Recovery From Substance Abuse Among Zimbabwean Men: An Occupational Transition

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Substance abuse presents a significant global challenge with wide-ranging negative consequences.
• Occupational therapy plays a vital role in promoting health and well-being through recovery.
• Understanding the recovery journey is essential for effective therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the recovery experiences of young adult Zimbabwean men from substance abuse.
• To investigate the role of occupations in the recovery process.
• To conceptualize recovery as an occupational transition.

Main Methods:

• A narrative inquiry approach was employed.
• Purposive sampling selected three young adult men undergoing recovery.
• In-depth narrative interviews focused on their occupations during recovery.
• Data were analyzed using narrative analysis.

Main Results:

• Substance abuse was linked to both positive and negative outcomes.
• The recovery process was characterized as an ongoing occupational transition.
• Occupational identity and participation significantly influenced recovery.
• Meaningful and "healthy" occupations were identified as key factors.

Conclusions:

• Recovery from substance abuse can be understood as an occupational transition.
• Active participation in meaningful occupations is central to recovery.
• The development of a positive occupational identity is critical for sustained recovery.