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The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of meaningful relationships among persons in 12-step recovery. The distinction of recovery is important as our study focused less on relational patterns during active substance use and more on their perception within their recovery. This phenomenological study followed Van Manen's six step approach of qualitative research. Data were collected from 7 participants through semi-structured one-on-one participant interviews. Participants were asked open-ended questions regarding their SUD recovery (e.g., "What is your experience of your capacity to be in meaningful relationships?"). Resulting from the analysis, four themes were extracted from the overarching theme of the Capacity for Meaningful Relationships in Recovery. The four emergent themes included Building the Foundation in Recovery, Sharing a Common Ground of Support, Giving Back – Helping Others, and Bridging Recovery to Family – The Biggest Accomplishment. Limitations and future research are discussed as well as the potential impact and application of these findings as they relate to recovery research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“Recovery Is Up to You,” a 12-week peer-run group experience for persons with major psychiatric problems, has had positive effects on important elements of recovery: empowerment, hope, and self-efficacy beliefs. Determining if such an experience would be equally efficacious for persons with addiction problems is the focus of this study. The 12-week course was experienced by eight groups of persons with addiction problems and the outcome, measured in terms of the response of participants and of the group leaders, was a favorable one as the course was found to be supportive of the recovery process, providing the participants and peer group leaders alike with new perspectives on meaningful living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group relations conferences and 12-Step recovery thrive on the participants working in groups. This article is an inquiry into the integration of these traditions, in the Loyola Group Relations Conference, January 14–16, 2011. This conference recruited staff and members from the recovery community. 12-Step meetings were integrated into the conference design. The authors discuss the similarities and differences of the two models and examine the learning of conference staff and members. The authors conclude that Group Relations Conferences focusing on leadership, authority, and recovery from addiction can bring important group relations learning to the recovery community and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]