Discuss The Spiritual Approach To Addiction

Alcohol and addiction has an impact on more lives than just those who suffer from this disease. Addiction has been identified as a disease, by those in the medical field, because they believe is results from biological circumstances. One approach to help one suffering with an addiction or substance abuse disorder is a spiritual approach. The spiritual approach to addiction offers help spirituality by getting in touch with a higher power. They do not address the biological reason behind in addiction, instead they focus on self-help. They do not believe that etiology is sufficient in the treatment of addiction. This approach strongly believes in clinical treatment through counseling. Some psychological approaches study the process of people changing,
In this model the treatment must be tailored to the individual suffering, in order to see improvement or good change. This model considers the patients age, personality, culture, lifestyle, and the extent of their addiction in order to most successful reach and treat the patient. Furthermore, these approaches treat the whole person. This differs from the disease model, which only takes into account the scientific reasons behind alcoholism and addiction. This model suggests that addiction originates from genetic and biological reasons. This model says that addiction is not simply a behavioral problem and it must be treated as a disease with appropriate medical treatment. Many social workers have gone against the implications of the disease model in saying that the model suggests that addicts do not need to take responsibility for their actions. Spiritual and psychological approaches to addiction value accountability of oneself in order to improve and make changes. However, some people do feel that although the disease model of addiction is certainly not all encompassing, it is a starting place to begin treatment of
One extreme approach in treating addiction is the treatment through Christ alone and discounting any biological models. Another form of an extreme approach is addiction programs that totally discount God altogether. A more balanced approach to addiction treatment would balance theological perspectives along with scientific findings. A model that treats the whole person, both spiritually and medically is a balanced model that social workers should implement. As a Christian, I believe that God must be included in addiction treatments to give one a reason to seek change and to give one the strength to change. However, God wants us to use all knowledge He has given us to the best of our ability, so we must not ignore scientific findings. Being able to study creation and learn is a blessing from God, and I believe that He would want us to use our understanding of his creation to help heal the