Quality of Life in Therapeutic Communities for Addictions: A Positive Search for Wellbeing and Happiness

ABSTRACT

Although addiction is increasingly considered as a chronic problem, only a limited number of studies have addressed quality of life (QoL) in therapeutic communities (TCs) for addictions. This reflective conceptual article assesses the history, philosophy, and background of the TC movement as modern concept, with roots in existentialism and phenomenology, as well as the QoL approach as a “postmodern” concept, with a positive vision on wellbeing and happiness, grounded in Aristotelian rationalism. The exploration of the QoL concept situated in the context of TC values, facts, and subjects leads to the finding that both visions can go alternatively together and fertilize each other.

KEYWORDS:

• Addiction
• positive psychology
• quality of life
• therapeutic communities
• wellbeing

Acknowledgment

This article was based on the presentation “Quality of Life in Therapeutic Communities for Subtance Abuse” at the 13th International Symposium on Substance Abuse Treatment: Drug Dependence: Treatment Generalities and Specificities, in Barcelona, Spain in 2011. The abstract was published in the Journal of Substance Use, 2011, 16(2), 88–89. This article has been submitted after the unexpected passing away of our beloved friend and colleague Eric Broekaert. This is one of the last manuscripts in which Eric had a very substantial part. The paper has been initiated by Prof. Broekaert and it can be situated in his lifelong interest in and search for the philosophical and scientific underpinning of therapeutic communities and other treatment and support models from a integrative-holistic point of view.