The Missing Piece: The Spiritual Malady

These traits defy written or verbal description, as they convey an innate understanding of the cosmos and are also transient, meaning the experiences do not last forever. Also, they are passive, in the sense that people do not have an influence https://ecosoberhouse.com/ over the phenomenon. The addict may have a nagging feeling that they’re missing the real reason for their agony or pain. However, when they go through rehab, they can silence this feeling and learn how to deal with their issues directly.

I am just an agnostic member of AA who believes in the program of recovery. At times, I express my personal opinions about issues that have directly affected my journey. However, in keeping with the 10th tradition of AA, the opinions I express in the book do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or positions held by AA as a whole. Quotations from Alcoholics Anonymous are from the first edition (1939) which is now in the public domain.

The Spiritual Malady

Conversely, does a belief in God necessarily facilitate a spiritual awakening? These are questions that everyone has to answer for themselves. It is very difficult for me to come to terms with my spiritual illness because of my great pride, disguised by my material successes and my intellectual power.

What that means is that all that is required is the belief in a power greater than yourself. There is no church you must attend or strict practices you must adhere to in organized worship of said higher power, it is a completely individual and personal experience. You are merely instructed to be open to the idea that you are not the end all be all, that there exists out in the universe something that is greater or more powerful than yourself. However, you choose to interact with that higher power is also up to you. Whether you seek to engage in formal prayer, informal mental conversations, or merely by doing good and putting positive energy into the universe, there is no right or wrong way to pray to your higher power. Once you open up to this idea and implement that spiritual connection, you will experience your long-awaited spiritual awakening, the answer to that pesky spiritual malady we suffer from as alcoholics.

Take Your First Step To Recovery

My first sponsor was David B. He told me that by going to therapy, “I was trying to fix a spiritual problem with a psychological solution.” I eventually warmed to the idea that the twelve steps may be the tools that will help me to recover. After so many years of relapse, I now accepted that I was suffering from a “hopeless condition of mind and body.” (BB p.20). There are as many different definitions of what spirituality means as there are alcoholics in recovery.

Any quotations from sources other than the first edition of the Big Book are reprinted with permission. From my own experience, I came to believe that Bill was right when he declared that alcoholism is a spiritual illness. I survived thirteen years as a mostly dry and yet untreated alcoholic. Today’s guide explores the spiritual malady meaning in the context of 12-step recovery groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). According to AA, spiritual malady is often fueled by resentments and renders life unmanageable. Selfishness and self -centeredness is the root of my trouble.

Thoughts of Recovery – No.17 – The Spiritual Malady – Step 1

Thankfully, the “spiritual malady” is no longer a “missing piece” of Step One for me. Many people are initially turned off to the idea of the program because they believe it preaches religion and God, and many addicts and alcoholics have no desire to pursue a religious answer. But the beauty of the 12-steps is that they are spiritually based as opposed to religious.

• It is this notion that the fellowship of AA was founded upon, and how millions of recovered alcoholics equate their success in overcoming a seemingly hopeless situation.
• However, this does not mean, necessarily, they’ve abandoned their faith.
• What is important though is that we strive to be a little better every single day and never give up on our spiritual journey in recovery.

But first, it’s crucial that you understand the difference between a spiritual experience and a religious one. While I could go on forever on the differences between these two ideas, I’ll keep it as simple as possible. I became convinced that I was depressed because of my early life in foster care. Going into spiritual malady therapy seemed like a better alternative than getting a sponsor and working the steps. I was unable to be honest in therapy and continued blaming my childhood for my problems. Here at California Detox in Laguna Beach, we can help you unpack the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of alcoholism.