Fellowship and the 'Inside Job' of Recovery: Twelve Steps, Posttraumatic Growth and Positive Healing

Abstract

Untreated addictions and mental illnesses are major crisis’ facing society today. Recovery efforts addressing these conditions, as well as the aftermath of traumatic occurrences that often prelude these diagnosis, demand immediate attention. The concepts and tenets of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) theory and 12-step recovery programs share similar positive aspects in regard to a focus on affirmative outcomes. This study combines a review of scholarly research, a firsthand, narrative recollection of traumatic experience during sobriety, and survey data from a sample of individuals currently in recovery. The findings identify synergies between Posttraumatic Growth and Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step recovery programs, with potential positive outcomes for trauma and dependency intervention and long-term recovery. Keywords: Posttraumatic Growth, Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step recovery programs, addiction, positive psychology, recovery concept or model.