Taking an integral and eco-contemplative perspective on the phenomenon of addiction in dislocated societies: Beyond “acceptance” and towards soul-making in non-dual awareness

This dissertation is an attempt to think more broadly and deeply about the phenomenology of addiction in dislocated societies. It introduces integral philosophy and its approaches to recovery by bringing awareness to what needs to be addressed and added to acceptance based aftercare programs and curriculum development. Based on the proposed philosophical exploration, this dissertation examines and expands the term ‘psychological flexibility’ to include psychocultural diversity and psychosocial integration. The new Integrative Recovery Measure (IRM) is then explored throughout the dissertation. Moreover, this dissertation places the new IRM within the purview of a philosophical inquiry that examines holonic fields of human existence (the total spheres, the ecosphere and the noosphere) and their contact points (non-dual awareness, eco-psychology and soul making, respectively). These contact points become core perspectives that are always within awareness and thus can be used by clients’ post-treatment. They provide a fluid, caring and creative stability when it is needed most in the form of non-dual recognition, a secure attachment to the natural world, inner work, and soul making.