Closing the revolving door : a qualitative analysis of recovered heroin and cocaine addicts' experience of recovery and abstinence.
Date
2010-06-15T07:23:19Z
Authors
Fraser, Robin
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Abstract
A now sizeable body of substance-abuse research has examined the factors that
contribute to a relapse; however, less research has been conducted on identifying
factors in patients who do not relapse. In South Africa, relatively limited qualitative
research is available on relapse, and substance abuse in general. This study
assessed recovered heroin and cocaine individuals in order to identify some of the
factors that account for their ability to remain drug-free. Individual semi-structured
interviews were conducted with the participants, each of whom had remained
abstinent from their drug of choice for at least 10 months. These interviews were
audio recorded and transcribed, and then analysed for themes using thematic
content analysis. Findings of the study included the manner in which the recovered
individual’s sense of agency vacillated between external and internal modes of
attribution for their recovery and that systemic support was perceived as critical to
continued abstinence. These findings imply that treatment providers consider both
the risk for and protective factors against relapse as part of integrated systems in
planning interventions.