Women’s Perspectives Related to Occupational Performance Following Participation in Substance Use Recovery Programs

ABSTRACT

Very little research has examined how substance abuse programs affect occupational performance. The progression of addiction and its etiology for women are still under-reported. This study aimed to explore perceived effects of substance use and participation in peer-based programs on women’s occupational performance. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were completed with seven women. Four themes were identified: (1) substance use did not markedly inhibit participation in daily life; (2) recovery was supported by replacing substance related occupations with non-substance related occupations; (3) perceived value of shared perspectives and experiences with others; and (4) the embracing of new perspectives as part of recovery.

KEYWORDS:

• Occupational performance
• peer support programs
• recovery
• substance related disorders
• women

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the research participants who kindly shared their perspectives and experiences for this research. We also wish to sincerely thank Lucy Rocca for supporting recruitment on her website, Soberistas.