Spiritual growth can help to change habits – from overeating and smoking to alcohol and drug abuse. 12-step programs, such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), suggest how this may work.

A recent medical journal notes: “The heart of AA’s philosophy is that addiction should be seen a spiritual problem and that genuine recovery requires a profound spiritual awakening (1).” Part of this awakening comes in the steps, first by recognizing an inability to change on our own (step 1), then recognizing that God has the power to orchestrate change (Step 2), and then giving the problem to God (Step 3).

Recognizing God seems to be the key: searching for his presence in moments of meditation and prayer, appreciating his existence beyond words and ideas, developing a habit of waiting on the movement of His spirit. Focusing on God can usher in the serenity we too often seek thorough unhealthy behaviors.

John Allen & others. “Recovery on higher ground: Spirituality in the treatment of substance abuse.” Current Psychiatry. February, 2014.