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1. INTRODUCTION In this chapter, the aim is to summarize the theoretical framework of the book. This section aims to provide an overview of the recovery approach, the method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), and the connection between the two: why using IPA to examine recovery processes is beneficial. At the end of this sub-chapter, I would like to mention some of the Hungarian qualitative studies that examined psychoactive and novel psychoactive substance use. 1.1. RECOVERY The main aim of this book is to present why examining recovery is important and how suitable is IPA to examine recovery processes. In this sub-chapter I will introduce the main elements of the recovery approach, and what does it mean from the perspective of people who are in recovery and from what condition recovery is possible according to the existing literature. 1.1.1. About the recovery approach The concept of recovery has emerged as a significant paradigm in mental health field when alcoholism and other addictions have been reconceptualized as diseases (rather than a failing of character) by twelve-step programs. The twelvestep program is originally proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a method for recovery from alcoholism. The twelve-step is a guiding principle for recovery from addiction, compulsion and other behavioural problems. The concept of “recovery” has been applied to a process of learning to live a full life without alcohol or drugs or problematic behaviour by admitting that one cannot control one’s addiction or compulsion, surrender to higher power that can give strength, examining past errors and making amends with the help of a sponsor (experienced member, who is also in recovery), learning to live with a new code of behaviour and helping others, who suffer from addiction or compulsion
