SPIRITUALITY VERSUS RELIGION

It is widely held that twelve step recovery programs are heavily based in spirituality. Several of the steps address a relationship with a Higher Power and turning of our will and lives over to it. Additionally, as defects with our makeup are uncovered, we are asked to admit these to this higher power and give over our wills that it may remove them from our lives.

This focus on spirituality and spiritual practice is often a stumbling block for the addicted GLBT in taking the first step, surrendering to the addictive process to begin the healing process. Many in the community, upon hearing spirituality, immediately connect the concepts to religion. In doing so, the GLBT transfers previous negative experiences with organized religion to his/her judgment and decision making regarding the ability of the program to work for them.


A culturally sensitive treatment provider will be of great value in helping correct the distorted thinking noted above. Techniques such as REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Training) and traditional Cognitive Therapy techniques assist in recognizing the impact that past experience has on present decision making.

Also important in this process is the establishment of clearer understandings of “spirituality” and “religion”. A simple delineation that is very useful to individuals struggling with the concept is that; religion is man made and spirituality is higher power generated. “Religion” is a product or sorts while “spirituality” is a process. Engaging in the practice of “religion” usually requires the participant to accept and adapt to tenets that are the basis of the ISM (school of thought) while engaging in “spirituality” involves an intimate contract made between the participant and the identified Higher Power.

The Second and Third Steps of the twelve step program address the “spirituality” process of identifying one’s Higher Power and entering into relationship with it. One of the most powerful phrases of the third step is “…God as we understood Him.” (The text is actually italicized in the Big Book)

Recovery programming and step work establishes a framework for our spiritual journey that is entirely based on “our understanding of Him”. Surely this unconventional suggestion is polar opposites to the “religious” experience that establishes the deity to whom we shall be in relationship, usually subservient, with. This incredible liberation give us license to identify with a Higher Power that we are comfortable with and with whom we can enter into an intimate relationship with.

Some of the most badly wounded by religious experience continue to struggle with the concept, holding fast to the old beliefs of doom, gloom, shame and guilt. If truly surrendered and open to suggestions, these survivors test the waters of “spirituality” forming relationships with “Higher Powers” with unique and varying names. Why not test the waters with a Higher Power of unconditional love, understanding and empathy who wants nothing but the best of everything for you his/her most cherished possession. Plugging into relationship with this kind of Higher Power can bring incredible comfort to the suffering individual. Affirming one’s worthiness for such a relationship as well as one’s heritage to all that is good in the universe is an incredible adjunct to healthy living. The adage of “time takes time” and “first things first” put into action with regard to our spiritual experience leads to a restructuring of our experiences of God, creating bonds of trust in his/her infinite power and goodness.

Since the program and process of recovery is one based on suggested steps. The information provided here is intended to be thought provoking and suggestive. If old methods have failed, being open to a new ideology can not make matters worse but if successful can surely make them better.

Allan D.
Fort Lauderdale