Oldal 30 [30]
28 a USING INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
1.5 THE AIM OF THE BOOK
During Ph.D. research, I have examined recovery stories, and due to the way
how IPA approach the data, it seemed to be the most suitable method for my
research inquiry. Since recovery is a complex and dynamic process and a
recovery story could have a significant meaning to the person who is in re¬
covery, this is an excellent subject for an IPA study. As such, many previous
IPA studies examined the experience of recovery (Hill & Leeming, 2014; Lar¬
kin & Griffiths, 2002; Newton, Larkin, Melhuish, & Wykes, 2007; Shinebourne
& Smith, 201 1a).
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), “recovery” has been applied to
a process of learning to live a full life without alcohol or drugs. The meaning
of the word “recovery” gained various nuances: restoration of normal health
and functioning, the challenge of not allowing a long-term condition to con¬
sume or dominate one’s life (Jacobson & Curtis, 2000). Many additional con¬
cepts are associated with recovery, such as recovery is an “ongoing journey”
(continuous process), that is led by identity change, agency, finding meaning
in life (meaningful roles), rebuilding social networks, hope and focusing on
the future (Terry & Cardwell, 2015). Application of recovery concepts to
psychiatric disorders is recent and originate from ex-patient movement and
self-help advocacy (Jacobson & Curtis, 2000).
In the first study experiences of recovering helpers were examined. Par¬
ticipants of the study were drug addicts and had problems with several types
of behavioural addiction. Drug dependence is an adaptive state that develops
from repeated drug consumption and results withdrawal upon quitting. Drug
addiction is a compulsive behaviour, out-of-control drug use, despite negative
consequences. Depending on the potential of the drug dependence could
develop in both physical and psychological way (Malenka, Nestler, & Hyman,
2009). Problem gambling is an urge to gamble continuously despite harmful
and negative consequences. The DSM-5 has re-classified the condition as an
addictive disorder with individuals exhibiting many similar symptoms to
those who have substance addiction (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), 2013).
Since recovery from substance use disorder and gambling is a lifelong
process, recovery from addiction requires constant work (Laudet, 2007;
Madäcsy, 2013) that is based on the adaptation of a new identity (Baker, 2000;
Hänninen & Koski-Jännes, 1999; Hecksher, 2004; Koski-Jännes, 1998, 2002;
James McIntosh, 2014; J. McIntosh & McKeganey, 2000, 2001). During the
process of recovery, drug users have turning points - especially when users
hit bottom after a downhill spiral - which helps them reconstruct the meaning