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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 recovery, this is an excellent subject for an IPA study. As such, many previous IPA studies examined the experience of recovery (Hill & Leeming, 2014; Larkin & 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 consume or dominate one’s life (Jacobson & Curtis, 2000). Many additional concepts 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. Participants 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
