For addicts or for people in general who struggle with the concept of spirituality, accepting that they are powerless over addiction or that they are in such great emotional pain that it is impossible to make good decisions, it is imperative that they look for a power source outside themselves to help guide them in their recovery. In relation to addiction treatment, spirituality is a key element in the twelve-step model of recovery. Humility is a sturdy, wide bridge that connects the mind and spirit. Following detoxification, the majority of the remaining time in treatment centers is spent on the mental or emotional aspects of recovery. Issues that often surface include low self-esteem, increased ego, judgement of others, care-taking, selfishness, the need to be in control, and childhood abuse, among others. Dealing with these painful subjects, understanding and utilizing humility is critically important. Humility is allowing ourselves and others “humanness,” that is, accepting that being human means we all make mistakes, we all are special in our own way, and no one is better than anyone else. Using humility as a way of approaching and dealing with emotional pain offers a means of change that can provide relief for people spiritually, emotionally, and physically. For many of the serious emotional issues listed above, fear is the underlying core feeling—and it is trust and faith that can relieve that fear. Working on humility is painful. Letting go of an increased ego and letting others see the insecurities beneath it is frightening, but inevitably people will reach out to you in your pain, embrace you, and admire your courage for risking. Following this painful risking comes relief, and with relief, peace of mind. Spirituality is a process, as is recovery. This blog post is an excerpt from Finding a Purpose in the Pain – A Doctor’s Approach to Addiction Recovery and Healing – by James L. Fenley, Jr., MD; Published by Central Recovery Press (CRP).