Should I Stay or Should I Go? Ambivalence and the Opposing Forces of Nostalgia and Optimism in Recovery from Addiction

Abstract

Research has shown that nostalgia prepares individuals with addiction for change, however, the current thesis examines nostalgia's negative impact on those in recovery. Three studies were conducted: the first included (N= 304) individuals recovering from disordered gambling, the second included (N=604) individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder, and the third included (N=167) individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder over two time points. Participants' addiction-related nostalgia (ARN), optimism, and ambivalence about recovery were measured. Results support the hypothesis that ARN during recovery tempts individuals back to addictive behaviors. Nostalgia hampers recovery, even at high levels of optimism about the future, leading to ambivalence. In Study 3, ambivalence and ARN correlate with higher relapse risk over time. Findings emphasize the need to reduce ARN and foster optimism to promote successful recovery. Future research should explore these effects in clinical populations and among individuals recovering from other addictions or harmful behaviors.