Substance Dependence in the Context of Positive Psychotherapy: A Case Presentation with Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

This study examines the psychological impact of substance addiction on the family and evaluates the effect of Positive Psychotherapy in a case showing depressive symptoms. The addiction process affects not only the individual but also the family, completely altering the family balance. Coping with this difficult process can sometimes lead to the development of negative feelings such as guilt, shame, social pressure, hopelessness, and pessimism in family members, often resulting in depression.  Positive Psychotherapy has a positive outlook on people, believing that they have the capacity to love and know, and that these capacities develop in the physical, mental, social, and spiritual realms. With Positive Psychotherapy, whose effectiveness in treating depression has been proven, individuals are made aware of their strengths, thereby developing coping skills. This study is a case presentation, and no experimental procedures were performed. The information obtained from the patient has been anonymized and presented for scientific purposes. In the study, an interim evaluation was conducted with the client, who was the mother of the dependent individual, after nine sessions, addressing the depressive symptoms observed in the client and evaluating the Positive Psychotherapy process. During therapy, the client was helped to recognize her strengths, become aware of the need for balance in her life, and develop coping skills. The interim evaluation showed a certain degree of reduction in the client's depressive symptoms, an increase in her psychological resilience, and, in particular, a strengthening of her family communication. In conclusion, this case study is considered important in terms of understanding the difficulties experienced by families struggling with substance addiction and the positive effects of Positive Psychotherapy in the therapy process.