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This article uses data from a doctoral thesis concerning service users' views on what works for them in relation to their mental health wellness following a suicidal ideation/attempt in Aotearoa New Zealand. In particular, it focuses on the experiences of service users regarding mental health crisis team responses and what they wanted from their crisis teams specifically. Participants indicated that what they wanted was to feel heard, respected and not judged, consistent with the core conditions of therapeutic alliance within such professions as social work, counselling and psychology. Social work has a valuable role to play in emphasising and advocating for social, contextual and non-medical responses within crisis teams and service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study considers how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individuals recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD). Method: Fifty individuals recovering from SUD in Vermont, a rural New England state (U.S.), were recruited for an interview from 12-step recovery meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous) as well as via word-of-mouth. Interviews were transcribed and coded, and qualitative analyses were performed. Results: Many of the participants who were in recovery prior to the pandemic starting remained substance-free and in recovery throughout the pandemic period. Some individuals used substances during the pandemic period, although not typically in the context of a relapse caused by negative emotions (eg, distress over a loved one contracting COVID-19). The majority of those individuals indicated that the risk of catching COVID-19 did not alter their substance use. Conclusions: Many individuals already in SUD recovery before COVID-19 remained in recovery despite the challenges of pandemic era. The role of peer support in recovering individuals managing negative emotions caused by COVID-19 is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known about the subject: Treatment groups in Mental Health Service is cost‐effective, increases patients´ self‐understanding and stimulate changeResearch shows that people with mental illness have different barriers to attend group sessions which often originates from a lack of trust in other people, but it is known that the possibility to build gradual trust among the participants encourages attendance. What the paper adds to existing knowledge: This study is based on the experience from outpatients and illuminates how discovery groups from the Tidal Model can be used as introductory sessions to build gradual trust among people with mental illness before engaging in a person‐centred group intervention.The study fills a research gap in methods to create a safe and trusting environment in treatment groups for people with mental illness working with recovery‐oriented person‐centred interventions. What are the implications for practice: This study emphasizes the importance of meeting concerns about social interactions in persons with mental illness when joining treatment groups. It presents a recovery‐oriented method which meets this requirement and is easy to implement in practice. Introduction: Recovery‐oriented interventions delivered individually or in groups are more and more common within mental health nursing. However, persons with mental illness may be cautious about engaging in groups. Therefore, it is important to provide a trusting basis in the group to allow for the best opportunities to promote engagement, attendance and impact of treatment. Aim: The aim was to explore how discovery group sessions were experienced as introductory sessions from the perspectives of participants and facilitators before engaging in a person‐centred group intervention. Method: A qualitative interview study was conducted, involving four group facilitators and 16 participants with mental illness from five completed groups. Data were analysed with Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. Results: The findings showed that the two discovery group sessions were experienced as useful and meaningful to all and created a safe atmosphere and a trusted relationship among group participants and facilitators. Discussion: Feeling safe and sharing experiences and emotions contribute to the relational climate in a group. Implication for practice: Addressing concerns about social interactions in persons with mental illness is important in group treatment. This study proved that engaging patients in designing or adapting interventions for mental health services is important to improve quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between trauma and subsequent substance use has been extensively studied. Substance dependence and its consequences are a source of further traumatization. This explorative qualitative study is an analysis of the recovery narratives of persons with polydrug dependence, using mainly novel psychoactive substances (NPSs). NPS use, with its unpredictability and major health risks poses a challenge to treatment systems, but only few studies are available on NPS users' recovery processes. In this longitudinal study, authors explore processes of identity reconstruction in the emotionally valent episodes of 10 respondents' life interviews. The interviews had been conducted with 77 patients at the beginning of their residential treatment and were repeated a year later with those in recovery and available for the study, altogether 10 persons. Narrative Oriented Inquiry was used as a framework, focusing on the key themes and changes in the narrative mode. Our results support the findings on previous and subsequent NPS use-related traumatization. In this perspective, NPS use corresponds to revictimization. Contrary to available but sporadic evidence suggesting a marked difference between the recovery processes of users of classical substances and NPS users, the respondents in this study could utilize the traditional cultural stock of recovery stories during their treatment. Changes involved more reflective and responsible attitudes and the broadening of a healing social network. Contents describing care/self-care and the emergence of hopeful attitudes were also identified. Further research, involving larger samples and cross-cultural comparisons, could deepen our understandings of NPS users' recovery processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings from an evaluation of post-proceedings support (PPS) within Gloucestershire Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC). PPS is offered to parents in the year immediately following a completed FDAC hearing. The article provides background on the formation and development of FDACs across England and FDAC evaluations, before detailing the specific delivery model in use in Gloucestershire. The evaluation that took place March 2020–July 2022 examined the delivery, effectiveness and impact of the support services provided to families after legal proceedings concerning child welfare due to parental substance misuse. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study analysed quantitative data to assess outcomes such as parental cessation of substance misuse and family reunification, alongside qualitative insights through interviews exploring families' and professionals' perceptions and experiences. This evaluation sheds light on the strengths and limitations of this post-proceeding offer. It examines the extent to which the services can be said to contribute to sustainable recovery for parents and whether the model is transferable to other FDACs. It highlights the importance of continuing support for families and may provide 'conceptual' transferability and insights that will be relevant to other FDACs and beyond into children's and families' social work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, the World Health Organization urged a global shift towards recovery‐focused practices in mental health care. In Western nations, this transition often prioritised individualism over collectivism. In contrast, collectivist societies prioritise recovery through community and social support. This study explored mental health recovery from the perspectives of consumers, carers and registered nurses in a mainly collectivist society (Saudi Arabia) using a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Sixteen consumers, ten carers and eight registered nurses participated in online semi‐structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyse English‐translated versions of the 34 interviews. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies 32‐item checklist were used. The study found that recovery was perceived as a process of transforming towards living a meaningful life of goals and values supported by trusted people who share moments of comfort and empowerment. A unique finding was the 'bond of recovery' a collectivist value that aid consumers' community integration in society. Saudi consumers' experiences of recovery were similar to consumers' movement narratives of recovery. Future research should establish a recovery‐focused educational program that incorporates our findings into a recovery‐oriented approach. This will facilitate providing a collaborative care between consumers, carers and nurses that centres around consumers' recovery goals and values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locating specialized mental healthcare services in the neighborhood of people with severe mental illnesses (SMI) has been suggested as a way of improving treatment outcomes by increasing patient engagement and integration with the local care landscape. The current mixed methods study aimed to examine patient experience and treatment outcomes in three Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams that relocated to the neighborhood they served, compared to seven teams that continued to provide FACT as usual from a central office. Routine Outcome Measurement (ROM) and care use data were analyzed to compare change in treatment outcomes for patients in place-based FACT (n = 255) and FACT as usual (n = 833). Additionally, retrospective in-depth interviews were conducted with twenty patients about their experience with place-based FACT. Quantitative analysis showed mental health admission days decreased more in place-based than FACT as usual, although this difference was small. Both groups showed improved quality of life, psychosocial functioning, and symptomatic remission rates, and decreased unmet and overall needs for care. There was no change over time in met needs for care, employment, and daily activities. Qualitative analysis showed that patients experienced place-based FACT as more accessible, a better safety net, a more personal approach, better integrated with other forms of care, involving their social network, and embedded in their neighborhood and daily environment. This study showed that location and integration matter to patients, and the long term impact of place-based FACT on treatment outcomes should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine feasibility and acceptability of providing stepped collaborative care case management targeting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain symptoms after major traumatic injury. Participants were major trauma survivors in Victoria, Australia, at risk of persistent pain or PTSD with high baseline symptoms. Participants were block-randomized, stratified by compensation-status, to the usual care (n = 15) or intervention (n = 17) group (46% of eligible patients). The intervention was adapted from existing stepped collaborative care interventions with input from interdisciplinary experts and people with lived experience in trauma and disability. The proactive case management intervention targeted PTSD and pain management for 6-months using motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy strategies, and collaborative care. Qualitative interviews explored intervention acceptability. Intervention participants received a median of 7 h case manager contact and reported that they valued the supportive and non-judgmental listening, and timely access to effective strategies, resources, and treatments post-injury from the case manager. Participants reported few disadvantages from participation, and positive impacts on symptoms and recovery outcomes consistent with the reduction in PTSD and pain symptoms measured at 1-, 3- and 6-months. Stepped collaborative care was low-cost, feasible, and acceptable to people at risk of PTSD or pain after major trauma. After hospitalization for injury, people can experience difficulty accessing timely support to manage posttraumatic stress, pain and other concerns. Stepped case management-based interventions that provide individualized support and collaborative care have reduced posttraumatic stress symptom severity for patients admitted to American trauma centers. We showed that this model of care could be adapted to target pain and mental health in the trauma system in Victoria, Australia. The intervention was low cost, acceptable and highly valued by most participants who perceived that it helped them use strategies to better manage post-traumatic symptoms, and to access clinicians and treatments relevant to their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed at assessing the extent to which recovered addicts and peoples recovered from sober houses reintegrate in the community life in Zanzibar. The study applied a qualitative research design whereby Sober Living Homes (SLHs) operators provided 86 contacts of the recovered individuals. Researchers started to communicate with them for future interviews. Of the 86 recovered individuals, researchers managed to communicate with 62 respondents, of whom only 39 were found eligible for the interviews. However, only 26 participated in the research since 13 of the eligible candidates declined participation. The results revealed that re-admission of the recovered individuals to SLHs persists, making drug use a public concern in Zanzibar. The study identified that community-negative attitudes toward recovery efforts, surrounding environment, easy access to drugs, lack self-awareness, lack of enough knowledge, lack of activities to do, life challenges and stress, friends, and own decision to start drug use again as the significant driving factors for the readmission to drugs. In addition, drug use among the recovered persists because the community pays less concern to the recoving individuals. Community based factors are potential for complete recovery process from drug use among reintegrated drug users. The study recommends that the lovely welcoming of drug users after sober house life is very critical to the reintegration of these drug users into their community. Moreover, the study recommends the government to be fully committed to the struggle against drug use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Self-disgust appears to be a prominent feature in anorexia nervosa (AN), which might help explain why AN is often such a persistent disorder. Little is known about how this emotion can impact on recovering from this disorder. This study aims to develop our understanding of how people experience the emotion of self-disgust after physical recovery from AN. Design/methodology/approach: Twelve female participants who reported previously having had a clinical diagnosis of AN but had physically recovered according to their EDE-Q scores took part in a semi-structured interview to explore their experiences of recovery and the role self-disgust played within this. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore the data. Findings: Three themes were identified within the data to explain the experiences of self-disgust in those with AN: continued self-disgust following physical "Recovery", multiple manifestations of self-disgust in recovery and increasing self-disgust in recovery as a driver for relapse. Practical implications: Self-disgust was something each participant appeared to experience often, despite being physically recovered from AN. Disgust-based reactions to the self are enduring and highly resistant to change even whilst other aspects of the disorder become less potent. Self-disgust is multi-faceted and may trigger relapse as the signs of improvement and behaviours inherent in recovering were generally viewed as disgusting to the individuals. Originality/value: Self-disgust is an emotion that continues to affect people with AN despite physical recovery. The recovery process itself is not linear and self-disgust is enduring and may cause those affected to relapse. Considering this emotion within therapeutic intervention may encourage those with AN to accept their recovered self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exit from active substance use presents barriers to achieving and maintaining health, especially as individuals lack the economic resources to afford healthcare access. Treatment settings that strengthen resources may support stability in recovery and influence health. Analyzing a sample of recovery home residents over two years (N = 494), the current study assessed individually held resources (e.g., wages, employment) and the average economic conditions of a resident's house (e.g., house employment rate) to understand their association with self-reported health status. Employment status, but not wages or transportation access, was associated with reported health scores. The average employment rate of a recovery home was also positively correlated with the health of its residents. Results indicate the need to address employment and other economic issues which plague recovering individuals. Community aftercare settings may offer such a pathway through affordable housing, employment opportunities, and supportive relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study aimed to explore the experiences of care and recovery among older patients treated for physical trauma. Design: A qualitative study with a constructivist grounded theory design. Methods: Fifteen in‐depth interviews with older adults recovering from physical trauma were conducted and analysed between 2019 and 2023, in accordance with grounded theory methodology. Results: The findings show that for older patients who suffered physical trauma, the core category was the strive to recapture autonomy. This was achieved by means of Adaptation, Reflection and Interactions, which constitute the three main categories. Recovery involves facing and navigating various new life challenges, such as increased dependency on others, managing difficult symptoms and adapting in various ways to everyday life. The recovery process was influenced by fear, hope and the attitude towards new challenges. Conclusion: Older adults being cared for after a traumatic event have a difficult path to recovery ahead of them. Dealing with increased unwanted dependency on others was a main concern for the participants. Undertreated symptoms can lead to undesired isolation, delayed recovery and further increase unwanted dependency. On the other hand, hope, which was defined as having a positive approach to life and longing for the future, was a strong accelerating factor in the recovery process. Impact: As a result of this study, we have established that older patients experience the initial period after trauma as difficult and that support in the initial phase can be helpful when returning home. As healthcare services are under increasing pressure because of an ageing population, this study contributes by addressing an understudied population and clarifying their concerns. Reporting Method: Reporting adheres to the COREQ (COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research) Checklist. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the psychological and relational processes of a service user reflective group on a medium secure forensic ward. The group was conceptualised by the service as a component of the therapeutic offer contributing to the patients' journey towards recovery and this study aimed to explore whether the group was being experienced as beneficial, by service users and staff, in relation to recovery concepts. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews from 10 participants who had experience of an existing service user reflective group on a medium secure forensic ward. Participants in the study were patients who attended the group (6) and staff members who facilitated the group (4). The data collected were analysed using constructivist grounded theory methodology. Findings: Results formed a flexible, cyclical model based on five key categories: "Group Identity", "Linking Self with Others", "The Changing Self", "Living Visibly in a System" and "Moving On." Practical implications: Findings indicate that service user reflective groups in forensic inpatient settings can contribute to increased interpersonal effectiveness and personal recovery. Originality/value: The role of service user reflective groups in secure recovery has not been explored empirically to date, although they are a suggested intervention to enhance relational security and to aid therapeutic progress within a secure recovery framework. This study aimed to begin to address this gap in research and understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inpatients with substance use disorders often go unheard. Through qualitative interviews, this study lends voice to their views and beliefs about the factors that affect their recovery. In-depth interviews were conducted from February 10 to 11, 2020 with 15 in- patients with methamphetamine use disorder residing at the Marikina Rehabilitation Center in the Philippines. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were thematically analyzed to determine the factors that promote and hinder methamphetamine use disorder treatment and recovery. We identified six barriers to recovery: homesickness, lack of family visitation and support, fear of treatment, financial stress, social stigma and criticism, and boredom. Four motivating factors that influenced treatment and recovery included the therapeutic community treatment program, familial relationships, and visitations, belief in God, and hope. A treatment integration program that combines psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as strong familial support, is imperative for patients' recovery from methamphetamine use disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk management which assesses and mitigates risks such as suicide and violence is under scrutiny, particularly within psychiatric inpatient settings. Restrictive practices, which result from risk assessment, such as observations, physical restraint and ward seclusion can impact negatively on patient recovery, hindering abilities to develop a meaningful life that emphasizes purpose, hope and autonomy, despite experiencing mental distress. Yet, less is known about the impact from the patient's perspective when first admitted to hospital, a period which among other reasons may come with increasing risk management practices owing to the clinical uncertainties about patient risks. In this grounded theory study, we explore the impact on recovery, interviewing 15 adult participants with patient experiences of being in an acute hospital. The main theme of the study, termed a core category with a grounded theory, was identified as "ontological insecurity of inattentiveness". This highlighted a staff inattentiveness with involving patients with risk management and explaining the purposes of the practice, which raised insecurities about what was happening to the patients when admitted to hospital. Four subcategories support the core category; discounting the patients' experiences to gain a meaningful grasp of risk management, ambiguity about risk management rules, particularly the reasons around their use, forebodingness to the hospital environment and, management from afar, with patients feeling scrutinized from observations without a voice to offer different views. It is hoped these findings will add to the field of patient involvement in psychiatric inpatient settings, proposing attempts to raise understanding and inclusivity of risk management, starting when first admitted to hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eating disorders are as common in Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa-New Zealand, as they are in non-Māori; however, research has focused on the experiences of non-Māori. This paper will describe explanatory factors, treatment experiences and what helps with recovery for Māori. Methods: Kaupapa Māori research methodology informed the methods and analysis. Fifteen semi-structured interviews comprised thirteen Māori participants with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder) and two whānau (support network) members. A thematic analysis was undertaken by a first cycle of coding that used deductive structural coding to identify data describing participants' perceived causes of eating disorders, their experience of treatment and recovery. A second cycle of coding used inductive analysis with descriptive and pattern coding. Results: Three overarching themes were antecedents (cumulative exposure), treatment (a system of complexities) and recovery (resource empowerment). Antecedents comprised cumulative exposure to body and sporting ideals and adversity as causal factors of eating disorders. In the treatment theme, a system of complexities critiqued rural settings for generalised mental health services, allocation of Māori cultural support, the economic burden of treatment, culturally incongruent treatment (methods, values) and a weight-focused discharge criterion. Recovery (resource empowerment) found appropriate health information, self-determination and connection to Māori culture and whānau aspirations helped with recovery. Conclusion: The diversity of birdcalls reminds us of the individuality of eating disorders. Health practitioners are reminded that just as the Tūī, Kākā and Kererū possess their own unique birdcalls, so do Māori with eating disorders and their whānau have their own experiences, needs and required treatment responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For those who have suffered from trauma and are struggling with PTSD, finding healing through spiritual means can be a meaningful experience for trauma survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones. While much of the current research on PTSD recovery focuses on psychological, physiological, social, and cognitive factors, the spiritual dimension is often overlooked despite its increasing recognition in recent years. This study explores the experiences of individuals who attribute their recovery from PTSD to spirituality, with participants from diverse backgrounds of religion, culture, nationality, and level of faith who have experienced various traumas and recovery methods. The study identifies four stages of recovery: disappointment and disconnection, rock bottom, a leap into spirituality, and mutual forgiveness leading to reconnection. The role of powerlessness in the recovery process is also examined, and a model for a spiritually-based approach to recovery containing the four phases and three turning points is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines male (n = 2,612) and female (n = 2,644) clients entering SUD treatment who rated their quality-of-life (QofL) lower or higher and then examined thier recovery needs at program entry and at follow-up as well as return to substance use at follow-up. Results found that lower QofL ratings at program entry were associated with many recovery needs at both program entry and at follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, QofL ratings at program entry were significantly and uniquely associated with the average number of recovery needs at follow-up as well as return to use after controlling for recovery needs at program entry. Individuals who continued to rate their QofL lower at follow-up had lower SUD program satisfaction and engagement ratings and had more recovery needs, on average, at follow-up. Focusing on recovery needs and quality-of-life, which vary by person and context, may enhance recovery from substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant change in mental health care has involved the need to implement recovery-oriented practices and services. However, recovery-oriented care has been poorly defined within acute care mental health settings. The central aims of the study were to increase knowledge about what constitutes a recovery-oriented environment within contemporary acute care units and to inform recovery-oriented nursing practice. Interpretative description was applied to answer the question: What strategies and resources do nurses identify as being most conducive to fostering a recovery-oriented environment in acute care mental health units? Purposive sampling was used to recruit 11 nurses from 6 acute care units. The inclusion criteria included a minimum of 1-year patients and holding active nursing registration. Nursing experience in community-based or chronic care settings and with children and adolescents were exclusion criteria. Six nurses also participated in a focus group. Key aspects of a recovery-oriented acute care environment included understanding the needs of individual patients along with the dynamics of the healthcare team. Nurses had important roles in promoting recovery-oriented environments and reported a need for increased resources to move beyond the bio-medical model and align practice with personal recovery. A recovery-oriented environment was described as a safe, peaceful and holistic environment with adequate space to balance needs for privacy, interaction and activity. This environment is fostered through respectful communication and healthy relationships among team members, patients, family and formal supports. These nurses had the knowledge, skill and desire to promote recovery-oriented environments, yet resources such as leisure activities and group therapy were required to promote personal recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses a narrative approach to explore the experiences of adults in the oldest stage of old age after they suffered a hip fracture. The focus was on participants' perceptions and descriptions of the traumatic event, the recovery process, and the impact of the fracture on their lives. The study had a longitudinal design and included interviews with 10 participants (mean age 89) who had suffered hip fractures. Up to three semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the participants (a total of 27 interviews) over a 3-month period. The first interviews were at the hospital, the second at municipal rehabilitation facilities, and the third at the participants' homes. The material was analysed by means of narrative analysis. The results show how the incident affected the participants' active and meaningful lives and how they seemed to mobilise their resources and motivation to train and recover to be able to come back home and resume the life they had before the hip fracture. The study provides nuances in the understanding of how a hip fracture can impact lives in old age. The stories emphasise the resources and capacity for resilience elderly people can possess and the importance of listening to the individual life stories, situation, personal goals, and needs when planning services for elderly people recovering from a hip fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) do not use treatment services, yet the majority ultimately resolve their AUD. As the phenomenon of untreated recovery remains poorly understood, we investigated the strategies used for recovery without treatment. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 65 adults (27 women, 37 White) with resolved AUD and no history of using specialty services (e.g., inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, medication-assisted treatment). Using both inductive and deductive coding, we identified and elaborated themes and meanings. We verified our findings through nine member-check sessions with interviewers and interview participants. Results: Majorities of interview participants met criteria for severe lifetime AUD (84.6%), were in long-term recovery (>5 years; 81.5%), and indicated abstinence was their recovery goal (56.9%). Close to half (41.5%) had attended mutual-help groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous). We identified five active strategies (Changing Contexts, Social Connections. Activities, Substitution, and Other Strategies) and four additional factors (Mutual-help Groups, Self-Reliance, Spirituality, and Aging/Maturing) that contributed to their recovery. Most participants employed multiple strategies and were intentional in adopting the ones that best suited them. By far, the two most common strategies were Changing Contexts (reported by 69.2% of participants) whereby people reduced their alcohol exposure by modifying social networks or physical settings and relying on Social Connections (reported by 67.7%), especially connections to people with similar lived experiences and struggles. Notably, Social Connections and Mutual-Help groups were the themes most often discussed jointly. Among other contributing factors mentioned, Spirituality appeared to play an important, but not universal, role as it was invoked by approximately half (49.2%) of participants. Conclusions: Our study confirms that recovery without specialty treatment is possible, and that multiple strategies and contributing factors help to achieve it. These findings may inform novel interventions to support recovery among people unwilling or unable to obtain treatment for AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of relapse for people in recovery for substance use disorder is as high as 85% within the first 12 months of recovery, however, research on the lived experience of relapse is limited. The present qualitative study investigated the experience of relapse with people who have Methamphetamine use disorder and the reasons why they returned to recovery. The exploratory study recruited five (n = 5) adults who identified as having Methamphetamine use disorder. All participants had sought treatment for more than 12 months, they were attending an addiction support service, and had experienced a relapse within the past 15 months. Interviews were conducted in which participants were asked an open-ended question about their most recent relapse and the negative consequences associated with their drug use. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. A return to daily drug use led to negative consequences such as relationship breakdowns, poor mental health and acting in ways that went against the participant's morals and values. This study provides an insight into the types of experiences people who relapse after seeking treatment for Methamphetamine use disorder may have and how these experiences can influence their decision to return to recovery. People who regularly attend a recovery program are still susceptible to relapse. Those who have maintained abstinence for a period of time prior to relapse may be able to assess the negative consequences of their drug use more easily. This prior experience of recovery might influence their decision to stop using again. A return to daily drug use led to negative consequences of substance misuse. The negative consequences encountered by people who relapse may include relationship breakdowns, poor mental health and acting in ways that go against the person's morals and values. The negative consequences of substance misuse can influence people's decisions to return to recovery. People who regularly attend an addiction support service remain vulnerable to relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Best practice guidelines for the recovery and return to work (RTW) of people with mental disorders recommend access to the services of an interdisciplinary team combining pharmacological, psychological and work rehabilitation interventions. In the Canadian context, primary healthcare services are responsible for providing these services for people with common mental disorders, such as depressive or anxiety disorders. However, not everyone has easy access to these recommended primary healthcare services, and previous studies suggest that multiple personal, practice‐related and organizational factors can influence the patient's journey. Moreover, previous studies documented that family physicians often work in silos and lack the knowledge and time needed to effectively manage by themselves patients' occupational health. Thus, the care and service trajectories of these patients are often suboptimal and can have important consequences on the person's recovery and RTW. Objective and Population Studied: Our study aimed to gain a better understanding of the patient journeys and the factors influencing their access to and experience with primary healthcare services while they were on sick leave due to a common mental disorder. Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was used to understand and describe these factors. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the verbatim. Results: Five themes describe the main factors that influenced the patient's journey of the 14 participants of this study: (1) the fragmented interventions provided by family physicians; (2) patients' autonomy in managing their own care; (3) the attitude and case management provided by the insurer, (4) the employer's openness and understanding and (5) the match between the person's needs and their access to psychosocial and rehabilitation services. Conclusions: Our findings highlight important gaps in the collaborative practices surrounding the management of mental health‐related sick leave, the coordination of primary healthcare services and the access to work rehabilitation services. Occupational therapists and other professionals can support family physicians in managing sick leaves, strengthen interprofessional and intersectoral collaboration and ensure that patients receive needed services in a timelier manner no matter their insurance coverage or financial needs. Patients of Public Contribution: This study aimed at looking into the perspective of people who have lived or are currently experiencing a sick leave related to a mental health disorder to highlight the factors which they feel hindered their recovery and RTW. Additionally, two patient partners were involved in this study and are now engaged in the dissemination of the research results and the pursuit of our team research programme to improve services delivered to this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This qualitative evaluation was guided by two questions: 1) How does peer recovery support (PRS) support American Indian (AI) people in recovery from substance use disorders? and 2) What makes PRS effective? Methods: We utilized a descriptive qualitative study design to explore the essence of PRS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six AI peers to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of recovery from one urban Montana location. Data analysis involved coding all the transcripts using the priori codes developed, then identifying key themes from the coded data. Results: Themes and interview data helped us explore how PRS supports recovery and potential reasons why it is effective for AI populations. Peers indicated that the program helped them maintain their recovery, and the role of peer mentors was critical to their success. Themes of belonging, connection, and compassion were common among peers interviewed. They also felt that recovery is a spiritual process. The peers had limited recommendations for improving the program, except the need for funding sustainability. Conclusions: Understanding how people recover is the first step in addressing the current substance misuse epidemic facing our nation. This evaluation outlined the qualitative impacts of PRS, the spiritual nature of PRS, the context of PRS, and recommendations from peers involved in the program. More work is needed to explore how to sustain PRS programs and integrate PRS into existing community-based settings, like churches, social services, urban AI centers, and other locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the literature, relational recovery after infidelity is often described as a process going through different consecutive stages towards a reconciliation. We interviewed 25 injured partners and invited them to look back and talk about what helped them to recover from the pain and the conflicts caused by the relational infidelity of their partner. From their stories—through thematic analysis—four themes emerged: 1. talking, 2.the truth, 3. trust and 4. ethical imbalance. It furthermore struck us how the participants described their recovery process as an experience of being oscillated between connection and disconnection. These findings pointed us in the direction of developing a dual process model that fits with our participants' experiences of recovering after infidelity, while emphasizing the dynamic nature of their stories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Exploring the perceptions of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) towards their brain injury recovery across the continuum of care may offer insights to support engagement with rehabilitation services. Illness narratives are a potentially valuable avenue for examining perceptions of recovery that may influence engagement. AIMS: The aim of this study is to explore the perspective of individuals with severe TBI towards their communication, brain injury and recovery experiences at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post‐injury. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Discourse samples were obtained from 12 participants with severe TBI at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years following injury. A standardised protocol was used to elicit responses relating to perceptions of communication, the brain injury narrative, and perceptions of recovery facilitators. A thematic analysis of the discourse samples was completed. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Three overarching themes were identified: experiences of communication recovery are diverse (Theme 1), varied experiences of recovery and rehabilitation (Theme 2), and continuous and lifelong journey of recovery (Theme 3). Primary communication concerns included presence of anomia, dysarthria, conversational topic difficulties, impacts of fatigue and memory difficulties. Illness narratives revealed the importance of re‐establishing a sense of self and the perceived importance of a strong social network post‐injury. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The varied nature of communication challenges and recovery after TBI highlights the need for holistic, multidisciplinary support as well as inclusion of family and friends in the recovery process. Social communication intervention is a perceived priority area for individuals with TBI. Illness narratives may also play a valuable role in therapy and help to shape post‐injury identity. Managing the impacts of fatigue on communication and encouraging individuals to take ownership over their recovery and treatment may also help to improve patient outcomes. Supporting individuals to construct positive brain injury narratives that reaffirm a sense of self and include perspectives of family and friends may offer a potential future avenue for rehabilitation. Tailored but flexible, team‐based service delivery models for individuals with TBI that span from acute to long‐term care are warranted. What this study adds?: What is already known on this subject: Communication recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI) is complex and multifaceted. The perceptions of individuals with TBI toward their communication recovery is largely unknown. To establish rehabilitation services that meet the needs of these individuals, we need to understand how they experience communication recovery. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: Social communication interventions were perceived as a priority for intervention by individuals with TBI. Fatigue was identified as perceived barrier to communication recovery. Taking ownership over one's recovery process was revealed as a facilitator of recovery. Illness narratives were found to strengthen post‐injury identity over time. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Speech pathologists should prioritise social communication interventions and fatigue management for communication. Facilitating ownership of the recovery process and offering long‐term supports are key aspects of treatment. Supporting positive illness narratives as part of treatment may facilitate post‐injury identity construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Admissions to hospitals for people with anorexia nervosa (AN) often last over 2 months, during which significant time is often spent with other patients, but there is little qualitative research on the impact on recovery of the inter‐patient relationships. Our aim was to conduct qualitative interviews with people with a history of inpatient treatment for AN, focusing on the impact of interactions and relationships between patients during hospital admission on recovery, including short‐term and long‐term effects. Method: We conducted nine semi‐structured, one‐to‐one interviews, specifically exploring the helpful and unhelpful aspects of inter‐patient relationships during inpatient treatment for AN. No type of relationship was either included or excluded. Participants were recruited as volunteers in response to an online advertisement; all who met the eligibility criteria were selected. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Thematic analysis identified five themes: (1) comparison and justification, (2) learnt unhelpful behaviors, (3) dealing with distress, (4) compassion, and (5) role‐modeling. All participants expressed conflicting feelings about their relationships with other patients, but generally described developing more resilience to negative effects as they got closer to recovery. Positive effects, such as compassion, appeared to hold significance long term in participants' recovered lives. Discussion: The detailed exploration of themes in this study provides a deeper understanding of inter‐patient relationships during inpatient treatment for AN. This could aid clinical decision‐making when choosing appropriate treatment settings for individual patients as well as informing clinical practice in hospital. Public Significance: This study closely examines the effect on recovery of relationships with other patients during hospital treatment for AN, a severe eating disorder. Findings might help hospital staff to understand the feelings of those they look after and develop ways to protect patients from the negative effects of peer relationships and enhance the positive ones, to support recovery in hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: Personality disorder is a serious mental health condition affecting up to 52% of psychiatric outpatients and 70% of inpatients and forensic patients. People with a diagnosis of personality disorder have higher morbidity and mortality than those without.Service users and carers reported a lack of training for staff in the management of individuals with a diagnosis of personality disorder, particularly with regard to self‐harm and suicidal behaviours.Staff burnout creates barriers to compassionate person‐centred care for individuals with a diagnosis of personality disorder as staff struggled to accommodate the nature of the presentation when under significant emotional, psychological and professional strain caused by understaffing and lack of support. What are the implications for practice?: This paper adds new knowledge by informing services of ways to improve care provision from the perspectives of both carers and service users.A more holistic and less medicalised approach to the treatment of problems associated with a diagnosis of a personality disorder should be adopted, and personality disorder training introduced for all healthcare practitioners, to improve patient outcomes. Introduction: There is limited understanding of the experience of people with complex mental health (CMH) needs, including those with a diagnosis of personality disorder (PD) and carers of those individuals. Little is known about carers of those in inpatient forensic settings, yet it has been identified that they may have additional needs when compared to general carers. Research highlights that community carer support services were perceived as inadequate and out‐of‐area placements were described as putting an added strain on ability to support loved ones. Understanding PD within a population of people with CMH needs and how a diagnosis described as PD impacts on care and treatment experience is vital to providing high‐quality care. Aim: To evaluate the care experience of service users and carers with lived experience of a diagnosis of PD and out‐of‐area placements. Method: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with six service users and four carers to explore the experiences and perspectives of people with a diagnosis of PD. Interviews were audio recorded and thematically analysed. Results: Four interrelated themes were developed; Influence of a diagnosis of PD on Staff, Early and Appropriate Intervention, Recognition of the Individual and Training and Knowledge of people with a diagnosis of PD. Discussion: Anti‐stigma interventions for staff, research on care provision and structural changes to services including more evidence‐based therapy for individuals with a diagnosis of PD may help reduce disparate treatment and improve prognosis for recovery. Implications for Practice: This paper informs services of ways to improve care provision from the perspective of carers and service users. A more holistic and less medicalised approach to the treatment of problems associated with diagnoses of PD should be adopted, and PD training for all healthcare practitioners to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study uses capital theory to investigate survivors' investments in their bodies and the resources they accumulate during their rehabilitation trajectory, and how these factors impact their perception of recovery from their impairments. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 patients of working age and their relatives, with audio recordings transcribed verbatim. Data analysis utilized an abductive approach informed by Bourdieu's capital theory. Findings: During the initial phases of rehabilitation (acute and subacute), survivors invest in their physical bodies and acquire physical capital. However, they encounter a range of complex barriers when attempting to convert this capital into the resources necessary for re‐entering the workforce or pursuing education. These difficulties are linked to the lack of specialized community services in the later phases of their rehabilitation trajectory. Discussion and Conclusion: Present‐day Danish healthcare rehabilitation focuses on restoring physical function and recovering physical capital. However, comprehensive rehabilitation to enhance mental and cognitive abilities and increase levels of emotional capital, which is crucial for working‐age individuals, is inadequately addressed within community services. This results in unequal treatment and care, contradicting the stated goal of equality in the Danish healthcare system. Patient or Public Contribution: This study incorporated the perspectives of 20 individuals who have survived severe traumatic brain injury, as well as their relatives, to gain insights into their experiences throughout the rehabilitation process, the resources they have accumulated and how these factors contribute to their sense of recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate and understand various aspects related to participants' experiences in peer support activities, with a particular focus on their personal growth and the influence of these activities on their lives. In this qualitative study, peer support workers with mental illness were the main subjects, and they were recruited from G Metropolitan City, South Korea. The study used purposive sampling, guided by recommendations from peer support worker support organizations. A total of five participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure maximum variability in the sample. Data collection involved semi-structured individual interviews, and data analysis was conducted using the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method. Following the IPA procedure for data analysis, the study revealed six themes that encapsulated the recovery experiences of peer support workers with mental illness: (1) Facing confusion and challenges, (2) Rising and refining myself, (3) Navigating the paths of relationships, (4) Gazing at the desired horizons, (5) Awakening the inner hero, and (6) Standing as a person who cherishes life. This research underscores the positive impact of peer support activities on individuals who have faced mental health challenges. It emphasizes the significance of self-discovery, the development of supportive relationships, and the aspiration for a brighter future. These findings contribute to the expanding body of knowledge regarding the benefits of peer support in the context of mental health recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance misuse is a pernicious health concern for many unhoused people. A deep understanding of turning points – what propels someone to take concrete action toward addressing substance misuse – is needed to inform recovery policies and practices. This study sought to identify common elements in turning points among unhoused people vis-à-vis a phenomenological qualitative approach. Twenty people (Mage = 47.47, SD = 9.75; 50% female) who self-identified as being in recovery while unhoused participated in semi-structured interviews in Anchorage, Alaska, a community with high rates of both houselessness and substance misuse. Survival (life- and health-sustaining), individual (intrapersonal), and relational (interpersonal) motivations all shaped turning points. Limitations include the possible underrepresentation of individuals using a harm-reduction approach or capturing differences by housing type. Programs to address substance misuse should consider these motivations. Future research should identify and refine turning points and work to understand how they interact with change processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Eating disorders (EDs) remain a major health concern, and their incidence has further increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the equally increasing demands on treatments and service provision and the high levels of relapse post-treatment, it is important that research explore novel and innovative interventions that can further support recovery for individuals with EDs. There is growing evidence that arts interventions are beneficial for recovery from EDs. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a stand-up comedy course to support ED recovery. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a qualitative interview study design to evaluate the recovery benefits of participating in stand-up comedy workshops for a pilot group of people in recovery from EDs (n = 10). Findings: The comedy intervention was well-attended and had high acceptability and feasibility. For most individuals, participating in the course had a positive impact, including promoting personal recovery (PR) outcomes across all five elements of the CHIME framework. Unique assets of the course included providing participants with an opportunity to distance themselves from everyday worries of living with an ED; the opportunity to cognitively reframe situations by making them the object of humour; and providing a safe space to (re-)build a positive sense of self. Originality/value: This is the first study, to the best of the authors' knowledge, that evaluates stand-up comedy workshops for ED recovery and further demonstrates the potential of arts interventions and the relevance of PR frameworks in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the roles of psychologists in seclusion in adult mental health services in Ireland, their perspectives on seclusion and its use in recovery-oriented practice and related professional practice issues. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted from a social constructivist perspective. Semi-structured interviews with 17 psychologists were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings: Twenty-four themes were identified, which were clustered into four overarching themes. Participants viewed themselves and psychology in Ireland more broadly as peripheral to seclusion. They believed that seclusion possessed no inherent therapeutic value but viewed it as an uncomfortable and multi-faceted reality. Participants regarded seclusion and recovery as largely inconsistent and difficult to reconcile, and they perceived systemic factors, which had a pervasive negative impact on seclusion and recovery in practice. Practical implications: The findings highlight the perceived complexity of seclusion and its interface with recovery, and the need to conscientiously balance conflicting priorities that cannot be easily reconciled to ensure ethical practice. The findings suggest psychologists are well-suited to participate in local and national discussions on using seclusion in recovery-oriented practice. Originality/value: This study offers a unique insight into psychologists' perceptions of seclusion and considers the implications of these views. Participants' nuanced views suggest that psychologists can make valuable contributions to local and national discussions on these topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the recovery narratives of 13 young women who had fallen ill with severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), during childhood and adolescence, with the focus on what they had to say about their past experiences from the perspective of the present. Method: A qualitative narrative approach, informed by a phenomenological theoretical perspective, was adopted to explore what the women found significant and meaningful in their recovery process. Data analysis of in-depth narrative interviews was performed which are presented to readers through the stories of two particular participants. Results: The first story describes how one participant made a recovery by testing her body's tolerance and working to create a more confident self. The second story describes a complex exploration of possibilities for action in recovery, along with a struggle to make sense of setbacks and hold on to what has been gained. Conclusion: Recovering from ME/CFS emerges as an inter-personal, contextual, fragile and nonlinear process of homecoming, based on gradually rising bodily based self-knowledge. Illness slowly fades away into the background, and there is the prospect of a healthier tomorrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is a lack of research informing service requirements for older (aged≥55 years) forensic mental health patients. The aim of this research was to increase knowledge about older forensic mental health patients' quality of life, wellbeing, recovery, and progress, in order to make recommendations of how to facilitate and enhance these factors. Methods: In-depth interviews with patients (N = 37) and staff (N = 48) were undertaken; data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Environmental (e.g., physical, structural and facilities), relational (staff, family and friends) and individual (characteristics, feelings, behaviours) factors were identified as enablers and/or obstacles to wellbeing, recovery, progress and quality of life. Conclusions: The physical and psychological environment of services needs to be adapted to meet the needs of patients. Therapeutic relationships with staff should be encouraged and a person-centred and individual recovery approach adopted. Prosocial relationships with peers, friends and family need to be fostered to enable positive recovery outcomes. Older patients should be empowered to develop a sense of autonomy to enable quality of life, wellbeing, and recovery, and progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is a pressing need for substance use services to know more about how to promote recovery from substance use problems, particularly in later life. Psychological sense of community (PSOC) is an important recovery dimension. This study aims to clarify in what ways PSOC and communities influence later life recovery processes. Method: A collaborative and deductive reflexive thematic approach was used to analyse 23 interviews with older adults in recovery from different substance use problems. Results: The findings suggest that PSOC and recovery in later life include multiple communities (relational, geographical, substance use-related, ideal and service-related) and affective states (PSOC and NPSOC). Older adults' recovery, moreover, can be described as personal and heterogenic (with respect to community relationships, individual needs, type of substance use problem, age of onset and meaningful activities). Conclusions: The findings confirm age of onset, type of substance use problem and community memberships as essential to later life recovery. They also supplement prior evidence on community resources and challenges to later life recovery. Importantly, the new findings extend and nuance current understandings of later life recovery. Taken together, the article illustrates MPSOC as a useful concept, with central practical and theoretical implications for later life recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to illuminate the lived experiences and the path of recovery for adults sustaining a hip fracture before the age of 60. Methods: Participants were purposively sampled from a prospective multicenter cohort study in Sweden and Denmark, and narrative interviews were conducted with 19 individuals 0.7-3.5 years after the fracture. We used a phenomenological hermeneutic method to describe the participants' expressed essential meaning. Results: The experience of sustaining a hip fracture was expressed as a painful and protracted process of regaining self-confidence, function, and independence. It also implied a sense of growing old from one day to the next. Participants were afraid of new falls and fractures, resulting in an increased wariness. When expressing fears and persisting symptoms, participants described being neglected and marginalized by the healthcare system, which was perceived as non-receptive and routinely driven by a notion that hip fractures affect only the elderly. Rehabilitation targeted towards needs different from those of elderly individuals was requested. Conclusion: The lived experience of sustaining a hip fracture in individuals under 60 includes substantial challenges in everyday life, even up to 3.5 years after the injury. Rehabilitation pathways tailored to the needs of younger patients are requested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explored the experiences of people with stress-related illness participating in a nature-based intervention programme in a northern natural setting. Methods: A longitudinal case study was conducted with two women participating in a nature-based intervention programme on a farm. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews, diaries, rating scales, and self-assessment. Qualitative data were analysed by qualitative content analysis and quantitative data are presented descriptively. Results: The theme of finding a source for recovery and well-being permeates all categories. The participants perceived the farm and nature to be a calming refuge; they learned to be in the present and could manage the tasks. In togetherness with each other and the facilitator on the farm they felt understood and confident, experienced joy, and found opportunities for change. They gained knowledge and positive memories and found new approaches in life. Self-assessment questionnaires indicated improvements of functioning in everyday life and reduced stress-related exhaustion at the end of the NBI programme. Conclusions: Nature-based interventions lasting for a relatively short period seem to promote health and may be a complement to other treatments of stress-related illness. Further research is needed with a larger number of participants and in various natural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery-oriented mental health care approach is gaining acceptance in Asian countries, including Singapore. Following Western countries, Singapore started hiring peer support specialists (PSS) as part of mental healthcare services. The aim of this paper was to explore and understand how individual peer support specialists in Singapore perceive and make sense of their role given their unique perspective as both recipients and providers of mental healthcare treatment. Six PSS in Singapore were interviewed utilizing a semi-structured interview schedule. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four superordinate themes were generated illustrating how PSS viewed their role: embracing and embodying recovery, balancing on a bridge, impossible without support, and helping to end stigma. Findings also illustrated participants' awareness of the nature of the job and the role of PSS as still in the infancy stage. They embraced a recovery-oriented mindset despite experiencing stigma from professionals and/or their social support. The need to understand familial attitudes towards the PSS role is discussed. The limitations, contributions to the research, and several areas for future research are also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the WHO, people diagnosed with schizophrenia in developing countries recover more fully than people with the same diagnosis in developed countries. At a time when international organizations are attempting to scale up biomedical psychiatric interventions in India and other low-income countries, it is important to understand why a place like India is doing better in recovery from serious psychosis. Interviews of 20 people diagnosed with schizophrenia in Kerala, India were conducted to determine level of functioning and quality of worklife. Quantitative assessments of the relations between these factors were undertaken along with qualitative, ethnographic analysis of narratives of interviewees. Analysis of interviews shows that quality of worklife is correlated with higher functioning among this group, and service user narratives claim that work enabled their recovery. Comparisons to other research further indicates that people in India with this diagnosis are more often employed than people with the same diagnosis in the United States and Europe. Employment and the quality of worklife appear to be positively related to recovery in terms of increasing functionality among people diagnosed with schizophrenia in this part of India. Certain employment programs and sociocultural factors likely contribute to differences in outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current emphasis among addiction treatment providers is to use person-first language, such as "a person with a substance use disorder," as a way to reduce stigma around addiction and resulting barriers to treatment. This study considers how individuals recovering from substance use feel about the terms "alcoholic" and "addict," particularly how they self-identify and whether they believe the terms carry stigma. Method: Thirty-five individuals were interviewed, recruited primarily, but not exclusively, from 12-step meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous), from 3 locations throughout a rural New England state. Interviews were transcribed and coded in Atlas Ti qualitative analysis software, and a content analysis of text coded with "stigma" was conducted. Results: Some comments reflected a belief that the terms "addict" and "alcoholic" carry a stigma. However, more comments rejected the notion of these being stigmatized terms; or acknowledged the stigma but reflected the subject's lack of internalizing of any stigma. Comments reflected other themes including a sense of pride, identity and ownership when self-identifying as an addict or alcoholic. Several comments suggested that person-first language is part of a larger movement to "soften everything," without changing the underlying condition (addiction). The findings may reflect the fact that subjects were recruited from 12-step programs, where the convention is to self-identity using the terms "alcoholic" and/or "addict." Conclusions: Some individuals seeking treatment for addiction may prefer self-identifying using old-school terminology (addict, alcoholic) rather than person-first language, for a variety of reasons (eg, they do not internalize the stigma of such terms). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently no consensus regarding what outcome domains to measure following lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation. Prosthetic users have a unique insight into important outcome domains, little is currently known about their critical viewpoint. A total of 37 participants who underwent lower limb amputation in the last five years were recruited from UK limb fitting centres and social media. Data were collected using focus groups and interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified. 1) The ability to participate in important activities, 2) how participants were able to undertake these activities, i.e., independently, with ease, safely and with minimal equipment. 3) A comfortable, easy-to-use prosthesis, 4) the importance of managing pain and finally, 5) adjusting and accepting their new normal. These five themes, or outcome domains, did not exist in isolation, but appeared to interact with each other, contributing to, or inhibiting the participant's holistic sense of recovery. Understanding important outcome domains that define what recovery means to people following amputation can help to inform domain consensus, as well as direct the focus of rehabilitation. Domain consensus would guide the selection of measurement tools that evaluate prosthetic interventions in a meaningful way. There is currently no consensus around which outcome domains should be measured following prosthetic rehabilitation. Outcome domains of importance from a patient's perspective focus on participation in important activities, prosthesis comfort, pain management, and acceptance of their new normal. Identifying these domains can help direct the focus of rehabilitation as well as inform outcome measurement practice. The interrelated nature of these domains suggests the need for a physical and psychosocial multi-domain approach to outcome measurement in prosthetic rehabilitation, with patient priorities at its centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a well-established literature examining how perpetrators of child sexual abuse (CSA) neutralise the norms and beliefs that ordinarily prohibit such behaviours. However, there has been substantially less focus on how such techniques of neutralisation might also be applied by people and groups who were not directly involved in the abuse, who we might expect to be more supportive. Drawing on a thematic analysis of an open-ended survey (n=140) and semi-structured interviews (n=21) with adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse this paper examines societal responses to disclosure. Identifying three key techniques of neutralisation, it explores how families, professionals and institutions use wider discourses that deny the victim/survivor, deny or minimise harm and silence by appealing to loyalty. The results demonstrate how significant others can constrain, rather than support, the process of disclosure and recovering from CSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article attempts to provide an insight into the experiences of drug addicts at a rehabilitation center, run by the provincial Social Welfare Department in Lahore, Pakistan, through a qualitative approach. The menace of drugs is increasing worldwide, including Pakistan. Effective treatment and rehabilitative services can lower the prevalence rate of drug addiction. The aim of this research was to understand/explore the experiences of research participants about the phenomenon of drug addiction and rehabilitation services provided in the field of social welfare. This research extends the current knowledge of individuals' drug addiction by revealing the complexities and intricacies of this behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recovery‐oriented care approach in mental health is recognised as the vision for mental health. People with a diagnosis of mental illness value the support and the individualistic approach emphasised in the recovery‐oriented mental health care approach as they believe it facilitates their recovery. However, as a developing country, Botswana has a long way to go in availing mental health care resources to people with mental illness, let alone adopting new mental health approaches such as recovery. Aim: The study aimed to explore the perceptions of nurses working in mental health care facilities of recovery‐oriented mental health care. Methods: Four mental health facilities from Botswana consented to participate in the study. A descriptive qualitative approach was utilised to explore nurses' views on how they perceive recovery from mental illness. Thirty nurses participated in the focus group discussions across the four study sites. All participants consented to participate and to be recorded. Tesch's (in Qualitative enquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. 3th ed. SAGE, 2013:198) thematic analysis was used for this study. Results: Three main themes were identified in participants' perceptions of recovery‐oriented care mental health: Recovery from mental illness is possible, the Meaning of recovery from mental illness and Factors facilitating recovery from mental illness. Public Contribution: The study offers a perspective into how nurses perceive recovery‐oriented approaches from a developing country and add to the gap existing in recovery‐oriented mental health care approach from the African context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Proximal humerus fractures are common in older adults and optimizing their outcomes following this injury can be challenging. This study explored recovery from the perspective of individuals who experience proximal humerus fracture. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews (n = 14) with participants (aged 45 and over) recruited from a hand clinic in London, Ontario using a purposive sampling technique. The exploratory interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using interpretive description approach. Four themes emerged from the narratives of individuals: challenges of day-to-day activities, coping as you go, recapturing valued life roles, and support matters. Recovery after PHF seems relative to contexts and manifests within numerous scenarios. Based on individuals' narratives, the context produces a mosaic that contributes to unique recovery perception and experience. Awareness of the context emphasizes the complexity inherent in recovery and may guide healthcare professionals' efforts toward care for their patients. Individuals with proximal humerus fracture experience recovery as a personal and dynamic process occurring in their diverse contexts. Healthcare professionals need to recognize the significant impact of context on individuals' physical, emotional, and social life following proximal humerus fracture (PHF). A multidisciplinary treatment plan might be desirable where people with PHF and health care professionals collaborate as a whole. Building a multidisciplinary health team including healthcare professionals, peer support, and case management may remove some barriers and facilitate the transition to recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research views hope as a process that plays a positive role in the recovery of individuals with mental health problems. However, little attention has been given to the role of hope in the lives of their families. We aimed to address that gap. We deployed a qualitative descriptive design and carried out individual interviews with nine family members who supported a relative with mental health problems. A cross‐comparison of the data generated three major themes: understandings of hope; factors that diminish hope and factors that nurture hope. The participants viewed hope as a positive and productive feeling or attitude that was life‐affirming, and empowering. They also associated it with behaviours and dispositions such as attentiveness and empathy and the possibility of a return to a more stable and 'normal' life. The participants experienced hope as initially eroded when their relative was first diagnosed and institutionalized. Hope was further diminished due to the poor communication practices of some mental health professionals and the stress of the caring role itself. On the other hand, hope was nurtured through the support of other family members, friends, neighbours and peers. Acquiring knowledge and understanding about the relative's state of mental health nurtured hope and enabled the participants to have a more meaningful role in their recovery process. Practices of self‐care such as independent activities and counselling also strengthened hope and some mental health professionals played a positive role in supporting these. Most striking about the reports of many of the participants was their assertion of their abiding love for their relative. Their account of their ability to see beyond the illness of their relative was an insight that we did not find in other accounts of the experiences of family members. We highlight the need for family members to have timely access to relevant information about their relatives' illness. We conclude that hope is relational at its core because of the interplay of intrapersonal, interpersonal and social factors that diminish or nurture it over time. Specifically, we propose that friends, neighbours and peer support groups as key actors in nurturing the hope of both family members and their relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this paper, we explore the subjective experiences of a group intervention in creative writing (CW) for young adults being treated for psychosis. Method: A qualitative and exploratory design was applied. Five out of eight patients who were offered a course in CW with two-hour weekly sessions for 12 weeks took part in this study. The five participants who followed through were interviewed after project termination. Systematic text condensation was applied to the transcribed interviews. Results: The analysis revealed three overarching themes: a) the group was valued as a creative community, b) there was safety in the structured yet flexible framing of the course, c) the participants experienced creative freedom that enabled a feeling of mastery. Conclusion: CW was well conceived. The feelings of connectedness and mastery were prominent. The participants experienced growth on several levels. Our findings support previous work on arts therapy as a means to recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Self‐harm rates and clinical presentations differ by ethnicity. South Asian women are at risk of self‐harm. Previous research suggested investigating individuals' experiences with self‐harm with qualitative studies in developing self‐harm prevention strategies. This research aims to explore self‐harm experiences among South Asians in the United Kingdom. Design: Qualitative study. Methods: Participants were recruited via third‐sector organizations and online platforms. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 South Asian individuals with a history of self‐harm living in the United Kingdom. The data were analysed based on a reflective thematic analysis approach. Results: Results revealed four main themes: (1) reasons for self‐harm; (2) recovery journey; (3) culture and mental health; and (4) the transition to suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Reasons for self‐harm included negative life circumstances, social life difficulties, challenges faced during COVID‐19 and mental health problems. Participants described their recovery journey by acknowledging the role of professional help, self‐care, psychoeducation and personal growth, improving social relationships, and faith and spirituality. Cultural factors included generational differences and stigma. Culturally adapted psychological interventions were perceived as promising. The reported transition from self‐harm to suicidal behaviours was linked to experiencing major stressful life events and the use of severe methods of self‐harm. Conclusions: The findings suggest that socio‐cultural factors impact mental health and recovery processes among South Asians. Mental health services should consider improving culturally sensitive clinical practices in responding to self‐harm among South Asian communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]