Perhaps one of the most famous quotes in all 12-Step literature comes from the English philosopher Herbert Spencer. He states, “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which can not fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation.” This is an important concept in recovery because, in recovery, we must be open to new experiences if we are to progress and grow. Also, this is true if we are to heal in Glenwood Springs.
Understanding the ‘Three-Fold Illness’
A concept in recovery breaks down addiction into three parts: mental, physical, and spiritual. This is commonly referred to as the “three-fold illness.” The three-fold illness includes what is known as the “mental obsession,” the “physical allergy,” and the “spiritual malady.”
Now, the mental obsession is how our minds have been conditioned to crave alcohol and preferred illicit substances. This is whether we are actively using or in recovery. It is also the reason why many of us relapse because we cannot stop “obsessing” about drinking and/or using. If a strong recovery is not in place, then this mental obsession will lead to that drink or a drug, and the physical allergy then kicks in.
The physical allergy is the concept that once a drink or a drug enters the body of an individual with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD), they cannot stop. Now, the inability to stop drinking or using is the allergy part. A good analogy is that of shellfish. Someone who is allergic to shellfish will never be affected by it as long as they do not eat shellfish. The same goes for someone with AUD or SUD. Yes, the “allergy” is still there, but one will never be affected as long as they never take that first drink or drug. This is where the concept of the spiritual malady comes in.
What Exactly Is the Spiritual Malady?
The spiritual malady is the idea that people with AUD or SUD are missing something essential in their lives that they then try to fill with alcohol or drugs. In recovery, many people argue that this missing component is spirituality, hence a spiritual “malady.”
Now, many people find the idea of spirituality in recovery offputting. This is because many people have had negative experiences with various religions or religious concepts in their youth. The good news is that spirituality and religion do not have to overlap in recovery. For example, a concept in 12-Step recovery is that spirituality can be faith in anything that is not oneself. That is why they say “Higher Power of your understanding” rather than God.
Ways to Address the Spiritual Malady and Heal in Glenwood Springs
Now, while there are plenty of people who recover without a spiritual practice, many people argue that spirituality must be the cornerstone of our recovery. This is true of many people who recover and heal in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
One way to address the spirituality and healing in Glenwood Springs is to connect to all of the amazing natural surroundings that it has to offer. This includes finding a sense of spirituality in the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.
Another way to address the spiritual malady and heal in Glenwood Springs is to connect to some of its amazing recovery communities. This includes 12-Step communities that offer meetings that can help people discover what spirituality means to them. There is also a vibrant recovery community in the nearby urban hub of Denver.
Addressing the Three-Fold Illness and Other Ways to Heal in Glenwood Springs
The spiritual malady is not the only aspect of the three-fold illness that can be healed in Glenwood Springs. There is also an opportunity to take advantage of some of the best recovery centers in the country, which can offer help with the mental obsession and the physical allergy.
For example, one can engage in psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can get to the underlying emotional issues that often lead to that first drink or drug.
There are also many great detox facilities in Glenwood Springs that can help people get the physical component of addiction out of their system and under control. This also includes creating addiction relapse prevention plans so that the first drink is never taken, and thus, the physical allergy is never triggered.
Healing at the Cellular Level With The Redpoint Center
Here at The Redpoint Center, we believe in healing at the cellular level. This includes addressing the mental, physical, and spiritual elements of addiction.
Herbert Spencer also said, “The wise man must remember that while he is a descendant of the past, he is a parent of the future.” Here at The Redpoint Center, we want all who join us to know that the past is the past, that their future is now, and that the future is friendly in Glenwood Springs.
Many people overlook the fact that a spiritual life can be critical to one’s long-term recovery. Also, addressing what is known as the “spiritual malady,” which addiction can cause, can help one acquire a new, healthier, more fulfilled spiritual way of life. If you feel like you or someone you love is struggling with issues of mental illness and/or addiction, including “the mental obsession, physical allergy, and spiritual malady” (often referred to as the “three-fold illness”), we can help get you on the road to long-term recovery. For more information about the benefits of establishing a spiritual practice in recovery, please reach out to The Redpoint Center today at (303) 710-8496.
