Open Horizons is a space where people from many different perspectives can reflect together on some of life's deepest problems. One of these problems is substance abuse. It is a global problem, found in every nation, destroying many lives. It harms the abusers, their families and friends, and society as a whole.  We in the open and relational (process) community have no simple answers for dealing with recovery. We are grateful to professionals who know more than we do. But we do believe that process theology offers a general framework for thinking about solutions, especially with its emphasis on relationality, mutual support, and friendships. In Open and Relational (process) theology, we humans recover from our addictions relationally; that is, with help from others and the living lure of God. Moreover, relations are part of the context in which we fall into the problems we face: family relations, peer relations, etc. Healthy relations are a key to recovery. The reflection by Anthony Tucker from Australia, who has much experience as a drug counselor, is directed toward biblically-nourished Christians who, like so many, struggle to find paths into recovery and help others do the same. In Open and Relational (process) theology God is not an autocrat manipulating from above, God is a healing presence working from within each of us and, equally important, between us in our relationships with one another. Anthony Tucker offers notes on the relational side of healing: human and divine.

​- Jay McDaniel, 5/23/2023

​​​Process and Recovery

Notes on Family Systems, Bowen Theory
Process Theology for Christians 

Anthony Tucker
​
Program Manager at Mission Australia
From Finniss, South Australia, Australia

The relationship between mental health and substance misuse has long been a topic of discussion for healthcare and community service professionals alike. Various factors can contribute to these issues, including family dynamics, individual coping mechanisms, trauma, and cultural and societal influences.

Process theology, Bowen theory, and family systems practice are interwoven in their emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of relationships in shaping human experience. They offer a framework for understanding how individuals and families can be affected by mental health and substance misuse concerns. In process theology, all things are interconnected and constantly changing, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual. Bowen theory and family systems practice focus on the complex and often invisible patterns of behaviour within families and how these patterns can contribute to mental health and substance misuse concerns

Drawing on Family Systems Theory, Bowen Theory, and Process Theology, we can explore some of the potential contributors of mental health and substance misuse issues and consider what recovery might look like.

Family Systems Theory proposes that family members are interconnected and influence each other's behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. Bowen Theory is a variant of Family Systems Theory that focuses on how family members' emotional reactivity is passed down through generations. According to this theory, patterns of behaviour can become entrenched, leading to maladaptive coping mechanisms and difficulty managing stress. This may contribute to mental health and substance misuse issues both separately and co-existing.

Process Theology adds to our understanding by introducing two additional forms of “energetic influence” that can impact human experiences: inter-subjective energetic influence and divine energetic influence. Inter-subjective flow is the transmission of emotions, feelings, and aims between living beings, these forms of radiation can be both positive and negative and may contribute to mental health and substance misuse issues depending on their nature. While divine energy is the transmission of the un-controlling invitational power or force from the universe's soul, God.

These things being considered in the support recovery from mental health and substance misuse issues, several factors could be seen to be beneficial in considering. Firstly, the importance of presence cannot be overstated. Having a supportive, empathetic, and compassionate individual present as a non-anxious presence can make a significant difference in someone's recovery journey. This highlights the support of peer workers and also in upskilling the person’s familiar support system. Additionally, being vulnerable, practicing mindfulness, narrative therapy and drawing on lived experiences can be helpful in managing emotions and developing healthy coping mechanisms.

In Process Theology, the concept of the "lure of God" refers to the idea that God's initial aim or purpose for creation is to lure all things towards greater complexity, harmony, and beauty. This divine lure is not a coercive force but rather an invitation to participate in the ongoing process of creation and evolution. By being open to this divine lure, individuals can cultivate a sense of connection to something greater than themselves and find meaning and purpose in their recovery journey. This can involve a deepening appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and a sense of responsibility to contribute to the greater good. For some individuals, this may involve a spiritual or religious dimension to their recovery journey, while for others it may simply mean recognising the inherent value and purpose of their life and the world around them. In either case, the openness to the lure of God can be a powerful source of inspiration, hope, and motivation in the process of recovery from mental health and substance misuse issues.

Emotional regulation and the ability to self-soothe are critical skills that individuals must develop to manage mental health and substance misuse issues. Substance misuse and mental health issues are often intertwined, along with the experiences that make people vulnerable to them, and can lead to intense emotional responses such as anxiety, depression, and anger. Emotions that are not managed appropriately often lead to the initial concerns and can often trigger relapse and make it difficult to maintain recovery. Therefore, learning how to regulate emotions and self-soothe in a healthy way is essential in the recovery process.

One approach to emotional regulation and is used in supports such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is mindfulness-based practices. Mindfulness-based practices help individuals focus on the present moment and increase their awareness of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. By cultivating this type of awareness, individuals can learn to recognize and regulate their emotions better. Additionally, narrative therapy is another approach that can help individuals reframe negative emotions by looking at past experiences and identifying how those experiences have shaped their emotional reactions.

Bowen theory and Edwin Friedman's teachings on self-differentiation can also be relevant in the context of emotional regulation and self-soothing. Self-differentiation refers to the ability to separate one's own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours from those of others, especially in family or social systems. When individuals learn to differentiate themselves, they become better equipped to manage their emotional reactions, and their behaviour becomes less reactive and more intentional.

In the recovery process, self-differentiation and mindfulness can be helpful in managing emotional triggers and avoiding relapse. By being more aware of their own emotions and thoughts, individuals can respond to situations in a thoughtful and deliberate way, rather than being driven by their emotions. This can be especially challenging when dealing with family or social systems that may be enmeshed or emotionally reactive. However, by being coached in and practicing self-differentiation, individuals can maintain healthy boundaries and respond in a way that is consistent with their values and goals.

Overall, emotional regulation and self-soothing are crucial skills in managing mental health and substance misuse issues, and incorporating teachings from Bowen theory and Edwin Friedman on self-differentiation can be a valuable addition to the recovery process. By learning to regulate emotions, reframe negative experiences, and practice self-differentiation, individuals can increase their resilience and build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.

To evaluate the impact of the environment and community on support, one should take into account the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things in the universe. Bowen’s theory emphasises the role of relationships and family systems in shaping individuals, which is another critical aspect to consider. In the context of recovery, both theories emphasise the importance of the support environment and community. Creating physical spaces that are comfortable, safe, and conducive to healing can significantly enhance recovery efforts. In addition, a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of an individual's life, beyond just the symptoms of substance misuse and mental un-wellness, is vital for sustainable recovery.

Finally, the importance of belonging and the ability to participate in community activities cannot be overstated. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection, individuals can build meaningful relationships and develop a supportive network that can help them navigate the challenges of recovery and go a long way to supporting longevity in recovery. In addition to the factors mentioned, it is important to recognize the value of client voice in the co-design of mental health and substance misuse services. By involving clients in the design and delivery of services, providers can ensure that their offerings are tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of those they serve. This approach has been shown to increase engagement and satisfaction with services, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Furthermore, the involvement of clients in the co-design of services can also help to aid the sense of belonging and community, as individuals have a greater sense of ownership and investment in the services they receive. Ultimately, by creating services that are co-designed with clients and foster a sense of belonging and connection, individuals can build meaningful relationships and develop a supportive network that can help them navigate the challenges of recovery and promote long-term success.

In short, mental health and substance misuse issues can have complex causes and require multifaceted solutions. By drawing on Family Systems Theory, Bowen Theory, and Process Theology, we can gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to these issues and develop more effective recovery strategies. By focusing on contributors like presence, vulnerability, mindfulness, lived experience, openness to the lure and initial aim of God, emotional regulation, environment and community, and belonging and participation, we can support individuals on their recovery journey.
 
For Christians  in the Open and Relational (process) tradition who are nourished by scripture, here are some passages that may be especially helpful as complements to what is said above.  

1. Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This verse reflects the idea of God's un-controlling love, as Open and Relational Theology suggests that God created the world with the intention of luring all things towards greater complexity, harmony, and beauty.

2. Acts 17:28 "In him, we live and move and have our being" This verse emphasises the interconnectedness of all things and highlights the importance of relationships in shaping human experience.

3. 1 John 4:16 - "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." This verse supports the idea of inter-subjective influence, as discussed emotions, feelings, and aims can be transmitted between living beings.

4. James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." This verse emphasises the importance of relationships in shaping human experience and highlights the role of peer support in the recovery journey.

5. Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" This verse emphasises the importance of mindfulness and self-reflection in managing mental health and substance misuse concerns.

6. Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." This verse reflects the importance of emotional regulation and self-soothing, as discussed individuals can learn to regulate their emotions and recognise the inherent value and purpose of their life and the world around them.

7. 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." This verse highlights the idea of energetic influence, as Open and Relational and Process Theology suggests that the un-controlling invitational power or force from the universe's soul, God, can impact human experiences.

These verses can be used to support the idea that mental health and substance misuse concerns are shaped by relationships, interconnectedness, and emotional reactivity, and that recovery involves cultivating healthy coping mechanisms, regulating emotions, and being open to the divine lure.
 
Bibliography:

Cobb, J. B. (2015). Jesus’ Abba: The God Who Has Not Failed. Fortress Press.
Kling, S. (1994). The Whole Making Lure of God: An Exploration in Process Theology. Mercer University Press.
Koerner, A. F., & Fitzpatrick, M. A. (2006). Family therapy techniques: Integrating and tailoring treatment. American Psychological Association.
Lantz, J. (2018). Substance misuse and mental health: A complex interplay. Practice Nursing, 29(8), 360-364.
Murray, M. (2017). Family systems theory and the church: A helpful framework for understanding the church as a family system. Restoration Quarterly, 59(3), 145-157.
McDaniel, J. (2023) Process and Energy Physical, Inter-Subjective, and Divine. www.openhorizons.org

Reflections on ​Process and Recovery
​ in Open Horizons

1. Process Meets Recovery: Boston John. 
2. Process and Alcoholism: Reflections on Recovery
3. Finding Emotional Sobriety through Volunteering: A Process Appreciation...
4. The Creatively Sober Life in Process Perspective
5. My Mom on Drugs: Hope Beyond Addiction
6. My Life as a Recovering Anorexic
7. Process Theology and Drug Counseling
8. Finding Meaning in Death, Psychedelics, and Sobriety: John Buchanan
9. ​Process and Recovery: Family Systems, Bowen Theory, and Process Theology​​