Abstract
Background: Substance abuse has been a long-standing issue internationally and in South Africa. The increasing rate of relapsing substance users is alarming and has been afforded enough attention, as a result, the users who have successfully sustained their recovery appear to have been abandoned in literature, which has motivated the researcher to direct her attention to exploring the issue. The aim of the study is to explore factors that lead to the sustained and successful recovery of substance users in the Ekurhuleni region.
Methods: This study made use of the qualitative research approach employing an explorative strategy. The study employed a case study research design and used semi-structured interviews where a small sample of participants (n=11) were used to obtain qualitative data. The research participants were chosen using both purposive and snowballing sampling, which were appropriate for this study as they had attended and completed treatment and were in the recovery journey for a period of a year and above. This study was understood using the ecological systems theory as a basis, and the questions asked were informed by the theory. Thematic analysis was utilized for the analysis of data.
Results: One of the main underlying factors that contributed to the participants’ sustained sobriety is self-determination to change or as per literature an individual’s willingness and readiness to change. The support from the family, peers and community also played a huge role in the sustainability of their recovery. The alteration in friends, environment and adoption of new patterns added value in the sustained recovery of the participants. Strong ongoing professional support, religious group support and finding employment or enrolling for a course played a major role in sustaining recovery as it kept participants busy and their minds off substances. It is therefore recommended that mental readiness be encouraged and that recovered substance users be made aware that recovery is lengthy, and relapse is a possibility. It is also suggested that family and community support be offered to the recovered substance users as it encourages sustainability. Furthermore, it is also recommended that the treatment centres become one-stop-shops for easy access to all the relevant services available. Moreover, the recommendation for practice is that follow-ups are imperative and need to be carried out.
Conclusions: In conclusion, different aspects exist which seem to encourage successfully continual sobriety no matter the road to recovery. These aspects are effective and relevant in the South African setting because of the diversity of participants involved in the study. Dealing with the substance abuse issue requires a holistic approach as suggested by the ecological systems theory for the stage of sustained recovery to be reached. The use of this theory will also help professionals understand that
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the journey to change is not without challenges, it requires extensive support from various structures. The creation of employment is vital as it has the potential to assist in sustaining recovery.
Keywords: Substance abuse, sustained recovery, aftercare, treatment, ecological systems theory, relapse