Development of a positive group intervention for coexisting problems: A mixed methods study

Substance misuse commonly coexists with psychological disorder (dual diagnosis) making the problems more complex and the symptoms augmented with far-reaching negative consequences. Despite the wide range of support that treats both problems, clients often relapse. This study was the first empirical attempt to investigate how positive psychology can facilitate recovery by not focusing merely on the disorders but exploring and enhancing the positive aspects of clients’ lives moving them toward optimal human functioning. A mixed methods approach was applied to test a 12-week positive group intervention in two groups of service users (n=10) with coexisting disorders at an outpatient addiction service to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a positive approach in their recovery. Participants seemed to have benefitted from the programme, all positive concepts were found relevant, and the intervention was found feasible and acceptable by service users. It was concluded that a strengths-based positive approach has the potential to serve as a useful adjunct to the treatment of coexisting problems. Implications for treatment are discussed in terms of how positive psychology may be helpful in long-term recovery by providing alternative strategies to cope with mental illness and a substitute for the love, nurturing, and belonging that substances appear to offer to individuals.