How older adults recovering from substance use problems experience mattering.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Addiction Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• Mattering, the experience of feeling valued and adding value, is crucial for human recovery.
• Substance use problems in older adults are increasing, necessitating tailored support.
• Understanding mattering in later life recovery within service contexts is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of mattering in older adults undergoing substance use recovery.
• To identify factors influencing mattering and not mattering in this demographic.
• To inform the development of mattering-enhancing programs for older adults in recovery.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study using a collaborative and deductive reflexive thematic approach.
• Analysis of 23 interviews with older adults (65-80 years) recovering from alcohol, medication, or illicit substance use.
• Participants were recruited from diverse Norwegian social contexts.

Main Results:

• Three themes emerged: relational experiences, service-related experiences, and the interplay of recovery, community, and mattering.
• Positive relationships and attentive services fostered feelings of mattering.
• Lack of support, disrespect, and poor treatment contributed to feelings of not mattering.

Conclusions:

• Positive community relationships and fair, attentive services are key to older adults' mattering experiences in recovery.
• Experiences of not mattering stem from social isolation, disrespect, and inadequate professional support.
• Mattering, recovery, and psychological sense of community are interconnected, influencing service engagement for older adults.