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There is emerging evidence that post-traumatic growth is a relevant concept in addiction recovery. However, existing measures, such as the post-traumatic growth inventory, were designed to measure post-traumatic growth in general trauma populations. It is unclear if the post-traumatic growth inventory is suitable for individuals in recovery from substance-related addiction. The current study aimed to qualitatively assess the content validity of the post-traumatic growth inventory for individuals in addiction recovery. The think-aloud method was applied, and semi-structured interviews utilized, to collect data from 20 individuals in recovery from unhealthy alcohol and/or drug use. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze data in relation to item interpretation and experience of post-traumatic growth. Qualitative assessment supported three out of five subscales on the post-traumatic growth inventory (new possibilities, personal strength and appreciation of life). Modifications were suggested on some items from the relating to others domain and responses to the spiritual change domain possibly reflected a cultural influence. There was an identified need to include items that account for positive changes in health behavior. The current study highlights domains of post-traumatic growth for those in addiction recovery and how the post-traumatic growth inventory may understate some forms of positive life change. Future research should focus on validating a revised version of the post-traumatic growth inventory for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery is experienced in both positive and negative ways and this paper attempts to integrate the 'pains of desistance' approach into a recovery capital framework. Pains experienced as a result of negative recovery capital are often thought to stimulate motivations for positive behavioral change, usually through a 'rock bottom' type moment. Whilst recovery capital and barriers to recovery have been explored in the literature, conceptualizing these as push and pull factors, and exploring their dynamic interaction, especially at distinct phases of recovery has not. Toward filling these gaps, we use the life-narratives of 30 people in recovery to explore how the pains of recovery (push factors) alongside different forms of recovery capital (pull factors) impact upon and are managed differentially at distinct phases of the recovery journey. Findings indicate the pains of recovery rarely led to positive changes. Rather, a range of pull factors created and promoted positive changes. However, the life narratives reveal that recovery capital cannot be accrued or sustained without managing (eliminating or reducing) the pains of recovery. Overall, this work highlights the need for policy and practice to help reduce the pains of recovery, especially during early recovery to accelerate transition to more stable phases of recovery. As recovery is neither a linear pathway nor a journey without residual challenges for many people, there is much to be learned about effective ongoing management strategies in preventing a return to problematic use that utilize a push and pull framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A life course approach recognizes the role of turning points in adding twists and turns in individuals' addiction recovery processes. The notion of certain key life events that trigger turning point experiences offers a valuable theoretical construct for understanding processes of change. The current study aimed to identify turning points and assess the role of contextual dynamics in generating long-term changes, based on lived experiences of persons in drug addiction recovery. A qualitative research design was applied using a Lifeline Interview Method (LIM), allowing a retrospective lens to elicit recovery narratives. Purposive sampling was utilized to compose a heterogeneous group of thirty persons in self-defined drug addiction recovery in Flanders (Belgium). An interpretative phenomenological approach was adopted during a thematic analysis, grounding the research claims in respondents' lived experiences. Key moments of change that were reported by participants are: (1) adverse drug-induced experiences; (2) becoming a parent; (3) 'hitting rock bottom'; (4) (dis)engagement of social networks and environments; and (5) addiction treatment. The findings illustrate the role of contextual dynamics that can facilitate (or hamper) experiencing these life events as turning points toward change. This study contradicts the notion of a single event or turning point causing abrupt changes in individuals' addiction trajectories. Contextual dynamics and meaning-making processes simultaneously influence whether specific life events can facilitate change. Treatment providers, researchers, and policymakers should take into account the process-based, situational, and relational nature of recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sail training refers to sea voyages designed to foster personal and social change. Such training has mainly involved young people but may have the potential to benefit adults who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. During the voyage described here clients in drug rehabilitation centres across the UK were given the opportunity to participate in a 5-day sail training voyage. Pre- and post-voyage interviews were conducted with 11 clients to explore their experiences of being selected and participating in this voyage. Clients enjoyed the experience and found it to be beneficial, promoting self-insight, new life plans and social skills development. Living in an unfamiliar, potentially dangerous and inescapable environment necessitating close proximity to others and teamwork under the supervision of expert authority figures generated bonding with and caring for others; as well as the development of new competencies and greater self-confidence. The findings suggest that sail training can be beneficial to clients in recovery from addiction and highlight key features that may optimise effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]