Page 62 says, “Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of thisselfishness (“the ego”). We must, or it kills us! God makes that possible. And there often seems no way of entirely getting rid of self (ego) without God’s aid.” These name just a few of the symptoms of the “spiritual malady” that’s described throughout our text. But still in all, these are just symptoms of the “spiritual malady.” “The principles of the programme of Alcoholics Anonymous are scientific and closely follow all the helping therapies which lead people to emotional well-being. These illustrate how the 12 step programme can help with an emotion dysregulation disorder.

Spiritual Model of Addiction: A Holistic Approach to Recovery and Healing

“Of alcoholics who came to A.A. and really tried, 50% got sober at once andremained that way, 25% sobered up after some relapses, and among theremainder, those who stayed on with A.A. showed improvement.” When your spirit animal is a sloth, it’s time to seek some professional help. These components work together to create a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses not just the symptoms of addiction, but its underlying causes and the individual’s overall quality of life.

• By addressing the spiritual disconnection at the root of our addiction, we can begin to heal and find lasting sobriety.
• This is the type ofspiritually maladapted behaviorthat we typically exhibit in active alcoholism.

Spiritual Healing and Spiritual Awakening

There are many maladies out there — anything from chicken pox to “fish odor syndrome” (a metabolic disorder where the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a compound with a strong fishy odor). None of what is a spiritual malady them are fun (and some might hamper our social life), but thankfully in our day and age, most are curable. The AA Big Book describes a spiritual malady as the inner turmoil, selfishness, and fear that drive addiction. It appears in the bedevilments—feeling restless, anxious, and disconnected from others. The book teaches that recovery requires a spiritual solution, where working the 12 Steps restores sanity and connection to a higher power.

Understanding Spiritual Malady

A healthy spiritual life can lead to a sense of purpose, contentment, and inner peace. This spiritual malady, or spiritual disconnection, is the driving force behind our addiction and self-destructive behaviors. Without addressing this spiritual malady, we have absolutely no hope for intrinsic change or recovery. It is this notion that the fellowship of AA was founded upon, and how millions of recovered alcoholics equate their success in overcoming a seemingly hopeless situation. The only solution to a spiritual malady is a spiritual awakening.

Types of Spiritual Healing

Momentarily we did — then would come oblivion and the awful awakening Substance abuse to face the hideous Four Horsemen — Terror, Bewilderment, Frustration, Despair. Now and then a serious drinker, being dry at the moment says, “I don’t miss it at all. Having a better time.” As ex-problem drinkers, we smile at such a sally. We know our friend is like a boy whistling in the dark to keep up his spirits.