Spirituality-Based Addiction Counseling Model Proposal: Theory and Practice

Abstract

This study aims to develop, implement, and test the effectiveness of a model prepared with a cross- disciplinary approach, which includes religious and spiritual elements that could be applied in the treatment of alcohol and substance addiction, especially in the rehabilitation process. The study adopts a mixed method research design. In the qualitative part, phenomenological analysis was used. In the quantitative section, scales were used to measure the participants’ dependence. The study group included alcohol and substance addicts who were in the rehabilitation process at the Green Crescent Consultancy Center (YEDAM) and aged between 24and 56. Initially, the participants were given Addiction Profile Index (BAPI) to determine their demographic information, addiction level, and clinical chart, which is followed by Addiction Outcome Assessment Index (AOAI) during the interview process. Within the scope of the Spirituality-Based Addiction Counseling (MTBD) model, eight different interview sessions were held with each participant for an average of 45 minutes. Then, the data were discussed and evaluated in the light of the relevant literature. Quantitative findings indicated a slow but steady improvement in the participants, with slight fluctuations, from the pre-interview to the final interview (altruism) in MTBD Model. With regard to qualitative findings, the data showed that during the first steps of the model, the participants developed an awareness of how addiction affected them psycho-socially and spiritually, and during the following steps, this awareness was significantly effective in transforming their lives. It could be claimed that the model is a motivational element that reinforces the basic treatment and rehabilitation processes in the struggle to get rid of addiction and adds religious and spiritual meaning to this process