Recovery as long term: an introduction

Roy, Alastair Neil; Galvani, Sarah; Clayson, Amanda

doi:10.51952/9781447358190.ch001

Cited by 1 publication

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“…The question of what recovery entails is still debated in research, policy, and practice. In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) literature or studies on how recovery can be achieved and maintained, it is often synonymous with reduction of or abstinence from substance use ( Helm, 2019 ; Kelly & Hoeppner, 2015 ; Laudet, 2008 ; Roy et al, 2022 ). However, a more holistic concept of addiction recovery, inspired by the mental health field ( Anthony, 1993 ; Davidson & White, 2007 ; Deegan, 1988 ), has been gaining ground in the addiction field in the last two decades.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the Process of Drug Addiction Recovery Through First-Hand Experiences: A Qualitative Study in the Netherlands Using Lifeline Interviews

et al. 2023

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Understandings of drug addiction recovery are still being debated. Research on perspectives from first-hand experiences with recovery is rare and often contains short-term experiences in the context of a treatment setting. We aim to gain further understanding of recovery by analyzing autobiographical data from persons in different stages of drug addiction recovery who are not linked to any specific treatment service. We conducted 30 in-depth qualitative interviews with participants from various parts of the Netherlands. Participants self-identified as being “in recovery” or “recovered” from drug addiction for at least 3 months. Men and women are equally represented, and the sample consists of an equal number of participants in early (<1 year, n = 10), sustained (1–5 years, n = 10), and stable (>5 years, n = 10) recovery. We undertook a data-driven thematic analysis. Participants described that recovery is a broad process of change because addiction is interwoven with everything (theme 1); that recovery is reconsidering identity, seeing things in a new light (theme 2); that recovery is a staged long-term process (theme 3); and that universal life processes are part of recovery (theme 4). Thus, Drug addiction recovery is experienced as an interwoven long-term process, including identity change and common or universal life processes. Policy and clinical practice should therefore be aimed at supporting long-term tailored recovery goals and disseminating first-hand recovery experiences to enhance long-term outcomes and reduce stigmatization.

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