A A. Daily Reflection May 23 One Day At A Time World

While an addict’s spiritual malady triggers a compulsive need to use drugs, other people’s spiritual conflicts may take the form of a gambling problem, anxiety, depression, or eating disorder. There are many persons in recovery who are not interested in discussing or even hearing about spirituality. As overwhelming https://accountingcoaching.online/allergic-to-alcohol-10-common-symptoms-of-alcohol/ as I’m sure this all may seem for someone who’s either never had a spiritual connection, or been disconnected for years, I’d like to assure you it’s not as formidable as it may seem. But first, it’s crucial that you understand the difference between a spiritual experience and a religious one.

Throughout history, countless individuals have embarked on the journey of overcoming the spiritual malady and have emerged with renewed purpose, inner peace, and a deep sense of spiritual connection. Their stories serve as sources of inspiration and guidance for others walking a similar path. Another significant factor that contributes to spiritual malady is the lack of connection with nature and the natural world. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, many individuals have become disconnected from the earth, the elements, and the rhythms of nature. This disconnection can result in a loss of grounding, a sense of emptiness, and a longing for something deeper and more meaningful. Uncovering the root causes may involve therapy, counseling, or other therapeutic approaches that facilitate healing and self-discovery.

The Missing Piece: The Spiritual Malady

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. Our spiritual malady never just goes away and stays away on its own, it requires a constant spiritual connectivity and effort on our parts in our programs to keep it and the subsequent alcohol and drug abuse at bay. So long as we make an active effort to address our spiritual malady every day, we will find relief from it, one day at a time. One common root cause of spiritual malady is societal conditioning. From a young age, individuals are often influenced by societal norms, expectations, and cultural beliefs that may not align with their true spiritual nature.

  • It’s really not my mind – the mental obsession – that is the underlying root of what will take me back to  drinking.
  • His story highlights the transformative power of surrendering to a higher power and finding strength and guidance in a supportive community.
  • It’s the “spiritual malady”, as manifested by my EGO (selfishness-self-centeredness), that can eventually lead me back to drinking or sometimes even suicide.
  • My troubles are of my own making and arise out my living a life run on self-will.
  • By understanding the root causes, individuals can begin to dismantle the barriers preventing them from experiencing spiritual wholeness and aligning with their true selves.

Our bodies are the place from which we, as humans, do life. So mistreating our bodies is sort of like setting our own house on fire. Except unlike burning our house down, we can’t go find a new body to live Thoughts of Recovery No 17 The Spiritual Malady Step 1 in if we destroy the one God gave us. Am I regularly seeking out the truth in God’s Word? Spending time with God and reading His word is a big part of keeping our minds healthy and grounded in truth.

How to Understand How an Addict May Suffer Spiritually

The great psychiatrist Carl Jung called this a ‘low level thirst for wholeness – for union with God’. In our addictions, we tried to quench our soul-thirst with fleeting pleasures. The pursuit of them dominated our lives, destroyed relationships, and caused greater desperation than we ever thought possible. We became selfish and self-seeking, ever thirsting for more, and this lust warped us on every level. But we were never satisfied, because but the living presence of God can quench our parched souls. So let’s take a look at the questions we can ask ourselves to help us build our spiritual inventory list.

They can record stories, write down their questions and muse about possible answers. It gives them an outlet to work through their thoughts and emotions. The reader likely won’t be motivated to live in the solution the book offers unless they can first find their specific story in the problem.

The Big Book’s Answer to Relapse Prevention

In addition, the spiritual malady can also have a profound impact on an individual’s relationships. When one is disconnected from their spiritual essence, they may struggle to form deep and meaningful connections with others. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships, as well as a sense of alienation from those around them. Furthermore, the spiritual malady can contribute to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and a lack of belonging. Without a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, individuals may struggle to find solace and support during challenging times.

  • Same thing with alcohol; some people can have a couple beers, no problem.
  • History, we can finally learn how to get cured of alcoholism.
  • They also experience an ineffable quality from becoming spiritual – one  where their feelings go beyond mere words.
  • Individuals experiencing this malady may feel disconnected from their own emotions, desires, and values.

This isn’t about a legalistic set of religious rules we are required to follow. I want to make clear to members that these thoughts are not definitive treatise on the subjects. Just an attempt to stimulate thought or discussion and provide information based on my study and experience.

If he did not work, he would surely  drink again, and if he drank, he would surely die. With us it is just  like that.” Thankfully, the “spiritual malady” is no longer a “missing piece” of Step One for me. It is a  reality of my powerlessness and unmanageability and enables me to see why I so desperately need to  seek a Power Greater than myself. And unless this malady is recognized, and a course of action (the  Twelve Steps) is taken to enable God to remove it, the root of our alcoholic illness can lie dormant and  burn us when we least expect it. To conclude, it’s not my body — my allergic reaction to alcohol — that’s going to take me back to drinking.

But alcoholics have an “allergy” to alcohol, so for them, a couple beers turns into a world of hurt. Same thing with food—especially this time of year. Some people can have one Christmas cookie and they’re good. But for food addicts—because of their body’s “allergy” to sugar or processed foods—one Christmas cookie leads to a dozen. Those of you who have been in Celebrate Recovery (CR) for a while know that our 12-steps are exactly modeled on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is a proven process has helped literally millions of people all over the world recover from addictions and compulsive behaviors.

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