THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY IN THE RECOVERY JOURNEY FROM ALCOHOL AND OR ANY ...

114 Pages·2014·0.48 MB·English

by  Arturo Salazar

THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY IN THE RECOVERY JOURNEY FROM ALCOHOL
AND OR ANY OTHER ADDICTIONS

A Project

Presented to the faculty of the Division of Social Work
California State University, Sacramento

Submitted in partial satisfaction of
the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

by

Arturo M. Salazar
Prescilla Medrano

SPRING
2014
THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY IN THE RECOVERY JOURNEY FROM ALCOHOL
AND OR ANY OTHER ADDICTIONS

A Project

by

Arturo M. Salazar
Prescilla Medrano

Approved by:

__________________________________, Committee Chair
Maria Dinis, Ph.D., MSW

___________________________
Date

ii
Students: Arturo M. Salazar
Prescilla Medrano

I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University
format manual, and that this project is suitable for shelving in the Library, and credit is to
be awarded for the project.

______________________________, Graduate Coordinator __________________
Dale Russell, Ed.D., LCSW Date
Division of Social Work
iii
Abstract
of
THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY IN THE RECOVERY JOURNEY FROM ALCOHOL
AND OR ANY OTHER ADDICTIONS
by
Arturo M. Salazar
Prescilla Medrano
The nature of spirituality is complex, eclectic and organic. It is difficult to assess, analyze
and define its role in the recovery process from alcohol and or any other addictions. This
research study further explores and interprets spirituality, its potential role in recovery
and what individuals consider spiritual in nature. This qualitative, exploratory content
analysis research project was driven by two complementary philosophical approaches
(the strengths perspective and biopsychosocial-spiritual model) to clarify and further
interpret addiction and recovery. The research project consisted of ten participants
selected through a purposive sampling method. The three main themes that emerged
from this research: 1) spiritual awakening and connection; 2) interconnectedness of
spirituality; and 3) serenity of spirituality. The implications for social work practice and
policy related to spirituality are explored and discussed.
, Committee Chair
Maria Dinis, Ph.D., MSW

Date
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Arturo M. Salazar
First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my mother Guadalupe
Salazar and grandmother Maria Rodriguez who is no longer with us, for supporting me
throughout all of my studies with encouragement, love and endless support. To my
mother, for inspiring and believing in me without any hesitation or doubt. To my
brothers, Ruben and Samuel, and all my nieces and nephews who I love very much, and
hope to inspire.
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Prescilla Medrano
This project is dedicated to my family for all their love and unconditional support
throughout my education. This thesis is especially dedicated to my mother for all her
hard work, dedication, encouragement and pushing me to reach my fullest potential.
Thank you to my uncle Rudy for all his support in every aspect and pursuit of my dreams.
To my fiancé, for all his support, love and understanding that he has given me throughout
these three years of graduate school. Thank you, to my grandma who had the courage and
bravery to immigrate to United States to provide her family with a better opportunity and
access to education.
I would like to thank my amazing thesis partner Arturo M. Salazar for all his
dedication and support throughout this project. Thank you for being an amazing friend, I
could have not done this without you!
Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my project advisor,
Maria Dinis, Ph.D. Thank you so much for your endless hours of revising and editing
throughout this project. Her quick and detailed responses helped us get through the
challenges. You helped guide us along the way and for that we are immensely grateful.
“The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.”
-Author Unknown
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Acknowledgements ..............................................................................................................v
Chapter
1. THE PROBLEM .............................................................................................................1
Introduction ..............................................................................................................1
Statement of Collaboration ......................................................................................2
Background of the Problem .....................................................................................2
Statement of the Research Problem .........................................................................5
Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................6
Research Question ...................................................................................................7
Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................7
Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model.............................................................................7
Application of the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model ..............................................9
Strengths Perspective .............................................................................................10
Applications of the Strengths Perspective .............................................................11
Definition of Terms................................................................................................12
Assumptions ...........................................................................................................15
Justification ............................................................................................................15
Delimitations ..........................................................................................................17
Summary ................................................................................................................17
2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ...............................................................................19
vii
Introduction ............................................................................................................19
The Concept of Spirituality ....................................................................................19
Early History of Spirituality...................................................................................22
Evolution of Spirituality in the Social Work Profession .......................................24
Distinction between Spirituality and Religion .......................................................26
Spiritual Growth and Development .......................................................................27
History of Social Worker's involvement in Addiction ...........................................28
Recovery ................................................................................................................34
Spirituality in the Recover Process ........................................................................38
Gaps in the Literature Review ...............................................................................43
Summary ................................................................................................................45
3. METHODS ....................................................................................................................46
Research Question .................................................................................................46
Research Design.....................................................................................................46
Study Population ....................................................................................................48
Sample Population .................................................................................................49
Instrumentation ......................................................................................................50
Data Gathering Procedures ....................................................................................50
Data Analysis .........................................................................................................52
Protection of Human Subjects ...............................................................................53
Summary ................................................................................................................54
4. DATA ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................55
viii
Participant Demographics ......................................................................................55
Spiritual Awakening and Connection ....................................................................56
Interconnectedness of Spirituality ..........................................................................60
Serenity of Spirituality ...........................................................................................64
Summary ................................................................................................................69
5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................70
Introduction ............................................................................................................70
Conclusions ............................................................................................................70
Recommendations ..................................................................................................74
Practice Relevancy .................................................................................................74
Future Research .....................................................................................................76
Limitations .............................................................................................................77
Implications for Social Work Practice and Policy .................................................79
Conclusion .............................................................................................................80
Appendix A. IRB Approval ...............................................................................................82
Appendix B. Interview Questions ......................................................................................96
References ..........................................................................................................................98
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1

Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM
Introduction
The essence of a spiritual dimension and or entity can be attributed to an
instinctual human drive to define a sense of self, meaning, purpose and
interconnectedness to all things, including the universe (Van Wormer & Rae Davis,
2013). It can be traced throughout our world history by the existence of historical
records; evidence unearth at innumerable burial sites; endless accounts of oral stories
passed from generation to generation; countless expressions in the arts; and numerous
works of literature, and transcending time and the elements.
The concept of spirituality is complex, mysterious and personal. It varies from
person to person, shaped by our unique human development, experiences, and
environment. Due to the nature of spirituality being organic, eclectic and boundless, it
can be difficult to address, research and analyze. For some, the concept of spirituality is
directly associated with a specific belief system, religion and or practices. While for
others, spirituality is an entity of its own. A spiritual conductor that allows a deeper
connection, understanding and sense of one self to aspire hope, kindness and forgiveness.
It is also important to note that for some individuals, spirituality is non-existent, and or in
the exploring stages, evaluating its value, purpose and or understanding. In academia,
spirituality has been researched and studied in different capacities, professions and
disciplines (Van Wormer & Rae Davis, 2013). Very limited data and literature is