Interweaving loss, grief, and addiction.

Abstract

Meaningful changes and related losses in one's life may initiate a journey of grieving for those losses. Grief is a natural process, and one that at times may result in a greater understanding of oneself and of the nature of the loss. Each grief process is unique to the individual experiencing the loss, and can affect one's whole being, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Losses preceding or following an addiction can result in profound grief that may not be acknowledged within the process of rehabilitation. This study, involving a systematic literature review, examined the relationship between addictions and loss and grief, and offers a series of recommendations for practitioners, as well as for additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)