Die dwelmmiddelafhanklike pasient se belewenis van sy herstelproses na ontslag en voltooiing van 'n herstelprogram

Abstract

Drug dependency is acknowledged worldwide as one of the major mental health problems. It seems that drug dependent patients experience various obstacles in striving after mental health. The recovery process requires a shift from the rigid behaviour and intellectual processes that accompany them, to internal processes accompanied by a change in inner experiences. The objective of this research was to explore and describe the drug dependent person's recovery process after discharge, and the completion of a recovery programme within a specific private rehabilitation centre. The research design was qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. In-depth, phenomenological interviews, as well as focused individual interviews, were conducted to gather data. Data was analysed using Tesch's descriptive method, where all the data were analysed in eight steps. Field notes were taken and analysed together with the data. A literature control was then done to validate and recontextualise the data. Guba and Lincoln's model for trustworthiness was applied to ensure the trustworthiness of the research and strict ethical measures were adhered to, since the research addressed a very sensi- tive topic. The themes identified indicate obstacles, as well as facilitating elements, in the drug dependent patients' experience of their recovery processes and these obstacles should be addressed by mobilising resources.


(Health SA Gesondheid : interdisciplinary research journal: 2002 7(3): 56-67)