Admitting powerlessness empowers recovery from substance use disorder: a conceptual model

The authors aim to explore how the concept of powerlessness, often experienced by individuals with co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder, can paradoxically empower recovery. They propose a conceptual model that addresses powerlessness on behavioral, mental, and spiritual levels, suggesting that understanding and addressing these dimensions can facilitate recovery and align with post-traumatic growth theories. This article contributes to the understanding of the multifaceted nature of powerlessness in the context of substance use disorder recovery.