Spiritual Predictors of Improved Resilience in People Recovering from Alcohol Use Disorder: An Exploratory Study

• Published in: Alcoholism treatment quarterly Vol. 40; no. 3; pp. 379 - 392
• Main Authors: Hiernaux, Claire, Varescon, Isabelle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 03-07-2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Subjects: 12-step program; Addiction; Alcohol use; alcohol use disorder; Alcoholism; Humanities and Social Sciences; Participation; recovery; Religiosity; Religious identity; Resilience; Spirituality; Well being
• ISSN: 0734-7324; 1544-4538
• DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2022.2047130

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides its members with a spiritual recovery program for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) that could be seen as a resilience program. This article aimed to study the possible relationships between participation in AA, spirituality and resilience and identify the best spiritual predictors of resilience. Spirituality, participation in AA, and resilience were assessed in a population of AA members recruited throughout France (N = 263, age: M = 58.08, SD = 9.92), using the Religious Background and Behavior Scale the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, the Recovery Interview and g the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Correlations, means comparisons, principal components analyses, and multiple regressions were performed. The 263 participants had resilience characteristics, a quality relationship with a God/Higher Power (God/HP), and an existential well-being greater than the general population. Increased participation in AA predicted increased spirituality. The best spiritual predictors of increased resilience were believing in a life purpose, sense of well-being about one's future and being able to appreciate life. Results encourage clinicians to implement positive psychological interventions in the care of patients with AUD and to assign empowering tasks to them.