Voices of sobriety: Exploring the process of recovery through patient testimonials

Abstract

Aims: A qualitative content analysis was conducted in a Hungarian therapeutic community for substance abusers to explore processes of recovery and identify possible threats of relapse.

Design: Speeches of patients were analysed that they held on two occasions: one on the first sober birthday and the other on their graduation from the program. Two groups of 12 addicts (24 texts) were differentiated according to follow-up data: a group of speakers who continued their progress in recovery and another of those who relapsed some time after graduating.

Findings: There are marked differences between the groups both in the emerging themes and in the sequential development of certain themes. Texts of recovering addicts are characterised by reflections on personal transformation experienced as a rite of passage and experiential knowledge on the care of self and spirituality while those who relapse often raise “profane” content and copy their fellows’ speeches. Possible impact of these differences on recovery and relapse are discussed.

Conclusions: Results suggest that spirituality may have a major role in recovery.

• Addiction
• microdyssynchronisms
• self-care
• spirituality
• qualitative content analysis
• dynamic networks