MDorta_Addiction as a Spiritual Crisis (Obj

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 The Dark Night of Recovery by Gerald May: Addressing Addiction as a Spiritual Crisis Mary A. Dorta Grand Canyon University PCN-373-O500: Spirituality and Addiction Professor Ashley Johnson October 10, 2023

2 The Dark Night of Recovery by Gerald May: Addressing Addiction as a Spiritual Crisis Introduction Addiction is a complex issue that affects individuals physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While traditional models of addiction treatment often overlook the spiritual aspect, psychiatrist Gerald May recognizes the profound impact of spirituality on the recovery process. May's concept of the "dark night" portrays a stage of confusion in recovery, through which individuals can emerge with a deeper spiritual relationship. While addiction is often understood as a substance abuse problem, it can also be viewed as a spiritual crisis—an existential struggle that impacts one's relationship with self, others, and the transcendent. This essay will explore how a spiritual crisis can be integral to the recovery process, explaining May's understanding of the dark night, and discussing the difference between religion and spirituality. Part I: A Spiritual Crisis as Part of the Recovery Process Addiction can be seen as a spiritual crisis because it often involves a disconnection from one's authentic self, a loss of meaning and purpose, and a breakdown in relationships. Recovery, then, becomes a journey of rediscovering and reestablishing a connection with one's spiritual core. Addressing addiction as a spiritual crisis involves attending to the individual's spiritual needs and incorporating spiritual practices and beliefs into their recovery journey. This may include practices such as meditation, prayer, mindfulness, and the exploration of existential questions. A spiritual crisis can be an essential part of the recovery process, as addiction profoundly affects an individual's spiritual well-being. Addiction often arises from an attempt to

3 The Dark Night of Recovery by Gerald May: Addressing Addiction as a Spiritual Crisis fill an existential void or numb emotional pain. However, acknowledging and addressing this spiritual crisis is crucial for sustained recovery. During the recovery journey, individuals frequently experience a sense of spiritual disconnection, emptiness, and a loss of meaning. The process of overcoming addiction necessitates a deep exploration of one's core beliefs, values, and sense of purpose. It challenges individuals to confront their past choices, the harm caused to themselves and others, and the damage to their spiritual selves (Miller, et al., 2008). By confronting their spiritual crisis, individuals have an opportunity for profound personal growth and healing. They can examine the root causes of their addiction, develop a deeper sense of self- awareness, and tap into their spirituality to find inner strength and resilience. Acknowledging the spiritual dimension allows individuals to reconcile with themselves, reestablish their values, and cultivate a sense of purpose beyond their addiction. Part II: May's Concept of the Dark Night in Recovery Gerald May's concept of the "dark night" resonates with the works of spiritual mystic Saint John of the Cross and represents a transformative stage during the recovery process. In May's understanding, the dark night encompasses a period of confusion and despair when individuals face the disorientation and emptiness that lie beneath their addictive behaviors. May's concept of the "dark night" in recovery refers to a period of confusion, despair, and transformative growth that some individuals experience on their journey towards sobriety (May, 2007). During this stage, the recovering individual confronts the painful realities of addiction, grapples with the consequences of their actions, and questions their identity and purpose. It is a challenging and tumultuous period, marked by intense emotions and the reevaluation of one's

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