Recovery is more than just abstaining from substances and addictive behaviors; it is a deeply personal and transformative journey. At its core, recovery is about connection—to oneself, to others, and to a greater purpose. Spirituality plays a vital role in this process, helping individuals find meaning, inner peace, and a renewed sense of direction.
Christina Puchalski, MD, Director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health, defines spirituality as “the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred.” This sense of connection can bring powerful emotions like peace, awe, gratitude, and acceptance—all of which can strengthen one’s recovery journey.
A significant aspect of spirituality in recovery is the concept of seeking. The CCAR Spirituality and Recovery Coaching© curriculum, which the Maine Recovery Hub at Portland Recovery Community Center offers for free to trained CCAR recovery coaches, highlights the importance of recognizing what we are searching for and why. Individuals in recovery are often seekers— searching for healing, purpose, and fulfillment beyond addiction. This process requires reflection and intentionality.
Consider asking yourself:
• Do I consider myself a spiritual seeker?
• What are four prominent things I’m seeking?
• Where am I seeking them?
• How and why am I seeking them?
• With whom am I seeking them?
The answers to these questions can help shape a personal spiritual path, whether through meditation, faith, nature, creative expression, or connection with a supportive community. In Maine, recovery community centers provide an inclusive space where individuals can explore their spirituality in recovery, fostering holistic growth, healing, and connection.
Ultimately, spirituality is about discovering what gives life meaning. Recovery itself is a path of seeking, and through spirituality in one’s recovery journey, individuals can find strength, purpose, and a deeper connection to the world around them.