12: Final Words

In this final chapter, we consider the origins of our joint work on addiction. We then consider the models that we have developed, which have informed our research. Jerome revisits his own recovery from alcohol addiction using the Growth, Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning in Life, Empowerment (G-CHIME) framework. We briefly examine positive psychology research into addictions. We then reflect on the importance of narrative, and finally, we consider directions for future research.

The origins of this book can be traced back to an essay that Lisa wrote for one of her assignments on the Foundations of Positive Psychology module for her MSc in Counselling and Positive Psychology. Jerome was asked to mark this essay. He was struck by the fact that Lisa connected the stages of change model with the posttraumatic growth model. Jerome immediately recognised the significance of this new extended transformational model (see Chapter 6). He suggested they try and get this published, which after trying three different journals, they eventually succeeded in doing (Ogilvie & Carson, 2021a). Following this collaboration, Lisa then did her MSc dissertation with Jerome. On completing her MSc, she enroled in a PhD and completed this successfully within the allocated three years. Jerome encouraged Lisa to write for three audiences. First, the practitioners working in the addiction field, who could benefit from the developing programme of research. Lisa and Jerome published a series of papers in Drug and Drinks News (Ogilvie & Carson, 2021b, 2021c, 2021d). Secondly, for addiction researchers, through a series of papers in peer-reviewed journals (e.g. Ogilvie & Carson, 2023a, 2023c). Thirdly, for people in recovery themselves (Ogilvie & Carson, 2023b), so they could benefit from learning stories of real-life recovery. Linked to this, Lisa had already started a series of papers for the journal Advances in Dual Diagnosis, ‘Addiction Recovery Stories’. Jerome was one of the early contributors to this series (Carson & Ogilvie, 2021). This connects with a very important fact that readers of this book should know. Both Jerome and Lisa met the criteria for alcohol-use disorder in the past. After a drinking history of 43 years, Jerome had his last alcoholic drink eight years ago. The core premise of AA is that no one knows an alcoholic like another alcoholic and hence ex-alcoholics are best placed to help those trying to enter a journey of recovery. Our previous drinking histories are no doubt key motivating factors in our research and clinical practice in this field. Lisa has been working in the addiction field for several years and is committed to making a difference through her therapeutic interventions. She has devised Positive Addiction Recovery Therapy, the principles of which have been articulated in this book.