We each have three world-views: foundation, focus & vision. 

We also have values associated with each of these: foundation values (which demand attention if not satisfied - they tend to be de-motivators if we do not look after them), vision values (which motivate us and 'draw us forward') and focus values which emerge out of the ongoing internal dialogue between our perceived past and desired future. 

Personal growth is equivalent to attaining higher levels of consciousness (Greenfield) which, in turn, is equivalent to developing more sophisticated ways to deal with situations (i.e. what happens in the brain is that we develop larger/more complex brain assemblies to deal with situations).  

If the dialogue between past and future is shut down through continual use of alcohol, drugs, etc. then the complex brain structures and the commensurate increase in consciousness do not eventuate - i.e. growth stagnates.

Colins, C. & Chippendale, P. 2000, New Wisdom II: Values-based development, Acorn Publications, Brisbane.

Greenfield, S. 2000, The Private Life of the Brain, Penguin Books, London.