The research model was a qualitative study using the phenomenological approach. The primary research question addressed was: “How do people describe the experience of recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction
during early recovery?”
The analysis focused on the overall statements participants make about their lived experiences as elicited by an open-ended, guided-question interview.
The aim was to learn from these experiences what is helpful in recovery and what may be needed and not available. The insight and the knowledge gained from these ‘lived experiences’ will be useful in formulating theoretically grounded models of care.
The findings concur with the wider literature to a large extent in that the data identified inadequacies with regard to service provision and highlighted the negative impact of issues of exclusion and stigma.
A further identified concern was the lack of social support. Just as the
literature research showed, this research also found it to be desirable and recommends a more
inclusive, integrated approach for aftercare and recovery management to enhance long-term
recovery.
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