Your insight regarding a possible spiritual dynamic is on target. Addictions have a strong spiritual component. Addicts of any sort are looking outside themselves for something to comfort the, make them feel better. To break the back of the addiction, a spiritual solution is often indicated. In the same sense, the solution to fear and powerlessness is often a spiritual one.
Healthy power is based among other things on a good sense of competence and giftedness.
Finally and obviously, if your relative is open to it, prayer, especially healing prayer may at least be a comfort if not an open door. He is the author of three books on psychology and spirituality. Although every effort is made to present accurate information, security is imperfect and unintended errors or mischievous material may be present. Please alert the Webmaster to anything that seems wrong. Of course, while visiting any of our pages, you can be assured of privacy .