U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Spirituality, Alcoholism, and Recovery: An Exploratory Study

NCJ Number
171428
Journal
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (1997) Pages: 89-100
Author(s)
M M Carroll
Date Published
1997
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study identifies mental health and social resources as well as treatment methods that recovering alcoholic adult children of alcoholics found effective for spiritual recovery.
Abstract
Specific resources (workshops and retreats) and treatment methods (journal-keeping and imagery) were particularly helpful. Emerging themes were self-trust and the interrelationship of spirituality and human behavior. Recovering alcoholics emphasized a Higher Power or God, an interconnectedness with others that transcended each one's individuality, and personal growth that involved letting go of egocentricity. Study findings suggest that clinicians affirm their client's spiritual resources, be aware that these resources exist independent of the client's and clinician's orientation toward spirituality or a belief system, and consider and promote ways of tapping into and engaging the fundamental part and the essence of the client's identity. Increasing indications that body, mind, and spirit are interrelated support the need to identify specifically which interventions are effective and under what conditions. References