The Positive Psychology of Meaning and Addiction Recovery

This is a rare collection of papers by leading authorities on addiction recovery. The distinguished list of contributors includes Alan Marlatt, George Vaillant, Stanton Peele, Jaak Panksepp, and Scott Tonigan. Although each represents different theoretical perspectives of addiction and recovery, all see recovery as more than mere abstinence. The first half of this book contains addresses from the Fourth International Meaning Conference, which focused on meaning and addiction. The second half of this volume uniquely focuses on the positive psychology of meaning and spirituality as an answer for addiction. The existential dilemmas of meaninglessness, boredom, and anxieties often trigger cravings for substance abuse. Geoffrey Thompson and Paul T. P. Wong articulate that only a personally meaningful life is powerful enough to overcome addictive cravings and satisfy the deep-seated human yearnings for happiness and meaning. Ken Hart connects the spiritual underpinnings of Alcoholics Anonymous to the New Thought movement and transpersonal psychology. This edited volume offers practical resources not only for addiction counselors and treatment centers, but also for college and university professors who teach addiction studies. Instead of focusing on coping skills and cognitive-behavioral strategies, a holistic approach emphasizes fulfilling the human needs for well-being, meaningful living, and self-transcendence.

"Perhaps one of the most important additions in years in the literature on the intersection between existential and positive psychology, and its application for substance abuse disorders. The book will be invaluable to experienced practitioners and researchers wishing to update their knowledge of this important area."
--Prof. Dr. Alexander Batthyány, Viktor Frankl Chair, International Academy of Philosophy in the Principality of Liechtenstein, Cognitive Science Research Group, University of Vienna, Viktor Frankl Institute, Vienna, principal editor, Collected Works of Viktor Frankl

"A thorough, succinct, and comprehensive review of diverse and currently used approaches in the treatment of addictions. Presents an in-depth synthesis of hands-on practice and up-to-date evidence-based research. It is written with insight, wisdom and compassion. We highly recommend this relevant book to clients, students, and practitioners in mental health and addiction."--Edward Marshall, Ph.D., and Maria Marshall, Ph.D., founders, Canadian Institute of Logotherapy, Ottawa, Canada, authors of Healing Ministry: Experiences with Viktor E. Frankl's Logotherapy (2013)

"Bravely surveys the field of recovery approaches, offering a complimentary approach to attaining long-term efficacy. The authors do not settle for 'abstinence,' but challenge the reader to reach back and reclaim his or her true self that is inherently imbued with meaning, fullness, and aliveness. The meaning-centered approach provides the way to restore one to wholeness by focusing on the person, not the drug. This book is transformative, renewing a sense of aliveness and community from the deadness of addiction." --Brent Potter, Ph.D., author, Elements of Self-Destruction

"An important addition to the literature on humanistic approaches to helping excessive substance users toward recovery. Contains both quasi-philosophic approaches and rigorous quantitative approaches, and includes both reviews of important research and guides for recovery and treatment directly addressed to clients and therapists. Its authors include some of the most distinguished contributors to this field. Readers are likely to find much of value here that is unavailable elsewhere."--Eric Klinger, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Div. of Social Sciences, Univ of Minnesota, Morris

"This bracing volume offers an open-minded and open-hearted exploration of many key issues touching addiction and its treatment, from grief and loss to meaning and spirituality. It ranges far beyond the narrow and limiting confines of the usual reductionist perspectives of medical practice, biological psychiatry, and behavior modification." --Gabor Maté M.D., Author, In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction