Having lost $2 million, my career, my reputation, and seriously considering the value of my life, I, as Viktor Frankl would say, was challenged to change myself. This presentation tracks my journey from pain to PhD, and challenges conventional recovery narratives by reframing identity beyond addiction.

Many traditional therapies fixate on atoning for past “sins,” often anchoring individuals to pathological identities. My experience suggests this is not the ‘whole’ truth, which inspired my research into identity-based decision making, positioning personal identity as the fulcrum of sustained recovery and proactive life design.

Through illustrative case vignettes and emerging empirical frameworks, I argue that past harms serve as education, not habitation, empowering individuals to cultivate values-driven identities to overcome addiction and reclaim purpose.

Attendees will gain actionable insights for integrating identity-centred strategies into clinical practice, research, and policy, shifting focus from symptom management to identity transformation for enduring resilience.