Operationalizing spirituality in addiction recovery: Insights from Alcoholics Anonymous

Abstract

Spirituality is widely recognized as a source of resilience and a critical component in addiction recovery. However, its integration into clinical practice often lacks clarity, limiting its effectiveness for healthcare practitioners. This study explores the practical relevance of the Operational Model of Spirituality developed by Canda and colleagues, applying it to foundational texts from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Using qualitative content analysis, we examined how the model’s five spiritual drives—meaning of self, meaning of the world, belonging with self, belonging with the world, and profound experience—are reflected in the AA recovery narrative. Our findings highlight distinct subthemes that reflect a movement in the recovery narrative from expressions of maladaptive coping, such as avoidance and denial, to representations of more adaptive orientations, including acceptance and present-focused living. These themes underscore the importance of authenticity, connection, wholeness, and consistent spiritual experiences in fostering recovery. We conclude that this operational framework offers chaplains a structured, evidence-informed approach to spiritual care that can enhance support for individuals navigating addiction recovery.