In this article, I’m going to teach you about the benefits of spirituality and prayer for opiate addiction recovery. If you don’t believe in God (“True Source”, “Creator of the Universe”, etc.) this information might not appeal to you.
Read it anyways, because you might find some value in it.
I was atheist for many years of my life, and I didn’t start believing in the possibility of an “Intelligent Force of the Universe” until my early 20’s.
When I was 24, I quit drinking and started attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.
When I began to work the Twelve Steps with my Sponsor, I had a number of experiences that led to me believing God was really working in my life, and it was simply amazing.
My spiritual experiences were profound, and ever since then I’ve been a big believer in spirituality and prayer for addiction recovery.
What is Spirituality?
There is no single definition of spirituality which is widely agreed upon. However, research surveys have shown a broad range of definitions, ranging from uni-dimensional definitions such as a personal belief in a realm, to broader concepts such as a quest for an ultimate/sacred meaning, transcending the base/material aspects of life, and/or a sense of awe/wonderment and reverence toward the universe.
To me, spirituality is the recognition that humans consist of both a physical body and a soul.
We live out life in a physical body that eventually dies, but when we do, our soul lives on, and this spiritual aspect of us is eternal.
I also believe in a “Creative Intelligence” which I choose to call God. And this powerful force is beyond my comprehension or understanding.
What I know is that I’ve seen a superabundance of miracles occur in my life whenever I choose to be in conscious contact with God, and ask this Creator of the Universe to direct my will and my life.
Spirituality is absolutely wonderful, but spirituality alone is not enough to make a holistic recovery from opiate addiction. Holistic recovery is when you address and treat the entire Mind/Body/Spirit.
The 4-Pillars of Opiate Addiction Recovery
Me and many other addiction specialists believe that addiction is a bio/psycho/social/spiritual disorder. According to this treatment model, to make a holistic recovery from opiate addiction, you need to work on all four of these areas.
And according to my 4-Pillars Method, the physical (biological) aspect of addiction needs to be the foundation of opiate addiction treatment upon which all other components are built upon.
Drugs are physical substances which damage a physical organ (the brain). This leads to low levels of dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that affect our mood and behavior.
It is for this reason that methods of treatment such as spirituality and counseling won’t be nearly as effective until an individual restores healthy neurotransmission.
Some of the most effective methods for restoring biochemical balance are:
- Nutrition
- Supplementation
- Exercise
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Acupuncture
- Qigong/Tai Chi
- Meditation
Benefits of Spirituality For Opiate Addiction Recovery
Once you’ve restored your biochemistry to balance, spirituality will then have the greatest positive impact on your recovery from opiate addiction.
But don’t just take my word for it…
Instead check out what the latest research says on the subject.
Many scientific studies support the use of spirituality as a tool in addiction recovery, leading to the development of multiple tools that incorporate spiritual reflection and action.
According to research, spiritually-focused addiction treatment programs have resulted in up to a 10 percent greater abstinence rate than other forms of treatment.
Other studies indicate an inverse relationship between religious involvement and substance dependence, as well as an inverse relationship between meditation practices and substance use.
Along with giving an individual more meaning and fulfillment in life, spirituality can also enhance neurotransmission.
In one study, people attended a spiritual retreat, and their post-retreat brain scans revealed decreases in dopamine transporter (5-8 per cent) and serotonin transporter (6.5 per cent) binding, which could make more of the neurotransmitters available to the brain.
In the study, participants showed marked improvements in their perceived physical health, tension, and fatigue.
Benefits of Prayer For Opiate Recovery
As you can see, spirituality can have numerous benefits for opiate addiction recovery. And the act of praying is also extremely powerful, and I highly recommend it.
I see no point in seeing what the research studies have to say on this subject.
There are forces at work beyond the comprehension of science, and I believe that prayer is one of these forces.
Why?
Whenever I’ve chosen to pray to God, my life seems to get better. And whenever I pray to God specifically to direct my life and my thoughts, I really like the outcome.
My belief is that prayer can be a very powerful way to help you recover from opiate addiction.
Here are just a few benefits I believe prayer can provide you with:
- Reduction of Cravings
- Feelings of Calmness
- Inner Strength
- Emotional Balance
- Faith in your Ability to Recover
- Increased Confidence
- Feeling Safe
- More Meaning in Life
Using Spirituality and Prayer For Opiate Recovery
If you’re already spiritual or religious, I encourage you to call harness the power of this resource to help you recover from opiate addiction. If you’re not yet spiritual but want to become so, there are things you can do to start your spiritual journey.
One of those things is reading.
Here are some life-changing books that have shaped my spiritual beliefs which you may find value in:
If you’re interested in religion, you may wish to study the teachings of Jesus Christ, Buddha, or another spiritual teacher that resonates with you.
Although I’m not a member of any organized religion, I do enjoy maintaining conscious contact with God, and I love praying for my life to be directed by my creator.
I also like to pray for my loved ones, and even for people that have trespassed against me. Those people need love the most.
Final Thoughts…
I hope you enjoyed this article on spirituality and prayer for opiate addiction recovery, and at this point I warmly welcome you to share any profound spiritual experiences you’ve had in life that have led you to believe in God or whatever you prefer to call this spiritual and creative force.
If you’re atheist or agnostic you can share about that as well, and I only ask that you respect the beliefs of others, even though you may think they are quackery. Any disrespectful comments will be deleted.
matt
I wanted take a moment to thank you for sharing all this great information. I believe alot of it is going to be of great help in my journey and recovery and helping others.
God bless you!!!
Thanks for the kind words and feedback Jamie. So happy to learn this info is going to help you on your journey! 🙂 Take care.
Matt have you heard of the bridge device? What’s your thoughts?
Hi Jennifer,
I have not heard of this device.
Dear matt, so ultra cool you wrote about your experience….testimony about God!!! He is our creator, created us to be free. He has used you to help so many be free from addiction, and now you have listed the most important ingredient…God ..prayer….thank you much respect to you…precious spirit you are. Peace deana
Thanks Deana! And I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. These are essential ingredients indeed! 🙂
Matt, No doubt your material has been the best on opiate management, withdrawal and staying clean. You do it from a passion for your work.
I would like to know your advice on the doldrums PAW where you are unmotivated drained and need a healthy boost. Is there a particular kratom you would suggest? I need some pick up and go. I know it is not an easy fix, but if you can suggest. I appreciate what you do. Also, the Tianipine, I see you really are an advocate of this. How would you rate it as opposed to the 5-HTP. Which is better?
Thanks for the feedback Ronald. I appreciate it, and you. And as for your questions:
1) For PAWS I would recommend the following two articles which both have lots of info on how to give yourself a healthy boost:
How To Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates
How To Get Your Energy Back After Quitting Opiates
2) Tianeptine, in my experience works better than 5-HTP, however, it can lead to dependence and even addiction if you let it get out of hand. I always recommend trying natural remedies for PAWS first, and if those, nutrition, and exercise aren’t enough, then to try synthetic manmade solutions.
I am not addicted to any illegal opiates, but I am recently taking Kratom daily which I am afraid has same uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. I want to quit kratom now.
But in 2007, I quit taking hydrocodone after a hip replacement surgery. I had been abusing hydrocodone for about a year before the surgery and post surgery could no longer justify to doctor my need for opiates. The experience of quitting taking hydrocodone after taking on average 60mg per day is what led to my “born again” moment and my commitment to obedience to Christ. Also it led to realization that there are evil forces known as demons that cannot be overcome by us, but must be overcome by GOD’s intervention. We have to repent of our sins, not just the drugs, but the other sins also. Demons want you to go to hell, and that’s their mission. Jesus told a parable about a man who, instead of using his talents to be productive, buried his talent in the ground and had nothing more to show for his time away from GOD. The other person in the parable who had the most return or was most productive was given more while the man who had no return or was not productive had his single talent taken away and was cast into hell. Addiction makes you unproductive which sends you to hell and that’s why demons tempt you in your mind when you try to quit or have recently quit taking drugs. They also have control of many other people, and when you quit drugs you will all of a sudden get calls and visits and “accidental” or “coincidental” meetings with people and situations which will entice you to return to the drugs. They will also try to get you to find a new addiction, like food or sex or gambling or smoking or anabolic steroids or anything else that chains you and controls you. You need GOD to strengthen you and protect you when you are trying to quit an addictive substance like opiates or addictive pleasures like food or sex.
Hi John,
I appreciate you taking the time to write about your experience and perspective. I wish you the absolute best.