Experience of Family Support in the Recovery of Individuals Addicted to Psychoactive Substances

Abstract

Substance abuse and dependence are globally contested issues. In a volatile space, the field is undergoing major changes in terms of decriminalisation and reduction of harm efforts in numerous countries. Despite continued efforts to minimise or even eradicate substance use and abuse, recovery programmes still lack sustainability. Relapse is still common, and there is little in the way of literature explaining how some individuals manage successful sustained recovery. Although the field is undergoing many changes, it appears obvious that society still lacks adequate research and information to guide and motivate sustainable recovery. Family systems are generally experienced as a person’s primary system, and it may be assumed that many people become dependent on their family or family members for varying degrees of support. Systems theory underpinned this qualitative case study, comprising multiple cases, in order to explore the experience of individuals who expressed an interest in their own recovery and, more specifically, to discover whether they viewed family support as an assistive factor in this decision. The study found that although family support did not motivate recovery, it was nevertheless an important factor in continued efforts toward recovery once the individual had made their own decision to commence a recovery programme.