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

Amy R. Krentzman, Stacey L. Barker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)370-385
Number of pages16
JournalAlcoholism Treatment Quarterly
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2016

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
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.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Taylor & Francis.

Keywords

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

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