"I didn't do it alone": Family involvement in recovery from substance use

Family involvement has been identified as pivotal in addressing substance use disorder (SUD). However, family members, and the clinicians supporting them, are often uncertain about how best to help or be involved. The purpose of this study was to examine how those in recovery perceived family involvement in their recovery journey.

We conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals (n = 18) who identified as being in recovery from SUD. Interviews focused on specific practices that are perceived as helpful or hindering to recovery. The Enhanced Critical Incident Technique (ECIT) was used to analyze interview data and identify critical incidents.

We identified 18 categories comprising of relational factors that helped and hindered recovery from SUD, organized into three main themes of factors important to individuals' recovery: interpersonal/relational factors, action, and knowledge and understanding. Participants provided concrete examples of how family members were helpful, hindering, or could have better supported their loved ones.

Family support is critical in supporting recovery efforts of individuals struggling with substance use. Relational, action-oriented, and educational support should be collaboratively negotiated based on the preferences and unique needs of the individual in recovery.