Addiction has no cure. However, like other chronic conditions it can be treated and managed through a set of physical, psychological, and emotional interventions. About half of the people who struggle with addiction remain untreated. One of the reasons why patients do not seek treatment is because they do not want to accept the fact that they have a problem. However, surrendering is one of the key aspects in the journey to recovery. In AA meetings or spiritual rehab, patients surrender to divine power and become better in the pursuit of understanding human limitations. 

Willpower and Higher Being: A concept of the Spiritual Drug Rehab

As human beings, we like to believe that we have control over everything, which is why we are strong advocates of willpower. We think that through the power of our will, we can take on as well as give up on anything. However, when it comes to addiction, it is a very complex issue. Once our brain gets hooked on addictive substances, we become hostages to them, rendering us helpless and anxious. While the feeling of being out of control is unsettling, it is important to acknowledge that we need the support of others, sometimes that of divine power. 

Surrendering to Higher Power

Surrendering to higher power means to acknowledge that we are helpless in front of the addiction. In a spiritual rehab, it means to submit yourself to someone who is omnipotent and, therefore, will help you get over addiction. Some people believe that the purpose of surrendering to God’s will means to let go of your ego. 

Acceptance

Surrendering one’s will to a Higher Power is a central tenet of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous and other addiction recovery programs. This step involves acknowledging one’s powerlessness over their addiction and accepting that they need help to overcome it. The idea is that by surrendering control, individuals can break free from their addiction and establish a new way of living. The new way of living means a life with sobriety. AA has shown efficacious results in terms of addiction recovery, which is why many people opt for AA meetings and get facilitated. 

Receiving Support

In many cases, addiction can be a result of trying to control everything in one’s life and using substances as a way to cope with stress and difficult emotions. However, this control is an illusion, as addiction eventually takes over and the individual is no longer in control of their own life. By surrendering their will to a Higher Power, individuals are admitting that they cannot control their addiction and are open to receiving help from a higher source.

The Higher Power can be anything that an individual sees as greater than themselves, whether it be a traditional deity, a higher power within oneself, or simply a group of supportive people. The important thing is that the individual has faith and belief in this power and is willing to rely on it for support and guidance. This surrender can bring a sense of humility and a newfound belief that the individual is not alone in their struggle.

Regaining Control

In addition, relying on a Higher Power can provide a source of strength, hope, and guidance in overcoming addiction. Many individuals who struggle with addiction feel hopeless and powerless, but by surrendering their will to a Higher Power, they can find comfort in knowing that they have a higher source of support. This can help individuals to have the courage to face the challenges of recovery and make positive changes in their lives. It is important to note that surrendering one’s will to a Higher Power is not the same as giving up control. Rather, it is about recognizing that one is not in control of their addiction and accepting that they need help to overcome it. This can be a difficult and humbling process, but it can also be incredibly empowering as individuals take back control of their lives and establish a new way of living.

The process of surrendering also involves making a commitment to change and following a set of principles. This may involve working through:

• 12 steps
• Attending meetings
• Reaching out to others in the recovery community for support.

By following these principles and relying on their Higher Power, individuals can begin to rebuild their lives and establish a new sense of purpose and meaning. Anything as harmful as addiction can cause a feeling of meaninglessness. Seeking help from divine power means to regain purpose, direction, and meaning. 

Surrendering: Third Stage of AA

The thing of core importance during the third stage is to choose your own God. Once you have done that, you will be required to follow the following steps:

1. Talk Things Out Loud

This practice allows a person to validate their feelings instead of disregarding them. Though it may be difficult, it can be very beneficial in the long run. Doing so leads to accepting the issues as they are present in one’s life. This step also allows a person to rationalize them rather than dealing with addiction emotionally. 

1. Be Patient with Yourself

Instead of always penalizing yourself or worrying about the outcome, it is healthy to let yourself be. It is imperative to stay consistent without overthinking or expecting sudden change. Patients are also asked to love themselves throughout the process. 

1. Be Present

Being mindful of your surroundings and trying to enjoy what the outside world offers is very effective. It does not mean to appreciate grand things in life. In fact, be mindful of how the simple things in life give you peace. 

While there are 12-step rehab, you can also opt for 3-step rehab that usually will include: 

• Acceptance
• Understanding
• Willingness

Does Surrendering Imply Weakness?

No, surrendering to a higher power in addiction recovery is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it takes a great deal of strength and courage to admit that one needs help and support in overcoming addiction. The concept of surrendering to a higher power in addiction recovery is based on the idea that surrendering control can provide a sense of peace and release from the obsession and compulsion associated with addiction. 

It’s a personal choice, and everyone’s path to recovery is different. Therefore, do not think that surrendering to Higher Power means that you are weak. In fact, it means to accept that human beings are flawed and, therefore, more prone to getting addicted to substances that alter our brain’s chemistry. Some people also believe that it actually means to surrender the truth that addiction is affecting your life, thereby offering yourself a vent of feelings that grab you. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, surrendering one’s will to a Higher Power can be a powerful tool in overcoming addiction. By acknowledging one’s powerlessness and relying on a higher source of support, individuals can find the strength and hope they need to overcome their addiction and establish a new way of living. While the process may not be easy, it can lead to a profound sense of freedom and a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in life. The important thing to remember is to seek support from others.