Recovery from the Perspective of Addicted Women

Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 4:25 am

The Process of Reconnecting: Recovery from the Perspective of Addicted Women

This study examined women’s experiences with addiction to drugs and/or alcohol and their process of recovery. The techniques of in-depth interviews and participant observations were employed to elicit the perspectives of the women. The study consisted of 12 participants, 6 who were currently involved in a 90-day community-based drug and alcohol treatment program and 6 who had more than five years of recovery.

Grounded theory method guided data collection and analysis. The women in this study described experiences of connectedness and disconnectedness throughout their lives, their addiction, and their recovery. The researcher constructed a substantive theory and model to explain this process of connectedness and disconnectedness.

The findings support that making connections and establishing healthy relationships play a significant role for women in achieving sobriety and maintaining recovery.

Research; The Process of Reconnecting: Recovery from the Perspective of Addicted Women. Carolynn Masters & Dorothy S. Carlson. Journal of Addictions Nursing, Volume 17, Issue 4 December 2006 , pages 205 – 210