Incorporating Spirituality in Treatment Programs

There are many treatment formats for addiction. One of the most effective is the 12 Step model developed by addicts for addicts beginning with Alcoholics Anonymous and then growing to include all drugs and other behavioral issues. The 12 Steps are not just a technique; they are a lifestyle of change through self-examination with the help of others using spiritual (not religious) principles. Is spirituality in your treatment program? Treatment professionals are often trained in different models and have their own particular religious experiences. Therefore, it is difficult for some to imagine how to present spirituality ethically using best practices in group therapy settings. This collection of suggested group ideas is not exhaustive, but offers a few insights into how treatment professionals may enrich their therapy groups with activities that illustrate some of the spiritual principles of 12 Step recovery. Drawing from additional resources such as spiritual development theories, values clarification, motivational interviewing, meditation models, role play, and use of arts and metaphors, these suggested group activities provide creative ways to present recovery principles in a therapeutic context. They use experiential educational techniques to include spirituality in treatment groups. These groups are not just for clinical staff, they may also be used appropriately by certified peer support personnel for psycho-social and activity groups.