Perspectives of cocaine users on addiction recovery: a qualitative study following a CRA + vouchers programme. (3rd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dekkers, Anne; De Ruysscher, Clara; Vanderplasschen, Wouter
• Is Part Of: Drugs. Volume 27:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 282
• Page End: 296
• Publication Date: 2020-07-03
• Subjects: Recovery -- cocaine -- qualitative research -- substance abuse -- CRA + CM; Health education -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Polytoxicomanie -- Périodiques; 362.291705
• DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2019.1687647
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-7637

Abstract

Abstract: Addiction recovery has gained considerable attention over the past few years. Despite the diffuse conceptualization of 'recovery', a range of studies have been conducted on what recovery means. Even though cocaine is the most frequently used stimulant drug, little qualitative research has been done on recovery from cocaine addiction. This study provides more insight into the personal perspectives of (former) cocaine-dependent individuals. In-depth interviews ( n = 23) were conducted in a cocaine-specific treatment programme (CRA + vouchers) in Belgium. According to respondents, cocaine addiction recovery is a process that concerns an identity shift, building on personal strengths and utilizing sources of support from the close social network and society. The results showed some specific features regarding the recovery process of individuals in recovery from cocaine addiction, since 'socially integrated' cocaine users had a head start due to advantages such as being employed and having a social network. Support should be tailored to the specific needs of individuals in recovery and social networks and communities that support recovery are needed.