Recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous use finding a higher power as the most common apprehension form. This is despite a lot of people reporting a flawed understanding of what this means. Many addicts believe this concept to be a “God thing,” and can instill a reluctance towards finding recovery. It is an unintentional mistake muddled in confusion of religious concepts.

Self-will governs the path most addicts tread. The program teaches that this is an illusion, that some things are beyond your control, and these things require a higher power. It is easier to hand over things to a higher power when you are closely connected. Twelve-step programs are not religiously-based, but spiritually-based. But this still requires a belief in a higher power.

Difference Between Religion & Spirituality

Spirituality is an avenue of following your own heart as opposed to specific ideologies. You get to listen to your intuition concerning the best way to treat those around you as well as how to treat yourself. You get no punishment or reward for your actions from a higher power.

Fear surrounds a lot of religions in the world. Fear of the unknown consequences of your actions to be specific. Love is what defines spirituality. Spirituality is about focusing energy to perform acts of love instead of fear. You will be empowered by decisions made from love with bravery and enrichment of the soul.

Religion takes you on a journey of facts, with everything seemingly black and white from the creation of the universe to the reason behind human existence. Spirituality empowers you to go on a personal journey of discovery while setting no limits to how far you can go. Your truth can be the same as another person’s, but the personal journey spirituality provides can make you braver to face issues like addiction.

How to Find Your Higher Power

Start Small

A higher power only means “God as you understand Him.” Understand the reason you believe the things you do can help you, but it can also prevent you from believing in a higher power than yourself. It’s possible to ask for help in acknowledging a higher power in individual therapy. It can be uncomfortable to explore what you believe and let go of what you cannot control. However, to achieve sobriety and mental health in the long-term using the method of Alcoholics Anonymous, it will be necessary.

Be Open Minded

Listen to other people’s opinion on what having a higher power means, and this may help you choose a vision of a higher power that you are comfortable with. Agreeing with everyone is not a must, as you have a right to disagree. But it’s important to have an open mind. The information you receive may be of help in finding people with common interests, and help you better understand the concept of a higher power.

Admit That You Are Not God

The first step in most twelve-step programs is admitting you are an addict and that you are powerless over your addiction. Accepting the lack of power can make it easier to believe in a higher power. A higher power that has power over the things you cannot control, such as your addiction. Admitting this powerlessness can help facilitate recovery and healing, but it requires a great of courage.

Pray and Meditate

After admitting powerlessness and believing in a higher power, it is now time to talk to this higher power. You may not be seeing who you are talking to, but the important part of prayer and meditation is the engagement it gives you a higher power. But this process involves much more than talking. It takes listening, being still, and making your mind silent. Sitting still, praying, and practicing mindfulness (being in the moment) can make you discover yourself in ways you never thought possible.

Don’t Do It Alone

Alcohol and drugs may have replaced the spirituality in your life. But it’s possible for you to take it back and place a higher power on the driver’s seat. The idea of a higher power is to allow you to surrender control in difficult situations. It involves admitting what you cannot control, instead of letting problems burden you.

Start Your Path to Recovery at Principles

Your recovery is in your hands. Contact Principles Recovery, where our professional team can ease your addiction struggles and help you achieve a connection with a higher power. We’re ready and willing to help you. It’s never too late!

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky( Medical Director )

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky is a board-certified psychiatrist and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Facultad De Ciencias Medicas/Universidad Nacional. He is affiliated with medical facilities North Shore Medical Center.