How Do Eastern Religions Deal with Substance Abuse and Treatment?

The successful treatment of a substance use disorder involves a multidimensional approach that can include the use of medications, therapy, mutual-help groups, family support, and other interventions. Although many different religions and schools of philosophy have different conceptualizations of the cause and resolution of issues with substance misuse, the overall effectiveness of the treatment for substance use typically follows a set of established principles.

One of the major principles in successfully addressing substance use issues is to ensure that the treatment approach is personalized to suit the needs of the individual.¹ This personalization of the treatment plan would include consideration of the individual’s cultural and spiritual beliefs. Treatment providers should endeavor to understand the effect of culture and religious beliefs on their clients’ ability to successfully participate in a recovery program.

Major Principles of Eastern Religions

Several of the major religions in the Eastern part of the world, but not all of them, have conducive belief systems for individuals in recovery. As it turns out, many of the therapeutic approaches to the treatment of substance use are suited to these belief systems. These major unifying principles include:²

• The concept of relatedness and the importance of interpersonal relationships in everyday functioning and in the quest for spirituality
• The awareness of a transient dimension to life or something that is greater than what can be sensed in the physical world
• The belief that humans are different from all other animals and everything else in creation
• The concept of a spirit, soul, or inner being that is more important than the physical body
• The distinction between the material (physical world) and the nonmaterial dimension (spiritual)
• The belief that there is an ultimate meaning or purpose to creation
• The idea that there is a knowable truth that overrides other beliefs
• The belief that there is an innate hierarchy of values, such that some things are good and some things are not good
• The notion of wellness being a holistic overall quality that encompasses the entire person
• The concept of self-knowledge, that actually knowing oneself leads to spiritual knowledge
• That there is a difference between reacting to desires in the physical world and true consciousness or awareness in a spiritual sense

Eastern Religions and Substance Abuse

When applying Eastern religious beliefs to substance use treatment, treatment providers attempt to understand how the person’s belief system reflects the above principles.

• How does substance misuse lead to a loss of sense of purpose?
• How does substance misuse affect the person’s support network? The holistic view of many Eastern religions emphasizes the group, family, or community over the individual.
• How does persistent misuse of substances contradict the morals of one’s beliefs?
• How does the substance misuse issue affect volition or the will to do the right thing?

These are profound questions indeed, but many Eastern religions have very specific tenets that can direct individuals with substance use issues during their recovery. Although any abbreviated description of a major philosophical or religious belief will be flawed in some manner, several of the major Eastern religions are discussed below.

Confucianism

Confucianism or Ruism is a system of ethics and religion devised by Confucius (K’ung Fu-tzu) in the 6th century BC. Confucius was able to systematize all of the elements of Chinese philosophy at that time, and his teachings were later compiled by his disciples. It is estimated that there are approximately 6 million individuals who practice Confucianism in the world today, most of them in the Far East.³

Confucianism emphasizes knowledge and education as a means of attaining status. Applying psychoeducation to understand addictive behavior would be one of the approaches that would be consistent with a person who practices Confucianism. Understanding the potential triggers for substance use and methods to deal with relapse prevention, and then practicing these, would help an individual develop confidence and reshape their spirituality.

The use of the classic texts from Confucianism has been applied to some rehab centers in the East. The approach used in these rehab centers involves advocating respect, humbleness, frugality, and self-control.

Buddhism

Buddhism is a century-old Eastern practice that is widespread across the world today with over 375 million followers.⁴ Moreover, contemporary Western psychotherapy has adopted many principles from Buddhism, including Zen Buddhism, for use in substance use disorder recovery programs. The most well-known of these is the concept of mindfulness.

Buddhism incorporates both religious and philosophical approaches; however, Buddhists address issues of moral concerns, spirituality, and even an afterlife without a major focus on a deity. Buddhists attempt to focus on their minds and their suffering.

Buddhism embraces four noble truths that are generally include:

1. The truth of suffering.
2. The truth of the cause of suffering (desire).
3. The truth of the end of suffering (remove desire).
4. The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering (contemplation and self-knowledge).

Giving in to one’s desires or cravings leads to a self-destructive path, whereas understanding oneself and eliminating desire and cravings leads to truth. The notions of meditation, mindfulness (being aware of what is going on in the moment), and intensive discipline form the backbone of most of the sects of Buddhism.

Thus, Buddhism is generally compatible with therapy for substance use. In fact, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness therapy are very compatible with Buddhism. The 12-Step approach is also compatible with Buddhism, particularly if individuals focus on spirituality instead of a deity in the 12-Step philosophical approach.

The approach to understanding oneself through the four noble truths includes:

• Having the right viewpoint.
• Having the right intentions.
• Acting and speaking in a consistent manner with the right viewpoint and intentions.
• Being mindful of oneself and one’s motivations.
• Living in a manner consistent with the four noble truths and the spiritual path to enlightenment.

Thus, substance use disorder therapy and 12-Step programs are generally consistent with the approach used by Buddhism to achieve self-knowledge and enlightenment, although many hardcore 12-Step program supporters might emphasize that the notion of spirituality is not the same as the notion of God. In general, most 12-Step groups allow individuals to conceive a higher power or spiritual guidance in their own terms. People uncomfortable with the notion of spirituality or God may be uncomfortable with the Buddhist approach, and very often, these individuals are encouraged to substitute some other construct, such as knowledge or morality, for the notion of a higher power.

Hinduism

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world with nearly 1 billion followers, the majority of whom come from India. Hindus will generally believe in one Supreme Being with multiple deities associated with that being and in the notion of reincarnation based on how a person lived in a previous life (karma).⁵

In general, Hinduism disapproves of the use of drugs or alcohol, although in some Hindu sects, cannabis products are used to promote spiritual experiences through the use of an intoxicating drink called Soma (not the muscle relaxant). However, since the major focus of Hinduism is to achieve spiritual enlightenment and move forward to the process of reincarnation, most sects do not endorse the use of alcohol or drugs.

Hinduism may involve the use of meditation, yoga, or other techniques to sharpen the spirit, mind, and body of the practitioner. The major belief is that the entire universe is connected, that one should have a daily relationship with God, and that one should take responsibility for their behavior as their first intention. Thus, the use of self-control and meditation can be used to an advantage for Hindus who are in recovery from some type of substance use problem.

Hinduism also endorses a holistic approach to health and wellness. This type of holistic approach, treating all of the needs of the person, is now one of the major focuses in addiction treatment.

All of these methods have applications in the treatment of substance use. It should be noted that Hinduism concentrates on the use of meditation, prayer, and self-discipline as an approach to recovery as opposed to psychotherapy or medication.

The goal of treatment providers would be to integrate these principles and use therapeutic techniques that are consistent with the individual’s belief system. Counseling approaches that focus on community, holistic treatment, and self-knowledge would be preferable (e.g., family therapy, group therapies, and mutual-help groups) to individual therapy in many cases. Using physicians from the same faith to treat individuals with medications for withdrawal symptoms and other issues that are associated with substance use would also be preferable over those from different religious orientations.

Shinto

Shinto (the way of the gods) is the committed expression of ancient Japanese culture. Of the approximately 120 million followers of this religion, the majority are in Japan.⁶

Shinto assigns divine status to famous people, forces of nature, or even animals. These divinities are referred to as kamis. There is no concept of heaven, and although the kami are generally believed to be good, some may not be. Prayers are often offered to them for various reasons, such as rain, success, or having governmental leaders make good decisions.

Substance use treatment in this context should emphasize community goals over individual goals, the maintenance of actions that are good for the family and community, and the need for self-discipline and the understanding of human suffering. Some of the philosophical tenets of Taoism may also be applicable to individuals who practice Shinto.

Taoism

There are approximately 12 million practitioners of Taoism in the world, most of them in China. It is one of the three major philosophical teachings in China that also include Buddhism and Confucianism.⁷

Taoism is believed to have started in the late 4th century BC by the philosopher Laozi. Tao means “the way,” and its central value is the achievement of a state of naturalness by freeing oneself from desire, selfish thinking, and self-centered behaviors by embracing the simplicity of life.

Taoism is often associated with martial arts in China and the practice of rigorous physical exercise to achieve self-discipline. The major goal of Taoism is to live with compassion and balance in life and reject intolerance. Bad deeds, including addictive behaviors, lead to illness and imbalance.

One can only learn the tenets of Taoism by studying with a master, and this belief can be capitalized on in the treatment of substance use by using treatment providers (e.g., physicians and therapists as sort of “masters” of recovery). There is a long tradition of attempting to achieve self-mastery by studying under others in Taoism, and individuals committed to this belief can readily adapt by getting a sponsor in a 12-Step group. Other facets of traditional treatment can be adapted as long as the treatment remains consistent with the spiritual beliefs of the individual.

Because of its focus, Taoism is very amenable to the notion of becoming aware of one’s own triggers for addictive behavior, breaking those associations, and retraining oneself to overcome one’s issue with substance use. Emphasizing a rigorous spiritual and physical approach to addressing issues in recovery would be consistent with the belief system of Taoism.

Islam

Islam is one of the major religions of the world with about 1.5 billion practitioners. At one time, it was primarily practiced in the Middle East and Far East, but the religion has spread worldwide.⁸

Use of drugs or alcohol is forbidden in Islam, and addiction is often viewed as a sin. The purpose of life is to live in a way that is pleasing to Allah and in turn earn his forgiveness and entrance into the afterlife.

Because of its strict adherence to the tenants in the Koran, it is preferable that treatment providers should be of the same faith and physicians be of the same gender as the client, particularly when they do physical examinations. The use of acceptance, repentance, and returning to the right path as opposed to damnation of people in recovery is essential in addressing substance use issues in Islamic clients. Getting involvement from religious leaders, family, and the community is also paramount to helping the person achieve success in recovery.

Conclusions

The key to understanding how different Eastern religions view and address issues with substance use is to concentrate on the principles discussed at the very beginning of this article. Therapists and other treatment providers who are working with clients from different religious faiths should have a thorough working knowledge of each individual’s belief system in order to apply the principles to that client.

In some cases, such as with Islamic clients, it is almost crucial that providers be of the same faith in order for success to be achieved. Very often, individuals from specific faiths, who live in different cultures, may have high levels of acculturation that allow them to interact with individuals of different faiths; however, it is extremely important that treatment providers at least have a working knowledge and understanding of the particular belief system in order to implement a successful recovery program.

Getting Help for Addiction

Regardless of your religious beliefs or spiritual practice, it is important to seek help if you or a loved one struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. Professional treatment can help you end the cycle of addiction and regain control of your life.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates treatment centers throughout the United States, offers the complete continuum of care, provides evidence-based therapies and interventions, and incorporates elements of mindfulness and other holistic practices into treatment. Reach out to connect with a compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you find the right path to recovery for you.