Heroin Addiction And Recovery: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

This study is an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the human experience of heroin addiction and recovery. Literature on heroin addiction suggests that those who struggle with addiction are likely to also struggle with impulsivity, self-efficacy, and mood. The literature also finds that group membership is a common factor in recovering from addiction, whether that be in an Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous group or harm-reduction community. Two theories were explored, the social learning theory and self- medication theory. The study was shaped by the ideas and findings of previous literature and theories and narrowed down to one specific research question not yet addressed within the literature: What is the experience of addiction among adults in recovery from heroin use? Results identified common themes across all or most participants. The thematic discoveries of this study complement the research on heroin addiction and recovery. Subsequent researchers and social workers can use these results both to better understand this experience and as a guide in discovering more about heroin addiction and recovery.