5 Ways the 12-Steps Help You Build Spirituality in Addiction Recovery

Spirituality is an important part of addiction recovery for many people. Recovery is a time when you are going through a lot of changes that can be overwhelming, scary, and draining of your energy. Simultaneously, you are fighting cravings for drugs and alcohol as well as dealing with painful or traumatic memories from your past. Leaning on spirituality can help you endure this difficult time and come out on the other side as a healthier, happier you.

One of the easiest and most practical ways to develop spirituality in recovery is by participating in a 12-Step fellowship such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These programs are free to attend to anyone who is trying to get sober. They also span multiple countries and are available in different languages, making them widely available to people wherever they are located. In fact, AA is found in approximately 180 nations worldwide, and it continues to grow.

The problem is that 12-Step programs involve developing a relationship with a Higher Power and the idea of praying to a God can be unappealing to many people. The good news is the 12-Steps are not a religion--they are a way of living and developing spirituality so that you stay sober. Here are 5 key ways 12-Step programs can help you develop and embrace spirituality.

1. The 12-Steps are All-Inclusive--Atheists and Agnostics Included

In recent years, younger generations have been shifting away from identifying with any one religion. In 2021, more than 29% of American adults described themselves as atheists, agnostics, or not having any religious affiliation whatsoever. These individuals may feel as though they can’t participate in a 12-Step program, but this is problematic because 12-Step recovery is the most popular support group option available to people in recovery in the United States.

Fortunately, 12-Step programs are entirely exclusive--their literature even has an entire chapter dedicated to “the Agonistic.” The only real requirement is that you become willing to believe in a Power that is greater than you.

2. You Can Develop Your Own Higher Power that Works For You

If you are someone who can’t accept the idea of an all-knowing, infinite being or God, that’s okay. 12-Step programs encourage you to develop an intimate relationship with a Higher Power of your own understanding. The only requirement is that your Higher Power is “greater” than you are. This means your Higher Power could be something like nature, energy, or the movement of the ocean. Or, it could even be your support group, because a team of people is far stronger and greater than an individual on his or her own.

When you make the conscious decision to not believe in spirituality, there is no room for personal growth. But, when you get to choose what you believe in, you open the door for spirituality to enter and transform your life.

3. You Cleanse Your Conscious and Become More Self-Aware

In order to embrace spirituality, you must purge the things that are hurting you and make room for things that can heal you. This is what steps four and five are all about. In step four, you make a personal inventory outlining all of your shortcomings and mistakes from the past. You examine your behaviors and admit to things you did wrong. Then, you share this inventory with your sponsor or another individual, allowing you to get everything off of your chest.

Immediately after sharing your inventory, you may feel lighter and less anxious. Your cravings may even disappear. Not only will you be more aware of your roles in your past mistakes, but you will also become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behavioral patterns. Then, you can lean on your spirituality to help you change your behaviors, fix past mistakes, and heal your soul. The more you look to your Higher Power for guidance, the stronger your spiritual relationship will become.

4. You Make Amends for Your Past and Heal Relationships

After doing your personal inventory, you continue progressing through the 12-steps. In step eight, you make a list of people you have harmed and prepare to make amends to them. Then, in step nine, you make direct amends to people whenever possible.

Spirituality often involves forgiveness--forgiving yourself, forgiving others, and asking others to forgive you for past mistakes. By making amends, you have the opportunity to express the notion that you know you messed up and are willing to make things right. This will provide you with immense relief from guilt and shame while also allowing you to reconnect with old relationships and heal the connections you have with the people who mean the most to you.

5. You Help Others Achieve Their Own Spirituality

Another way to develop spirituality is to help others. 12-Step programs give you various opportunities to help other people through service work and, most importantly, sponsorship.

After you finish the first eleven steps, you end up at step 12 which states, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” This is typically viewed as sponsorship. In other words, your final step is to help another struggling alcoholic (or addict) find their own recovery through spirituality.

Watching your painful experiences transform into something that inspires and helps others is truly powerful, and is one of the most spiritual experiences there is.

Finding Out if the 12-Steps are Right For You

Even though you don’t have to be spiritual to join a 12-Step program, you may still be hesitant to test the waters. But remember, these programs are inclusive and accepting of everyone--no matter their current spiritual beliefs. The only requirement is that you be willing to grow spiritually.

There is no formal enrollment or membership for 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This means you can come and go as you please. You can go to one or two meetings just to check them out, without fully committing.

You can also take advantage of the 12-Step services offered at a rehab center near you because many rehab centers use the 12-Steps in unique ways to promote fellowship and long-term recovery. Both of these options are great ways to dip your toes in the water and see if the 12-Steps are right for you.