effective and healthy way to rehabilitate is drug free. At Narconon of Georgia, the New Life Detoxification Program is used to purge the body of drug residues, greatly reducing or completely removing cravings. The healing regimen includes:

* Exercise, preferably running, to stimulate circulation.

* Prescribed periods in a low heat sauna to promote perspiration.

* An exact regimen of vitamin, mineral and oil intake.

* Sufficient liquids to offset the loss of body fluids through
sweating.

* Regular diet supplemented with plenty of fresh vegetables.

* A properly ordered personal schedule, which provides the person with the normally required amounts of sleep.

After addressing the physical aspect of addiction and once the student is thinking clearly, the Narconon program moves through a series of specialized courses to help participants recognize addiction life-style and thought processes. Once these are identified and addressed, the student is introduced to a new set of values and developmental life skills.

The Psyche and the Spirit

For those who are struggling to conquer addiction, Dr. Twerski points out that there is rarely a flash of lightning, healing from addiction is a very gradual process. “In the overwhelming majority of people there is a core of self respect and dignity that may lie deeply buried. If we can help the person become aware of it, we can help them live with the message of ‘I should not let anything happen that
can deteriorate me.’ That is really what enables long-term sobriety—thinking ‘I am too good for this.’”

Dr. Twerski stresses that spirituality plays an important role in healing, regardless of whether a person is religiously oriented or not. Spirituality is the ability to contemplate the purpose of life, become a better person, delay gratification, give of one’s self or property to strangers, give charity, defy a bodily drive if one thinks it is wrong, forgive, and search for truth. The sum total of these abilities is what Twerski refers to as the human spirit. If a person chooses to be involved in these actions he is being spiritual and making himself into a full human being—the most crucial component in healing any addiction.

To find out more about Narconon of Georgia visit www.drugsno.com. Dr. Twerski’s latest inspirational book, “Happiness and the Human Spirit – the Spirituality of Becoming the Best You Can Be” is available online and at local bookstores.