Spirituality Assists in Addiction Recovery

  “Addiction tries to make a spiritual experience static. When we are in an addictive process, we want to hold on to the moment, not feeling the discomfort of the longing but attempting to maintain what we feel in an instant. Our spirituality becomes stagnate and the addiction leads us into a deep bondage with […]

Spirituality Improves Recovery from Addiction

In a previous post we described the relationship between spirituality and recovery from alcoholism. https://www.facebook.com/ContemplativeStudiesCenter/photos/a.628903887133541.1073741828.627681673922429/1032110166812909/?type=1&theater This is great, but, what about other addictions? Is spirituality helpful with these also? Substance abuse and addiction is a terrible problem. It isn’t just illicit drugs but includes many prescriptions drugs especially opioid pain relievers. It is estimated that […]

Improve Alcohol Treatment Completion with Spirituality

Improve Alcohol Treatment Completion with Spirituality   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “spiritual experiences and spiritual practices, including prayer and mindfulness meditation, may be helpful in reducing hazardous drinking and in the treatment of [Alcohol Use Disorder].” – Katie Witkiewitz   Inappropriate use of alcohol is a major societal problem. In fact, about […]

Spirituality Activates the Brain Networks Underlying Other-Than-Self Attention

Spirituality Activates the Brain Networks Underlying Other-Than-Self Attention   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “Understanding the neural bases of spiritual experiences may help us better understand their roles in resilience and recovery from mental health and addictive disorders.” – Ephrat Livni   Spirituality is defined as “one’s personal affirmation of and relationship to a […]

Help Reduce Psychopathology with Severe Skin Conditions with Spirituality

Help Reduce Psychopathology with Severe Skin Conditions with Spirituality   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “Spiritual practices tend to improve coping skills and social support, foster feelings of optimism and hope, promote healthy behavior, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and encourage a sense of relaxation. By alleviating stressful feelings and promoting healing […]

Improve Mental Health with Spirituality

  By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “As we learn more and more about the connections between the mind and body, it becomes clear that spirituality, religion and faith can help some individuals live well with mental health conditions. Some individuals and families turn to faith in times of crisis to help in their […]