The spitual malady described in AA is no different than any other spirit that has been neglected. It is difficult to relate the feeling. But if you look at Mathew 5:3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Not only does this answer what it feels like but gives comfort and acceptance. AA's are not the only ones suffering from a spiritual malady. Everyone does to a varying degree. But for an AA it is very acute as they end to be aware of how they feel. I guess the feeling ranges froams a combination of emptiness and terror to a very subtle feeling of ill at ease.