Do I Need a Belief in a Higher Power to Stay Sober?

If you have ever been to a recovery meeting or celebration group, you’ve probably heard people talk about their faith in God or a higher power. Most 12-step recovery programs involve giving up control to this higher power. Although belief in a higher power can help put things into perspective, you don’t have to have this kind of faith to stay sober. You simply have to understand where the power lies.

Admitting That You’re Powerless Over Substances

The first step in most 12-step programs involves acknowledging that you are not in control of your substance abuse and addiction. It’s unfortunate that when someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they can often not control their need and desire to use drugs or alcohol. In many cases, the drugs alter your body chemistry so that you don’t feel normal unless you have some of the substance in your system. There is also the very likely chance that mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, are complicating the problem.

Physiological cravings will remain as long as you use the drugs. If you’re physically dependent on a substance, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. You might still have a strong urge to use the drug even after you’ve eliminated it from your system.

Who Is In Control If You’re Not?

Even if you know that using drugs is destructive, your emotions often interfere with your rational thinking. Many people have never been taught the necessary skills to cope with strong feelings or balance their emotions. This lack of training can even lead people to turn to drugs when they feel intense sadness, anger, or frustration.

For those who believe that a higher power is in control, giving their trust to this higher power while setting positive intentions allows them to focus on the other necessary steps for recovery. A higher power doesn’t have to be a deity or form of spiritual energy. It can be intuition, environmental elements, or science. The point is to realize that you are not in control, and therefore simply wanting to quit is not going to be enough in most cases. Addiction is a mental health disorder, a disease, and requires professional, medical help to overcome. Acknowledging a lack of control does not mean excusing the addiction and the damage it has caused in your life. It simply provides the necessary perspective to focus on regaining control and maintaining a life of sobriety.

Belief In A Higher Power Can Reframe Your Mindset

Belief in faith-based drug rehab simply helps you open up to the idea that external factors can play a role in your addiction as well as your recovery. You do not necessarily have to seek out a Christian addiction treatment center or any specific religion-based therapy. It is the acceptance of outside forces impacting your addiction and recovery and trusting in others that can help you find the support you need to attain lasting wellness.

All of life depends on a broader context for survival. Even the fish in the sea need the water to swim. This interconnectedness is certainly an aspect of most religions but is also present in many addiction therapy programs that take a holistic approach to treating the body, mind, and spirit.

If you’re seeking assistance for substance abuse, it can help you to concede to the fact that you can’t do it alone. At Beaches Recovery, we provide the guidance and support that you need to reach sobriety successfully. Our treatment options include:

• Detox programs
• Residential drug rehab
• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Sober living network

You don’t have to hold a belief in a higher power to achieve sobriety, but you do need to trust that there are people out there who can help. If you’ve been looking for a Christian addiction recovery program in Florida, call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 to learn how we can help you reconnect with yourself so that you can heal.