ABSTRACT
Positive criminology is a broad perspective encompassing diverse models and theories that focus on an individual’s encounter with significant forces that are experienced positively and that distance the individual from deviance and crime. The aim of the current study was to examine the applications of positive criminology principles in the drug addiction recovery process of the 12-Step program. The 12-Step program represents a holistic approach according to which addiction is manifested on three levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Several studies show that active participation in the 12-Step program is related to positive self-change at three levels of integration (self-decrease in negative feelings and increase in sense of coherence, social-acceptance and inclusion, and spiritual-increase in meaning of life and decrease in self-centeredness). The defined scope of the 12-Step program is more comprehensive than either rehabilitation or recovery programs. This broad perception of recovery is similar to the comprehensive recovery paradigm of positive criminology. Implications of applying positive criminology in research and practice are discussed.
