HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Orlando, Florida, USA or Virtually from your home or work.

6th Edition of Global Conference on

Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry

October 20-22, 2025 | Orlando, Florida, USA

GAB 2025

Role of spirituality in treating addiction

Speaker at Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry 2025 - Laxmikant Rathi
Govardhan Hospital, India
Title : Role of spirituality in treating addiction

Abstract:

Addiction is a multifaceted condition affecting individuals biologically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. While conventional treatment approaches like pharmacotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and rehabilitation programs address many dimensions of addiction, there is a growing recognition of the importance of spirituality in the recovery process. Spirituality, distinct from organized religion, involves a personal quest for meaning, purpose, connection, and transcendence. It plays a critical role in fostering inner transformation, resilience, and long-term sobriety.

This abstract explores how spiritual practices and beliefs contribute to addiction recovery. Numerous studies have shown that individuals who incorporate spiritual or faith-based elements into their treatment such as meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or participation in spiritually-oriented groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) often report higher levels of emotional well-being, greater motivation for change, and reduced relapse rates. Spirituality provides a framework for self-reflection, acceptance, and forgiveness, while also offering a sense of belonging and hope that counteracts the isolation and despair common in addiction.

Spirituality also encourages a shift from self-centeredness to a more connected and purpose-driven life, which is vital in breaking the cycle of substance abuse. Integrating spiritual care into addiction treatment does not require religious affiliation; rather, it involves respecting and nurturing each individual’s spiritual values and experiences. Clinicians who recognize and support this dimension can enhance the effectiveness of treatment, especially when tailored to the cultural and individual beliefs of the person.

In conclusion, spirituality is not a replacement for evidence-based treatments but serves as a valuable complementary approach. Its inclusion in a holistic model of care addresses the deeper existential void that often underlies addiction, ultimately contributing to a more complete and sustained recovery.

Biography:

Dr. Laxmikant Rathi is a Consulting Psychiatrist Practicing in the field of Mental Health since last 44 years at his own 25 Bedded Govardhan Hospital, Near Rajkamal Bridge, Ambapeth, Amravati - 444601, Maharashtra, India. He has done M.B.B.S. from Government Medical College, Nagpur, 1979, D.P.M. from Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, 1981 and M.D. (Psychiatry) from Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, 1982. He is Advisor to World Congress Asian Psychiatry (WCAP), Executive Council Member, SAARC Psychiatric Federation, Immediate Past President, Indian Psychiatric Society, Member, World Federation for Mental Health. He Conducts numerous Mental Health awareness programs for the public by writing articles, giving interviews and posting on social media platform. He has written many chapters on various subjects in various books. He participates in many Research programs also. He has given lectures at various platforms Nationally in various conferences all over the nation. He has been invited by various International organization as a faculty for example American Psychiatric Association, British Indian Psychiatrists Association, SAARC Conference, Asia Pacific Psychiatric Conference, Mayo Clinic, Neuropsychiatry Conference, Bangkok. He is Recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award by Indian Medical Association and Lions Club International. He has also been Felicitated by Hon. Smt. Pratibha Patil, Ex-President of India, for Medico-Social contributions.

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