A Qualitative Exploration of Spirituality in Relapse Prevention among Recovering Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a significant public health challenge with multifaceted etiologies and limited effective relapse prevention strategies. For individuals recovering from substance use disorder, spirituality has been identified as a powerful tool in achieving and maintaining recovery. However, the role of spirituality in addiction treatment remains underexplored, with limited awareness and practical application of how spiritual practices and involvement can be integrated into recovery programs and relapse prevention particularly in the context of substance use disorder. This qualitative study explored the role of spirituality as a complementary resource for recovery in substance use disorder, especially in the cultural context of Pakistan. This study explore the experiences of 12 individuals who have maintained recovery from substance use disorder ranging from two to five years. These participants were selected from Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Through in-depth interviews, and thematic analysis of (Braun and Clark 2012 model) participants shared their perspectives and experiences that how spiritual and religious practices such as prayer, recitation of Qur'an, gratitude, and self-reflection and realization of drugs from evil and about hereafter provided motivation to quit substance use, sustain recovery, and achieve inner peace and self-respect. The findings highlight spirituality as an essential resource for relapse prevention, even in rural and under-served settings where conventional healthcare for substance use disorders may be inaccessible. The study also underscores the potential of spiritually based interventions as complementary approaches to addiction treatment and relapse prevention offering valuable insights into the development of culturally and contextually relevant recovery strategies.