A mixed methods experience sampling study of a posttraumatic growth model for addiction recovery

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Addiction Research
• Social Science

Background:

• Problematic substance use and addiction represent a significant public health crisis.
• Stress-related impulsivity and reduced self-regulation can perpetuate addiction.
• Perceived social support is recognized as a protective factor against addiction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test a model of addiction recovery as posttraumatic growth (PTG), focusing on close relationships and personal strength.
• To investigate the role of perceived social support, impulsivity, and stress in addiction recovery.
• To examine the impact of an ecological momentary intervention on impulsivity and self-regulation.

Main Methods:

• Initial study correlating perceived social support and impulsivity with relapse rates.
• Experience sampling to assess the relationship between stressful events, impulsivity, social support, and emotional states.
• Experimental intervention using ecological momentary assessment to target perceived social support.

Main Results:

• Perceived social support and impulsivity predicted relapse frequency in individuals recovering from substance use disorder.
• Experiencing closeness with others, a PTG domain, correlated with social support and positive emotions, buffering stress.
• Personal strength, another PTG domain, was linked to reduced impulsivity during stress and was predicted by social support and positive emotions.
• An intervention targeting perceived social support effectively reduced impulsivity and enhanced self-regulation in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

• Findings support a posttraumatic growth model for addiction recovery.
• Close, supportive relationships protect against addiction and relapse by mitigating stress-related impulsivity.
• Self-regulation is amenable to brief, in-the-moment interventions focused on perceived social support, highlighting addiction as a social disease.