Relational recovery in co-occurring conditions: a qualitative study of first-person experiences
ISSN: 1757-0972
Article publication date: 9 April 2020
Issue publication date: 14 May 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe first-person experiences of relational recovery in co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Within a phenomenological and collaborative approach, in-depth individual interviews with eight persons with co-occurring conditions were analysed using systematic text condensation.
Findings
Participants described interpersonal relationships as both supporting and hindering recovery in fundamental ways. Four categories of experiences of relational recovery were described as follows: choosing one’s child; living with loneliness and a painful past; sacrificing everything for one’s partner; and regaining trust and support.
Originality/value
This paper provides an enhanced understanding of how interpersonal relationships may be experienced by persons who live with co-occurring conditions. The results generally support an understanding of recovery as a relational process.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study is funded by Inland Hospital Trust. We would like to thank the participants for sharing their experiences, members of the advisory group for their valuable contributions, and practitioners in the services for help in the recruitment process.
Citation
Brekke, E., Ness, O. and Lien, L. (2020), "Relational recovery in co-occurring conditions: a qualitative study of first-person experiences", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 89-100. https://doi.org/10.1108/ADD-12-2019-0017
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited