Positive Interventions in Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Positive psychology (PP) has grown as a field of study over the last two decades. The roots of the PP movement can be traced to Martin Seligman who in 1998 assumed the presidency of the American Psychological Association. At that time, he began to shift the focus in psychology research from pathology toward well-being. This change in focus was derived from the clear distinction between mental health and mental illness (Ryff and Keyes, J Personality Soc Psychol 69:719-727, 1995) exemplified by the World Health Organization (WHO) which defines health as “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization, Frequently asked questions. Retrieved from World Health Organization: www.who.int/about/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions, 2016). Most healthcare professionals have a greater knowledge and understanding of the treatment of illness, rather than of promoting well-being. As the field of PP has burgeoned, greater emphasis has shifted toward including, understanding, and strengthening those human qualities which promote human flourishing. This recovery model archetype is the 12-Step model of recovery. This model is based on the subjective experience of those in recovery. Such subjective mental states cannot be directly observed or measured and can only be understood through the descriptions proffered by those who experience them. This was central to Carl Jung’s spiritually oriented psychology who had a foundational influence on Bill Wilson who went on to cofound Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This spiritually oriented approach is related to the positive psychology movement in that its approach is focused on positive, meaningful experiences with less emphasis on dysfunctional behaviors (Galanter, J Subst Abus Treat 33:265-272, 2007). It is in this vein that the recovery movement has shared so much of its essence with positive psychology. Further explication of the concept of recovery will help to understand how these two movements can be cross-pollinated.