Exploring the Dimensions of Substance Use Recovery: A Qualitative Study Among Adults in Illinois

This qualitative study explores the subjective perspectives of adults who identify as being in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), The central question was "How do adults in recovery define recovery?" While existing studies predominantly focus on individuals currently in treatment, this study broadens its scope to include a community sample.

This study employed a survey-based methodology, including participants in recovery from SUD (n = 147). Respondents were prompted to articulate their understanding of recovery in 2-3 sentences. The study adopted a pragmatic qualitative approach, using inductive and deductive thematic analysis to extract and interpret patterns within the participants' responses. Inductive analysis was used to identify the primary themes and subthemes, and deductive analysis was used to apply those themes to the biopsychosocial model of addiction.

Analyses revealed several recurring themes, including substance use reduction, effort or trying, self-improvement, engagement in recovery activities, and the notion of a lifelong change. This research highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of recovery extending beyond traditional treatment contexts.

Identified themes provided guidance for enhancing recovery-oriented systems of care, with emphases on more inclusive and practical approaches to supporting recovery. As the concept of recovery continually evolves, future research is recommended to explore and refine these key components.