Abstract
Purpose: This paper proposes a foundation on which to consider post-traumatic growth (PTG) and addiction recovery. It considers addiction as a traumatic experience with a consequential impact on mental health that is a primer for PTG. It demonstrates the similarity of a prominent change model used in the field of addiction recovery with PTG theory, offering the Extended Transformational Model, a PTG life cycle model, as an output.
Research limitations: This research considers previous positive psychology (PP) work, specifically surrounding PTG and addiction recovery. As a next step, further investigation is necessary to demonstrate the efficacy of the model comparison so it can mature into one that in application can integrate PTG theory with addiction treatment services as a recognized and effective pathway to recovery.
Originality/value: While this is a first attempt at such a model comparison, demonstrating the similarity between PTG and addiction recovery through a life cycle model, offers the opportunity to develop effective interventions, in addition to building confidence in a recognized discipline of PTG in addiction recovery.