Is spirituality necessary to recover from alcoholism?

@maezee (41997)
United States
February 15, 2009 6:37pm CST
What do you think? Do you think there is a non-spiritual way to recover from alcoholism? I ask, because I've had two alcoholic parents for as long as I can remember - and neither are particularly religious or even spiritual. It seems like most programs (such as AA) heavily focus on finding a religious or spiritual pathway to recovery. While I've practically given up on ecnouraging them to quit, I'm still curious to know. Which approach do you think is more realistic - and which more successful? What are your experiences, if any? Thanks in advance, guys!
7 people like this
7 responses
@iwrite (5034)
• Singapore
16 Feb 09
maezee, for anything you do, it is will power that gets you through. You can draw strength from other place, however the real strength lies within you. As long as you find that you would be able to keep away from anything you want. I give you an example, my grandmother was a heavy smoker for almost 20 years, however one day she decided it was not healthy to smoke in front of her grand children. In just a week she quited.
2 people like this
@iwrite (5034)
• Singapore
18 Feb 09
you are most welcome maezee, I hope you would be able to get it through, I hope you have enough support with your family and friends, you can always look for me should there be a need to. I wish you all the best.
@maezee (41997)
• United States
17 Feb 09
Thank you. I agree with you, it's all about having the motivation to quit. Thanks for answering.
1 person likes this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Hi Honey I don't know if it is a have to be but I think it sure helps alot I do know that many programs have their basis in spirituality. Different things work for different people. My prayers are with you and your family Big hugs xoxoxoxoxo
2 people like this
@maezee (41997)
• United States
16 Feb 09
It might just be in my area, but 99% of the rehab facilities and group discussion programs are faith-based programs. While there's nothing wrong wtih this, I just find it a bit unfair for people who aren't quite as religious nor plan on being in the future. But thank you so much! I really appreciate your encouragement as well as your response.
1 person likes this
@sunil_008 (1269)
• India
16 Feb 09
does that related to spiritulism in any way? well i think if someone is more responsible wouldn't go that way...well meditation does help in that case. but don't know much about spiritualism way...
• Philippines
16 Feb 09
No I don't think so. I think you just need to have the will to do it. BE resolute in your goal and love yourself.
1 person likes this
• India
17 Feb 09
yes i do agree that you should love yourself in a way to get out any kind of addiction because if you love yourself how can you treat yourself so horribly and i also will say that loving yourself is also a first step for being spiritual
1 person likes this
@bamakelly (5191)
• United States
17 Feb 09
Different views have come up under this subject and they are all pretty interesting. I do believe that a spiritual type of light or being can help people and enhance a drinker's way of thinking on the road to recovery. Of course that remaining resolute and standing firm with a strong will can also do wonders. With a little encouragement I can imagine that a person can do anything they put their mind to.
• India
16 Feb 09
i do think spirituality is the bet way to overcome any life problem but i think the real spirituality do not have any thing to with religion it a way of living tell them to be mind full when ever doing any thing and most of all love yourself why are they doing what ever they are doing tell them to meditate on this because it is not possible to do any thing mind fully i do understand how difficult it is to encourage some one at this stage of life but at last one thing you can do is to love them as they are
@maezee (41997)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Thanks for your response! I agree with you - "religious" and "spiritual" are two very different things.
@besthope44 (12123)
• India
22 Aug 10
No I feel Drinking is really a addiction and not easy to quit all of sudden. But good thing is there are many rehabilition center for helping to get rid of these habits. to make a great change in life..I dont drink but i helped my friends and few of them quit addiction to drinks
@besthope44 (12123)
• India
22 Aug 10
I feel Drinking is really a addiction and not easy to quit all of sudden. But good thing is there are many rehabilition center for helping to get rid of these habits. to make a great change in life..I dont drink but i helped my friends and few of them quit addiction to drinks