Toward a model for spirituality and alcoholism.
Journal of Religion and Health September 1, 1984 DOI: 10.1007/bf00990790 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that a model of spirituality based on balancing brain hemisphere functions and modes of consciousness could serve as a non-chemical alternative to excessive alcohol use. |
Abstract
Spirituality is a significant factor in recovery from alcoholism, whatever definition of this condition one may use. One aspect of alcohol abuse is its apparent relationship to the balance between brain hemispheres. Excessive use of alcohol "anesthetizes" the object-based, language-oriented functions of the left hemisphere, associated with an "action mode" of consciousness. This allows greater engagement of the right-hemisphere "receptive mode," which is also associated with religious experience. A model of spirituality based on achieving a balance between hemisphere functions and modes of consciousness could provide a non-chemical alternative to excessive use of alcohol.