What is
the “Higher Power” in recovery?
Adopted and adapted from several articles referenced at
the end of this document
Many steps in our recovery program refer to “God,” a “Higher
Power,” or a “power greater than ourselves." In recovery, we must be free
to interpret this “Higher Power” in a way that’s most relevant to our own needs
and to allow others that same freedom.
God, Spirituality and religion are related but distinct
concepts. Religion refers to the institutionalized system of beliefs and
practices, often involving organized worship and adherence to specific
doctrines. In contrast, spirituality is a privately maintained
existential belief system that focuses on personal connection and meaning,
often involving a relationship with a higher power or a sense of
transcendence.
While religion and spirituality can coexist, they can also
exist independently. Spirituality emphasizes personal growth,
meaning-making, and connection with a power outside of ourselves, which can be
a central mechanism for transformative change. This distinction is
important because many recovery programs, such as the 12-Step programs,
incorporate spiritual principles that can be embraced by individuals regardless
of their religious affiliations.
Simply stated, our Higher Power should be regarded as a
power greater than ourself—one that is loving, caring, and accepting. You don’t
necessarily have to understand your Higher Power, but it is important to have a
Higher Power or spirituality outside of yourself, to help establish a
foundation for recovery and a sense of purpose. That foundation of a connection
with a Higher Power or spirituality helps reinforce that you are not alone,
that you have a power in the Universe that cares about you and that you have
something meaningful to contribute to the world and those around you.
Spirituality plays a crucial role in recovery by enhancing the sense of purpose
in life and through promoting spiritual practices that contribute to a better
quality of life.
Believing in a higher power can combat feelings of
loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness, along with other challenges that may
arise in our lives. Spirituality provides a sense of connectedness, which is
considered essential for sustained recovery and relapse prevention. In
twelve-step programs, spirituality is emphasized as a core component, distinct
from religion, that helps us gain knowledge and support through connections
with others. This connectedness fosters a supportive community, encourages
personal growth, and helps us on our life journey. Spirituality is seen
as a way to rise above life’s concerns and promote overall well-being,
contributing to positive outcomes, even in the midst of difficult times.
Research has found that connection to a Higher Power and spirituality, in and
of itself, does not guarantee recovery, but is a significant predictor of it.
Spirituality and a connection with a Higher Power are not
synonymous with a particular religion but may include components that are
embodied in a religious practice. Nonetheless, our understanding and
relationship with a Higher Power and Spirituality may include a self-defined
notion of secular spirituality. Anyone, therefore, even the atheist or the
agnostic who does not believe in a religious type of higher power, is entitled
to a relationship with a Higher Power of their choosing.
While formal religious services and reading scripture have
no place in 12-Step programs, prayer and meditation are indeed central
components to the 12-Steps! Those components, whether in a religious or a
non-secular spirituality consists of transcendence of self to a reality larger
and greater than the self. This transcendence embodies feelings of being freed
from obsessions and compulsions, in being grateful for what one has gained, in
having humility and acceptance of being ‘neither all nor nothing’, in being
tolerant of others, in forgiving and letting go of resentments, and in fitting
in and belonging. Those who say this is not a spiritual experience and only a
psychological or social protective wall of human community overlook the
resulting yields and characteristics of spirituality and spiritual growth:
·
Transcendence of Self: Moving beyond
self-centeredness to connect with a reality larger than oneself.
·
Humility and Acceptance: Recognizing one's
limitations and accepting oneself as neither all nor nothing.
·
Gratitude: Being thankful for the gains made in
recovery.
·
Tolerance and Forgiveness: Being tolerant of
others and letting go of resentments.
·
Belonging: Feeling of being at home, accepted
and welcomed into a community.
·
Daily Practices: Steps such as prayer and
meditation are aimed at improving conscious contact with God or a higher power,
which helps in maintaining recovery, spiritual growth and quality of
life.
·
Surrender
and Acceptance: The concept of surrendering to a higher power (Steps 1-3) is
fundamental, acknowledging one's powerlessness and turning one's will over to a
higher power.
·
Protective
Wall of Community and Support: Spirituality in recovery groups is a community,
where members help each other through sponsorship and shared experiences,
fostering a sense of connection, belonging and mutual support.
·
Positive
Outcomes: Empirical and scientific studies have shown that spirituality-related
characteristics, such as feeling a Higher Power’s presence, participating in
the recovery community and serving as a sponsor or recovery partner, are
predictive of positive outcomes like reduced acting out behaviors, including
codependency, alcohol / substance abuse or sexually acting out.
·
Broader Meaning and Purpose: Spirituality
provides members with a sense of meaning and purpose in life, which is
essential for long-term recovery. It
encompasses not only religious beliefs but also broader aspects like humanism,
family (not necessarily biological family) involvement, and the arts.
Overall, spirituality in 12-step programs is multifaceted,
involving personal growth, community support, and a connection to a higher
power, all of which contribute to successful recovery and life.
Keep coming back. It works if you work it, so WORK IT,
YOU’RE WORTH IT!
References and additional reading
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4768745/pdf/nihms761503.pdf
https://sober.com/the-role-of-a-higher-power-in-12-step-drug-treatment/
https://www.academia.edu/35094544/The_Role_of_Twelve_Step_Related_Spirituality_in_Addiction_Recovery