Member-only story
Faith Alone Isn’t Enough: The Case for Enhancing Spiritual Recovery with Medical Intervention
As someone who has been in recovery for a significant amount of time, almost 18 years, one approach that has always had me a little bit skeptical is the faith-based approach. I know there are a variety of ways that faith can be introduced into recovery methods; however, when it comes to addiction or alcohol abuse, it is not something I believe can be “prayed” away.
Many faith-based programs revere people in recovery because they may offer a sense of solace and community when trying to gain footing in recovery. Some faith-based programs may be deeply rooted in spiritual traditions that promise healing and spiritual rebirth. This may sound appealing to the person beginning recovery as they hope to be led from the darkness of addiction.
I want to discuss whether an overreliance on spiritual solutions can cloud the necessity for medical and therapeutic interventions.
Firstly, faith-based recovery programs often emphasize spiritual practices and the support of a faith community, which can be significant sources of strength for many individuals. However, the approach can present challenges, particularly when it suggests that faith alone, without medical or therapeutic interventions, is sufficient for recovery. This perspective can potentially…