“Happiness” Exercises Boosts Mood For Those Recovering From Addiction

Positive psychology exercises have significant benefits in boosting mood for those recovering from substance addiction, a new study reports.

Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Recovery Research Institute reported that brief, text-based, self-administered exercises significantly boost in-the-moment happiness for adults recovering from substance use disorders. These exercises, easily integrated into daily routines, provide a practical, accessible way to enhance emotional well-being during recovery.

The study highlights the effectiveness of these simple interventions in improving mood and supporting the recovery process. These exercises offer immediate emotional benefits, helping individuals manage stress and maintain a positive outlook during addiction recovery.

This groundbreaking study examines if positive psychology exercises can boost happiness in individuals recovering from substance use.

Researchers conducted a randomized, online survey with over 500 adults reporting current or previous problematic substance use. They assigned participants one of five short, text-based exercises, each taking an average of four minutes to complete.

Participants reported the increase in happiness after completing an exercise called “Reliving Happy Moments,” in which they chose one of their own photos that captured a joyous moment from the past and entered text recounting what was happening in the picture.

Recovering with Positivity: How Simple Exercises Boost Happiness and Support Sustainable Recovery

The “Savoring” exercise, where participants described two positive experiences from the previous day, resulted in increased happiness. Next, participants used “Rose, Thorn, Bud,” listing a highlight, a challenge from the previous day, and a future pleasure. Conversely, “3 Hard Things,” where participants wrote about daily challenges, caused a notable decrease in happiness.

The authors note that the ease of use and effectiveness of these positive psychology exercises suggest they may be promising tools for boosting happiness during treatment. Their simplicity allows individuals to integrate these exercises into their daily routines with minimal effort, making them accessible for those undergoing recovery from substance use disorders.

By enhancing in-the-moment happiness, these exercises can support individuals in maintaining a positive outlook throughout their treatment. This increased emotional well-being may contribute to a more sustainable and successful long-term recovery. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of positive psychology interventions in aiding the recovery process.

Recovery is challenging; for sustainability, positive experiences must be achievable throughout the process to support ongoing effort.