In my substance abuse treatment life, I’ve spent countless hours in meetings, focus groups, and community forums. These sessions always present the same stuff: government reps tooting their horns, bromides, sarcasm. Sometimes, someone will say something useful. Whether the meetings contain the same things, bad things, or even good things, what’s almost always missing is role spiritual health plays within any type of treatment. I think it’s a huge mistake to ignore the healing power that spiritual health can provide.

To be clear, I am not advocating any religion or perspective over any other. All religions, to me, have pros and cons and there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Everyone has their own backgrounds and beliefs and I am no expert on God. However, I am certain that finding a higher power, prayer, and meditation are key to living a healthy life.

When it comes to treating substance abuse disorders, I am even more certain that when someone humbles themselves to a “creator,” good things happen. But really, it’s not only my opinion. Studies (such as this one) provide strong evidence that incorporating spirituality within a treatment setting leads to stronger and healthier outcomes. Treatment settings that do not use spirituality tend towards higher relapse rates. I believe the main reason behind these outcomes is that substance use disorders isolate people and create ego-centric psychologies.

Not that people with substance use disorders are the only ego-focused people on the planet. Today’s world champions the singularity of ego. But recognizing that there is something greater than ourselves and that we are just a part in a far greater creation is integral in reducing the compulsion of ego-driven behavior. Really though, substance abuse creates an especially powerful ego that says, “what I want is all that matters and I want it right now.” This drive becomes destructive to both the person who abuses substances and to everyone around him or her.

Therefore, I encourage everyone to seek a healthy spiritual life, in however ways they know. Religion can be a path towards spirituality, but I also know religions can drive ego behavior as well. It’s up to each person to recognize their own spirituality. It’s also up to us to learn how we connect with all that’s good and strong and beautiful. But we can’t continue to ignore our spirituality, anymore…