FAITH AS A COPING RESOURCE
Faith, across various religious traditions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, has long been recognized as a potent coping mechanism for healing. It provides individuals with a sense of purpose, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. While the specific beliefs and practices may differ, the underlying principle remains the same: faith offers solace and strength during challenging times. The medical profession acknowledges that people who profess a faith in a higher power generally are better able to deal with illness, and Twelve-Step groups recognize such faith as a cornerstone of recovery. Conversely, to tell those who hold no particular belief to have faith will likely yield no results.
In Christianity, faith is often described as a trust in God’s plan and providence. Christians find comfort in the belief that God is present in their suffering and that through faith, they can find redemption and healing. Scriptures such as Romans 8:28 (“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”) serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for believers to endure hardships.
Similarly, in Islam, faith (iman) plays a central role in coping with difficulties. Muslims believe in surrendering to the will of Allah (God) and find strength in prayers, recitation of the Quran, and seeking solace in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Quranic verses like Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6) affirm the promise of ease after hardship, reinforcing the importance of patience and trust in Allah’s plan.
Hinduism teaches that faith (shraddha) is essential for spiritual growth and healing. Hindus find comfort in the belief in karma and reincarnation, trusting that their present suffering is a result of past actions and that enduring it with faith and acceptance can lead to spiritual progress. Bhagavad Gita (2:47) emphasizes the importance of performing one’s duties without attachment to the results, promoting resilience in the face of adversity.
In Buddhism, faith (saddha) is cultivated through the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and understanding the nature of suffering (dukkha). Buddhists find solace in the teachings of the Buddha, particularly the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which offer a framework for transcending suffering through wisdom and compassion. The concept of impermanence (anicca) reminds practitioners that all experiences, including pain, are temporary and can be transformed through faith and practice.
Quite often I receive calls and emails from those who believe they would not have survived the depths of withdrawal without their faith. This is what has kept them sane, comforted and optimistic. Others have shared that the impact and intensity of withdrawal sent them straight back to the faith of their childhood or in search of spiritual sustenance.
One important aspect of faith which can be beneficial during withdrawal involves the use of prayer to acquire a deeply tranquil state. Repetitive prayer can produce a similar effect to the use of a mantra, or prayer words can be used in place of a mantra to reach a deep state of meditation. The use of prayer beads can also induce a meditative effect. The Roman Catholic rosary, the Hindu japa mala, Buddhist juzu or Muslim mishbaha have all been used in combination with repetitive prayer, with very positive effects. (Even if you have no particular faith, listening to, chanting or singing a mantra like the Tibetan Om Mani Padme Hum or the Nichiren Buddhist Nam Myoho Renge Kyo can be very soothing.)
The belief in and use of prayer is a very effective tool in providing hope and consolation during a life challenge such as this. In addition, some people receive support from their faith-based groups and churches as they struggle to cope. If you believe in God, Source, Spirit, Buddha, Allah, Krishna – whatever your concept of a supreme force – you will be able to appreciate and relate to the power of faith. You may have found that it has helped you to cope better with your withdrawal. Faith is a lifeline for many.
References:
Dalai Lama. “The Art of Happiness.” Riverhead Books, 1998.
Koenig H G, Pargament K I, Nielsen J. Religious coping and health status in medically ill hospitalized older adults. J Nerv Ment Dis. (1998) 186:513–21.
Pargament, K. I. “The Psychology of Religion and Coping: Theory, Research, Practice.” Guilford Press, 2001.
Wnuk M. Spiritual character of 12-step program and quality of life in alcoholics anonymous. Alkohol Narkom. (2007) 30:289–301.
The Bhagavad Gita.
The Holy Bible, New International Version.
The Quran.