Stability Factors in Quitting: Results from the Lived Experiences of Recovered Addicts with no Return to Substance Use

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the lived experiences of stability factors in the addiction quitting. This study used a descriptive phenomenological research approach to collect and analyze data. 12 participants who had already experienced for more than 6 years addiction quitting were selected using purposive sampling method. The participants attended in-depth interviews until data saturation occurred. Data analysis revealed 3 themes and 14 subthemes for the phenomenon, including starting and launching factors of persistence in addiction quitting with sub-themes: physical and mental tiredness, perception of the end of the line, perception of the threat of substance abuse and turn on negative will. The theme of helper and mediators factors of persistence in addiction quitting with sub-themes: social protection and economic stability, family support and acceptance, utilization of other auxiliary resources, and satisfying relationships. The theme of basic and persistent factors of persistence in addiction quitting with sub-themes were: participation and continuity in the group of allies of NA, control of craving and fear of return, a tendency towards spirituality, meaning, the growth of self-knowledge and introspection, and the distinction between the genuine abandonment and the non-genuine addiction quitting. The findings of this research expounded the past literature on the effective treatment of addiction and relapse preventing.

Keywords

• stability factors of quitting
• addiction
• relapse
• phenomenology