The Power of Powerlessness: The Role of Spiritual Surrender and Interpersonal Confession in the Treatment of Addictions

Dyslin, Christopher W., Journal of Psychology and Christianity

Empirical studies regarding substance abuse in the Christian church are reviewed, and a psychological model, proposing an analogous pathway for religious experiences and substance abuse, is examined as an explanation for addictive disorders in church populations. The article focuses on one element addressed by the analogous pathway model, common in many spiritually-based recovery programs, and derived from the core teachings of orthodox Christianity-spiritual surrender. The construct of spiritual surrender is defined, anchored in Christian Scripture, and identified through its roots in the contemplative Catholic tradition and integrated (spiritual/psychological) approaches to addiction …

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Publication information: Article title: The Power of Powerlessness: The Role of Spiritual Surrender and Interpersonal Confession in the Treatment of Addictions. Contributors: Dyslin, Christopher W. - Author. Journal title: Journal of Psychology and Christianity. Volume: 27. Issue: 1 Publication date: Spring 2008. Page number: 41+. © Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Inc. Fall 2008. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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