The Therapeutic Journeys of Recovering Helpers – an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Recovering helpers play an increasing role in addiction treatment. In this study, we assessed the process of how addicts become recovering helpers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six recovering helpers, and the transcribed interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four turning points were identified during the interviews: starting using drugs or gambling, becoming an addict, hitting bottom, and becoming a helper. In addition, four themes related to being a helper were identified: the recovering self and the helping self, the wounded helper, the skilled helper and the experience of helping. Understanding the dynamics and background of recovering helpers' work may contribute to their training, to finding the most appropriate place for them in addiction treatment, and in drug and alcohol policy.Recovering helpers already existed in the 19th century in hospitals or in other rehabilitation centers in the US. Currently about 37-75 % of helpers in the USA are recovering users (Knudsen, Ducharme, and Roman 2006;McNulty, Oser, Johnson, Knudsen, and Roman 2007). Often they work within the frameworks of the Minnesota method (also known as the 12-step program) (White 2000a, b). Motivation is a very significant factor in helpers' lives: their life is a role, which helps other drug users to recover.

Integration of addiction recovery and professional identities for counselor trainees

“…This finding is consistent with previous research, which noted that despite the presence of both a recovery identity and a counselor identity within trainees in recovery, one identity could emerge as dominant dependent on the situation (Rácz et al., 2015). Previous research also indicated that persons who possess multiple identities must prioritize their social identities in order of importance (Brown, 2000; Stets & Burke, 2000).…”

“…The development of a professional identity helps trainees to understand counselors’ roles, engage in decision‐making, and share foci and values of the counseling profession (Mellin et al., 2011). Participants expressed a desire to share and integrate their personal recovery identity into their professional identity development, consistent with previous research that emphasized the synthesis of personal recovery experiences into the helping skills and identity (Greene, 2015; Rácz et al., 2015). Despite a desire for identity integration, participants found disclosure of their recovery identity challenging to navigate and were met with judgment, shame, and negative evaluation.…”

From Lay Depression Narratives to Secular Ritual Healing: An Online Ethnography of Mental Health Forums

“…This way a differentiation—and a struggle for recognition—among the participants may occur resulting in the emergence of specific roles and statuses. Such roles include the basic differentiation between the ‘newcomer’ looking for advice, the ‘experienced members’ and the ‘respected elders’, who often act as ‘recovering helpers’ (Rácz et al 2015 ). These various roles enable different discursive strategies: newcomers usually remain in the position of seeking advice; the experienced members may help in the process of narrative reinterpretation; the elders combine personal experience and expertise, which is not based on formal training, but the successful dealing with the suffering.…”

Az interpretatív fenomenológiai analízis (IPA) módszertana és gyakorlati alkalmazása

“…A következők-ben az IPA módszertanának egyes szakaszait, a kutatási dizájnt és saját kutatásainkból származó tapasztalatainkat mutatjuk be: felépülő segítők/tapasztalati szakértők segítői élményét, valamint felépülő és segítői identitásukat vizsgáltuk Rácz et al, 2015), egy következő IPA-kutatásunk során hanghallók élményét (Kassai -Kiss -Pintér -Rácz, 2016), továbbá szintetikus kannabinoid (új pszichoaktív szer) használók élményét és identitásszerveződését ) elemeztük.…”