Therapeutic Treatment Factors in Recovery Identity in People with Substance Use Disorder: Content Analysis
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Abstract
Introduction: Various studies have shown that some components located within the treatment are important in building a new recovery identity and in addressing substance use disorders.
Objective: the present study aims to explore the impact that the interaction of some treatment-related factors has on the internalization of a long-term recovery identity and the internal logic that follows the maturation of this process from the Opinion of people with substance use disorder who have been abstinent for more than a year.
Method: a deductive content analysis was used that was operationalized on the basis of prior knowledge with semi-structured interviews with 9 participants diagnosed with a substance use disorder who were in a state of abstinence for more than one year, selected through intentionality and snowball.
Results: the main categories explored that were relevant were: prolonged treatment time and continuous care, motivation to change, and quality of treatment received.
Discussion and conclusions: the findings showed the importance of continuing and active treatment to achieve a stable recovery identity, the need for catharsis as an aid for the transition to sobriety and the conscious acceptance of the chronic nature of the disease. Also, the need and voluntary search for help was highlighted after having experienced critical and cumulative experiences of suffering associated with “hitting rock bottom”, the quality of treatment to consolidate a fortuitous rehabilitation, and the support of peers to increase self-efficacy and motivation towards change.
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