Narratives of Substance Users in Rehabilitation Centers: Exploring Usage, Identity, and Recovery

Title

Narratives of Substance Users in Rehabilitation Centers: Exploring Usage, Identity, and Recovery

Creator

Manocha, Ria; Jose, K. Alphonsa

Description

Addiction and Substance use are complicated issues that have a significant impact on a persons identity and social interactions. To gain a thorough understanding of identity construction and the recovery process, this study aimed to investigate the narratives of substance users in the rehabilitation center. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants selected through purposive sampling at a rehabilitation center in Delhi. The data was analyzed using Catherine Riessmans Narrative Analysis. Seven core narratives emerged: Substance as the Main Character, Substance as Air, Nostalgia over Lost Life, Confronting the Reality, Oscillating Recovery, Coexistence of Hope and Despair, and Push and Pull of Support. These narratives illustrate the multifaceted nature of addiction, where substances are not merely consumed but become central to identity, daily existence, and interpersonal relationships. The findings provide insights into the complexities of substance use and recovery by highlighting the constant oscillation between hope and despair in the recovery journey, as well as the ambivalent nature of family and society. The study concludes that substance use cannot be understood solely as a disorder. It often becomes intertwined with an individuals life and narrative. A holistic and humanized approach is necessary to address the personal, familial, and societal factors that influence addiction and recovery. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature India Private Limited 2025.

Source

Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health;

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

Springer

Subject

Addiction; Identity; Narratives; Recovery; Rehabilitation; Substance use

Coverage

Manocha R., Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, Nalagaddenahalli, Peenya, Bengaluru, 560073, India; Jose K.A., Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, Nalagaddenahalli, Peenya, Bengaluru, 560073, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 21989834;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-025-00499-3

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105017867825?origin=resultslist