Abstract

Recovery is an established term used to describe positive processes of change concerning problems related to alcohol and other drugs (AOD). The present article investigates first-person experiences of recovery self-identification over time in clients who have completed 12-step programs with a positive outcome (sobriety). The data comprises qualitative interviews with 47 individuals five years after the first post-treatment interview, analyzed in a process inspired by reflexive thematic analysis. Although all the individuals had continued their recovery, their recovery paths and how they identified themselves in relation to their AOD problems had taken different directions. Thus, many of the individuals described their recovery in a broader sense which ranges from abstinence to moderation. Some individuals perceived themselves as no longer in recovery. The multitude of recovery processes described in the study underlines the need for acceptance and respect for individual identity processes. Furthermore, the importance is stressed of supporting an individual’s perceptions of how their recovery process should best be outlined. The results should not be interpreted as a critique of the 12-step approach. Instead, there is a need for variety over time in the support and treatment options available for people in need of treatment for AOD problems.

摘要

恢复是一个既定术语，用于描述与酒精和其他药物 (AOD) 相关的问题的积极变化过程。本文调查了已完成 12 步计划并取得积极成果（清醒）的来访者随着时间的推移恢复自我认同的第一人称体验。数据包括在第一次治疗后访谈五年后对 47 个人的定性访谈，在一个受反思性主题分析启发的过程中进行分析。尽管所有个人都在继续恢复，但他们的恢复路径以及他们如何识别与 AOD 问题相关的方向却各不相同。因此，许多人在更广泛的意义上描述了他们的康复，范围从禁欲到适度。一些人认为自己不再康复。研究中描述的众多恢复过程强调了接受和尊重个人身份过程的必要性。此外，强调支持个人对如何最好地概述其恢复过程的看法的重要性。结果不应被解释为对 12 步方法的批评。相反，随着时间的推移，需要为需要治疗 AOD 问题的人们提供多种支持和治疗选择。结果不应被解释为对 12 步方法的批评。相反，随着时间的推移，需要为需要治疗 AOD 问题的人们提供多种支持和治疗选择。结果不应被解释为对 12 步方法的批评。相反，随着时间的推移，需要为需要治疗 AOD 问题的人们提供多种支持和治疗选择。