Personal experiences of individuals who are recovering from a drug or alcohol dependency and are involved in social-based recovery groups. (3rd March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rettie, Hannah Claire; Hogan, Lee; Cox, Miles
• Is Part Of: Drugs. Volume 27:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2020-03-03
• Subjects: Qualitative research -- recovery -- social networks -- peer networks -- mutual aid groups; Health education -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Polytoxicomanie -- Périodiques; 362.291705
• DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2019.1597337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-7637

Abstract

Abstract: Research on addiction recovery often focuses on traditional and well-established groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. Recently, another type of recovery group has emerged within communities. These groups are based around social activities and have not been studied in the literature. This study qualitatively identified individuals' experiences within these groups. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 10 abstinent members of social-based groups, who had previously experienced drug or alcohol dependence. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed on the transcripts to try and understand the individuals' experiences of being involved in these groups. Four themes emerged from the participants' experiences: (a) group's role in their recovery, (b) personal choice and flexibility in recovery experience, (c) group as an inclusive family unit, and (d) active involvement in the recovery group. These findings are discussed in relation to previous literature, and the value of these groups for recovering individuals is highlighted.