Addiction and Spirituality
by Oliver J. Morgan and Merle Jordan
Exploring the role of spirituality in addiction and recovery, Addiction and Spirituality contributes to the ongoing conversation on spirituality and addiction, acknowledging the widespread and destructive impact of addiction in modern American society.
A diverse group of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, pastoral counselors, recovery counselors, pastors, and spiritual directors, the authors were selected for their relevant expertise and interest in understanding the connection between spirituality, addiction, and recovery. Each experience working with addicted individuals.
While contemporary models for addiction treatment have made significant progress, some specialists recognize the potential significance of spirituality as a missing variable in understanding and addressing addiction. The power of spirituality in healing and ongoing sobriety is acknowledged by programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve Step programs, prompting clinicians and researchers to seek a better understanding of its role.
The book compiles reflective essays from experts in various disciplines, each providing their own approach to working with addicted individuals, discussing the spiritual dimension of addiction and recovery, and suggesting directions for future research. The chapters encompass clinical perspectives, pastoral-clinical insights, recovery specialists' experiences, and contributions from pastors and spiritual directors.
The authors draw upon their clinical work, theological reflections, biblical narratives, and personal experiences to shed light on the spiritual aspect of addiction and recovery. The book aims to foster collaboration among different disciplines and offer creative approaches to addressing addictive illness within congregations and recovery groups.
The editors emphasize the authors' efforts to maintain sensitivity to diversity and women's issues, using inclusive language and inviting readers from various backgrounds to benefit from its insights, including addiction scientists, treatment specialists, pastoral caregivers, students, and individuals in recovery.
Keywords: Addiction specialists, Addicted individuals, Treatment experience, Working with addicts, Recovery professionals, Clinical expertise, Substance abuse practitioners, Pastoral counselors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Spiritual directors, Recovery counselors, Addiction therapists, Addiction recovery, Understanding addiction, Addiction and spirituality, Spiritual dimension in addiction, Addiction treatment, Recovery journey, Twelve Step programs, Alcoholics Anonymous, Process addictions, Chemical addictions, Integrative biopsychosocial approach, Biomedical insights, Neuroscience in addiction, Cognitive science in addiction, Spiritual element in addiction, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, National Institute on Healthcare Research, Power of spirituality in healing, Relapse prevention, Spiritual growth in recovery, Collaborative treatment models, Cultural sensitivity in addiction treatment, Feminist themes in recovery, Biblical reflections on addiction, Assessment of addictive illness, Addressing underlying issues in recovery, Process addiction case studies, Addiction and the human spirit, Addiction as a search for happiness, Awakening to love in treatment, Systemic view of spirituality, Relational resources in healing, Addiction treatment in cultural context, Congregation collaboration in recovery, Twelve Step theology, Jewish resources in recovery, Constructing a clinical theology of addiction