I think a turn inward to the spiritual is helpful. Note that I don't mean religious; it can be religion for some but I'm an atheist. I mean more about awareness and being in the moment. True knowledge of yourself and a maximization of your spiritual potential is more likely after you've been sober for awhile.
Some hope to find their purpose in life. I don't think that approach works universally. I don't think one's "purpose" is out there to "find" at all. You must make your own, you must choose one. We maybe all be here on Earth by accident. But not by mistake.