The Role of Spirituality in Addiction Recovery: A Qualitative Study

For people seeking treatment for problematic substance use, spirituality can be one part of a multi-faceted approach to recovery. Understanding spirituality in the context of recovery is essential. The research question for this study was: What meaning do people attribute to spirituality in addiction recovery? Interviews were undertaken with participants who were active in Alcoholics Anonymous with one year of continuous sobriety from alcohol. Six themes emerged: identifying with collective knowledge, meaningful translation, mind-body-spirit connection, receiving love, nurturing a healing perspective, and elevated consciousness. These themes highlight the importance of a holistic approach to recovery encompassing the mind, body, and spirit.