If you have ever been a part of a 12 Step Program, you know that God, or a Higher Power, is the central focus to the program. However, if you have never gone through a 12 Step Program, that might be a new concept to you. Regardless of where you find yourself in your spiritual life, it is important to understand the spiritual aspect of addiction recovery.

Even so, you probably have a few questions that I would like to address.

What if I don’t believe in God, or I’m not a spiritual person?

Perhaps your parents never took you to church while you were growing up, so you don’t really have a spiritual background. Or, maybe your childhood was difficult, and you weren’t treated well by your parents, so you have no desire to get to know a “Heavenly” Father. Regardless of why you don’t believe in God, a 12 Step Program could be of a great benefit to you, just as it has been for many others in the past.

The 12 Step Program, which was founded by a man of faith named Bill Wilson, was developed in a way that allows you to determine your own sense of God, or a Higher Power. If you disagree with the Christian view of God, you are free to embrace a different view. As you begin the program, you are asked to do so with a willingness to believe. You will find that this willingness will develop into an attitude of understanding, and even acceptance of your own Higher Power, as well as the eagerness to move through the steps at your own pace.

What if I used to have faith, but I seem to have lost it?

For anyone who struggles with an addiction, it’s common for the addiction to take the place of God in their lives. Through the 12 Step Program, you will regain the faith that you once had, even if it’s been years since you trusted in God to sustain you. You will grow closer to Him (or to your Higher Power), and you will come to understand how much He truly loves you, believes in you, and desires for you to become free.

What if I fail?

One of the best things about the 12 Step Program is that it’s designed to foster your success. Please remember that none of us is perfect. Even so, when you invest yourself into the program you will be surrounded by people who have your best interests at heart. The first three steps of the program are: 1. To admit we were powerless over (name your addiction) and our lives had become unmanageable and 2. To come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity, and 3. To turn our will and our lives over to the care of a Higher Power. These steps will help to build a foundation for your success. You will also have the support of a Spiritual Director or sponsor, as well as meetings to attend, materials to read, and other people who are struggling just like you. With these elements in place, you will feel encouraged to succeed.

Spirituality is such an important part of the healing process when you struggle with an addiction. As a Spiritual Director, it’s my goal to provide you with all of the tools you need to be successful. Even if you’re not a spiritual person, or if you once were and you haven’t been for a long time, I would love the opportunity to work with you on your own personal road to recovery.

If you would like to make an appointment to meet with me, please feel free to give me a call at 604-733-7428. You can also email me at gina@ginavanderham.com.

Please do not let another day go by feeling as though you’re suffering by yourself in your addiction. Help is available, and by learning to understand how much God loves you, and how much He wants you to succeed, you’ve already taken the most important step toward recovery.

*Image courtesy of tiverylucky, www.freedigitalphotos.net*