ABSTRACT
What does spirituality have to do with addiction? Active addicts have not learned from the history of their past behavior that there are consequences to their actions, because they continue to drink, use, eat, act out sexually, gamble or work obsessively. Their purpose in life is simply to get high and they seek no other purpose in life. They cannot seek self-improvement when their actions are self-destructive. Addicts cannot delay gratification and do not consider the consequences of their actions. Finally, addicts lack freedom, being dominated by their compulsions and obsessions. This chapter also explores the DBT skill of Improve, how to use images, meaning in life, prayer, relaxation, dealing with one crisis at a time to lead a more balanced life worth living.
