The G-CHIME model of addiction recovery: an analysis of 20 individual addiction recovery stories

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse 20 individual addiction recovery stories to find evidence for the G-CHIME model (Growth, Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning in life and Empowerment) for analysing addiction recovery. It also shows that addiction recovery is a unique process. Design/methodology/approach This research combines the findings from 20 individual addiction recovery stories, each having been reported separately using the same methodology for the purpose of publication in a book, or as part of a journal series. Patterns seen across the disparate narratives have been codified against the components in the G-CHIME model to produce a larger gestalt of the aggregated findings. Findings Whilst each of the addiction recovery stories is unique, collectively they illustrate that recovery is a process which can be understood through the components of the G-CHIME model. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to analyse the G-CHIME model by extracting the common features of the model from 20 addiction recovery stories.