The Impact of Spirituality on

Addiction Treatment
May 31, 2018

Spirituality has been in Valley Hope’s DNA since day one.  The seeds of
Valley Hope were planted over 50 years ago, between a physician and a
minister who were at a loss for how to help an alcoholic community member. 
What an extraordinary beginning…a man trained in science and a man trained
in faith working together in a way that would ultimately lead to tens of
thousands of people climbing out of the valley of addiction to lead renewed
lives. Valley Hope continues to honor our founders by embracing the tension
between science and faith in our treatment philosophy.
The spiritually-based 12-step program is embedded in our treatment model.
Our programing is designed and our staff selected and trained around an
integrated holistic model of treatment.  Our physicians, nurses, counselors,
chaplains, and officeand support staff are all an integral part of the treatment
team. Together, with care and sensitivity, they explore and attend all the areas
of a patient that may be causing them pain or suffering – mind, body, and
spirit. Moreover, we are one of the few treatment organizations in the country
to employ full time chaplains at each residential program. Current research
supports the importance of spirituality in treating substance use disorders
(SUD).  Although research focusing on the spiritual dimension of treatment
has been relatively limited, recent findings are promising. Emerging evidence
is showing that religiosity and spirituality reduces the likelihood of substance
misuse, enhances treatment engagement and outcomes, facilitates recovery
behaviors and length of sobriety, and improves quality of life. Yet more
research is needed.
The Science of Spirituality
In addition, we know that most  patients are receptive to spirituality. In a 2017
Gallup poll, 89 percent of Americans indicated they believe in God or a
“universal spirit” and 74 percent of Americans stated that religion is either very
important or fairly important in their lives. Considering the strong spiritual
belief system of the U.S population, it is not surprising that most people
instinctively turn to their faith to help them cope with the uncertainties and fear
that naturally accompanies illness and disease.  Research supports this,
finding that most patients would welcome questions about their spirituality
from clinical staff.
Since our beginning, Valley Hope has kept its finger on the pulse of the
scientific advances in the field and, when appropriate, adjusted our treatment
practices to follow suit. Yet, to better harness the enormous potential of
research, Valley Hope recently took another step forward by forming a new
research department. The Valley Hope Department of Research and
Innovation will conduct research in a number of areas, but we are excited to
announce that our first strategic area of research focus will be the role
spirituality plays in addiction treatment.
Investigating the role that spirituality plays in addiction treatment may lead to
promising new interventions, improved treatment experiences, and greater
success for those working toward long-term recovery.
In the end, Valley Hope will continue to hold the scientific and the sacred in
the same hand. We are firm in our belief that patient care, at its best, carefully
employs both these areas. This requires both the skills of a well-trained
practitioner and the heart of a compassionate soul, it requires rigorous
assessment practices and abundant creativity, it requires clear
objectivity and authentic emotional connection, and it requires reliance on the
evidence as well as space for the sacred. Put simply, science brings us the
right tools and the spirit brings them to life. Here at Valley Hope we will always
be looking for ways sharpen our tools and deepen our spirit.