Outpatient opioid use disorder clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to those looking to overcome their addiction along with substance counseling, both individual and group. There isn’t a specific tie to any religion within these programs, but some members have found themselves reaching out to a higher power while in treatment and recovery.
Religion and Spirituality
Some faith-based programs focus on a specific deity or god that is assigned to particular faiths. Others prefer to focus on a “greater power” that isn’t tethered to one exact religion, but rather, a personal belief. Either choice can help by providing a sense of fulfillment during the process. There are various types of religion and spirituality that can help aid in recovery. Learning about the different paths people take can help you determine whether getting in touch with spirituality can help you along on your journey.
Purpose
Substance use can strip you of any kind of motivation other than to consume more drugs, which is why recovery is a time for you to reflect on things from a “big picture” perspective. Many people feel that spirituality gives them a sense of purpose and belonging to something bigger than their issues with substance use, thus inspiring them to conduct themselves and their daily actions honor that purpose.
Mindfulness
Being mindful and practicing meditation or praying are significant parts of recovery that can help keep you stay in the present and prevent relapse. By helping the brain focus on living in the moment, it can stop the mind from racing in the presence of stress or anxiety ad focus on coping without exhibiting negative behaviors.
Connection
Creating a connection with something that’s “bigger than you”, however you choose to connect to it, can help you to release the worries of things you don’t have control over and put your trust in something of higher influence. Creating this connection can help you feel less isolated and more supported during the recovery process.
Gratitude
Feeling grateful for even the smallest of things and focusing on that positivity can replace negative emotions during difficult times with positive ones. People who find themselves practicing gratefulness are less depressed and stressed when they feel their fortunes give them a sense of belonging to the world.
Contribution
Religions and spiritual practices focus on the acts of giving as a way to feel a sense of fulfillment and reward. The rush of feel-good chemicals in the brain after helping others can revitalize the reward center in your brain while also making you feel useful in your community.
Accountability
During treatment and recovery, there is a lot of accountability for your own journey to overcoming addiction. Becoming self-aware of your own actions and responsibility to yourself to continue on the course of your recovery efforts will also keep you honest and communicative with your support system.
Whether you choose to practice organized religion or a different form of spirituality, it may be just what you need to keep yourself strong during your path to long-lasting recovery. The benefits of either option can greatly ensure success, especially with outpatient or long-term treatment for opioid use disorder.
If you’d like help with your recovery, contact us today to learn how we can help you with your recovery.