ABSTRACT

This book integrates and synthesizes numerous empirically supported positive psychological constructs and psychotherapeutic theories to help understand addiction and facilitate recovery through the lens of forgiveness.

Proposing forgiveness as an alternative and critical tool to understanding the process of addiction and recovery, whether in the context of substance use, compulsive behavior, and/or suicidal behavior, the book discusses multiple theoretical points of view regarding the process of forgiveness. Additionally, foundational theories underlying the process of recovery, the psychological and spiritual nature of forgiveness, and the nature of the association of forgiveness with health all receive detailed coverage. Considerable attention is also paid to the extant empirical support for the association of forgiveness with addiction and recovery.

The text’s comprehensive integration of theory, research, and clinical application, including guidelines regarding forgiveness as a treatment for recovery from addiction, provide a roadmap forward for addiction counselors and other recovery specialists.

chapter 1|27 pages

Introduction

Identifying the Problem of Addiction and the Relevance of Spirituality as a Solution

chapter 2|20 pages

Theory: Addiction and Recovery

chapter 4|19 pages

Theory: What is Forgiveness?

chapter 5|14 pages

Theory: Forgiveness, Health, and Addiction

chapter 11|15 pages

Clinical Application: Cognitive-Behaviorism

chapter 13|23 pages

Conclusions and Recommendations

Forgiveness is Important in the Context of Addiction … Now What?