Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project

Is Spirituality Important to Young People in Recovery? Insights from Participants of Self-Help Support Groups

Authors: Ann Dadich, PhD, MAPS

Abstract

While there is growing evidence concerning the relationship between spirituality and clinical outcomes among young people, there is limited understanding about the way young people who are in active recovery from mental health and substance use issues understand, embrace and value spirituality. This paper thus explores the notion of spirituality among young people with mental health and substance use issues, who, through their journey of recovery, participated in self-help support groups (SHSGs)—groups that are run by and for participants who share similar experiences. The paper examines the role of spirituality as the young people attempted to manage and enhance their sense of well being.

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