Counselors’ Perspectives of Positive Psychology for the Treatment of Addiction: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the use of positive psychology interventions (PPI) in addictions treatment. Questionnaires and interviews with alcohol and substance use disorder counselors explored theories of how PPIs might work, the degree to which they are used, and downsides. Results suggested that positive and pathology-based themes were attended in equal proportion, substance abuse treatment should help clients develop a good life in recovery, counselors already use PPI, and PPI might counter negative cognitions and affect. Reservations for using PPI included relying on PPI exclusively and employing PPI indiscriminately without regard to client characteristics.

KEYWORDS:

• Substance use disorders
• addiction
• positive psychology
• counselors
• theory

Funding

This study was supported by grant number 2UL1TR000433 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of NCATS or the National Institutes of Health.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by grant number 2UL1TR000433 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of NCATS or the National Institutes of Health.