Table 3 Reasons for not identifying as being in recovery
Category (coding instructions) | Verbatim quotes | % | SE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Never in recovery (n = 379) | |||||
Ability to stop (e.g., participants made the decision to quit; this happened for various reasons, including no longer enjoying substance use, recognising the problem, and financial issues) | “I just got to a point where I didn’t want to continue with it so removed myself from the environment.” “I found a way to change my behaviour by acknowledging that the previous attitude was problematic.” “I just really liked it but couldn’t afford it, so I stopped.” | 27.8 | 3.25 | ||
Some use but not at problematic level (e.g., can control use; alcohol and drug use have reduced) | “I still consume alcohol, but I can control it but not stop.” “Because I still drink, but highly reduced compared to what it was during the pandemic.” “Because I still use these things now and again but not to extremes and not every single day.” | 25.8 | 3.21 | ||
Low severity (e.g., participants think that their substance use was never a problem; their substance use was unrelated to addiction) | “I only take drugs socially and never found it a problem.” “I wouldn’t really say my problems were severe enough to consider myself an addict and thus I wouldn’t say I’m in recovery.” “…cannabis isn’t addictive and once I had things to fill my time with such as university, I didn’t need it anymore.” | 20.8 | 3.00 | ||
Rejection of ‘recovery’ label (e.g., participants never identified with the term ‘in recovery’; participants believe that the term ‘in recovery’ refers to an illness or injury that needs to be addressed rather than a behaviour) | “Never identified with that language.” “I don’t agree with the recovery rhetoric.” “Because I don’t see addiction as a disease to be treated but as a behaviour.” “I don’t like the term ‘recovery’ as if I had some injury, just changing a mindset on drinking habits.” | 13.7 | 2.70 | ||
Matured out (e.g., participants refer to significant life changes such as family and health issues, as well as changes in social networks) | “I didn’t make the conscious decision to quit one day I had a disabled child and could no longer drink as had to care for them 24/7.” “Once I became pregnant none of these lifestyle choices were appropriate.” “I stopped immediately after a serious brain injury though using illegal drugs put me in a coma for 2 weeks.” “My life moved on. I changed the people I hung out with so stopped taking drugs. It wasn’t a particular decision.” | 9.4 | 1.90 | ||
Starting new or switching substances (e.g., participants started using new substances and not their problem substance) | “I swapped one addiction for another.” “Just addicted to other stuff.” | 3.8 | 1.52 | ||
Mental health problem rather than physical addiction (e.g., participants believe that mental health challenges caused their substance use; they relate the term ‘in recovery’ with physical dependency on drugs and alcohol) | “I was never physically addicted but rather mentally relied on it too much…” “I don’t believe I was ever an addict. The problems I had with drugs were with my mental health, my relationship with my wife and financial.” | 2.4 | 0.89 | ||
Unclassified/other (e.g., provided reason is not clear or is missing) | “I miss them too much.” “Addictive personality” “[no answer]” | 11.0 | 2.35 | ||
Used to be in recovery (n = 251) | |||||
Resolved (e.g., fully recovered; it has been a long time since participants’ recovery; participants no longer crave substances; participants consider addiction as a problem which has been solved) | “I am fully recovered. I am totally free in mind body and spirit from the addictions I once had. I know with absolute certainty that I will never use drugs again.” “I have no need for any drugs anymore. I have kept away from most temptation for over 20 years.” “I have no inclination for drugs or alcohol anymore not for a very long time.” “I have no need or want for drugs.” “I’ve overcome the problem.” | 56.6 | 4.25 | ||
Relapsing (e.g., participants have started using substances and/or drinking again; potential reasons that participants mentioned were COVID-19, personal issues, and peer pressure) | “I slipped back.” “I have returned to using substances in a problematic way.” “Since Covid my alcohol intake has increased again.” “Getting divorced and changes in my life.” “I started hanging around with old friends again who still have drink and drug issues.” | 14.2 | 3.45 | ||
Non-problematic continued use (e.g., participants have formed a healthy relationship with alcohol and substances; they may use substances occasionally; participants can control use) | “I believe I’ve moved past it, and now have a healthy relationship with alcohol (e.g., drinking very occasionally, being able to stop at one drink).” “Because I have stopped taking drugs like I used to. Only once every 6 months now if that” “I have found a level of alcohol consumption which is non-destructive and controlled.” | 13.8 | 2.93 | ||
Matured out (significant life changes such as family circumstances; participants explained that their substance use was caused due to personal problems and difficulties that no longer exist) | “Found my happiness and have a baby boy.” “It was a long time ago and I do not have the problems and difficulties I had then.” “Because I do not have the same issues that caused me to have the addiction.” | 8.2 | 2.39 | ||
Rejection of ‘recovery’ label (e.g., participants referred to the negativity of the term ‘recovery’; difficulty in understanding the term ‘recovery’; some new terms emerged) | “I feel that the ‘addict’ label and being ‘in recovery’ are somewhat counterproductive past a certain point. I had a problem, and I overcame it. I prefer not to have my entire life dominated by that.” “It isn’t clear what this means. I have recovered and that’s that.” “I prefer smart recovery.” | 2.0 | 1.04 | ||
Ability to stop without using external support (e.g., self-treatment without using any type of external support such as medication and/or their GPs support) | “I achieved my goal myself.” “Abstained using own will power.” | 1.7 | 0.88 | ||
Starting new or switching substances (e.g., using new substances rather than their previous problematic substance) | “I have recovered from heroin addiction and no longer take it, but I do drink far too much alcohol.” “I previously had an alcohol addiction, but I recovered and no longer do. Because of physical injuries I now have a prescription opioid addiction which I currently trying to overcome.” | 1.4 | 0.64 | ||
Religion (e.g., their religious involvement helped participants helped them overcome their addictions; on the other hand, limited religious involvement led to relapse) | “Jesus healed me of my addiction.” “I left church. Got back into heavy drinking from end of 2005 especially.” | 0.8 | 0.80 | ||
Unclassified/other (e.g., provided reason is not clear or is missing) | “It was a long time ago.” “I was wrong.” “[no answer]” | 9.0 | 2.27 | ||