Issues In substance use disorder, connection to social communities plays a significant role in the recovery process. The aim here has been to identify and synthesise the qualitative research examining the process of social recovery from a first‐person perspective and how social communities assist in this process. Approach Metasynthesis using the following databases: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, SocIndex and Web of Science. The search returned 6913 original articles, of which 18 met the following criteria: examining the experience of social recovery from a first‐person perspective and how social communities support this process, age of 18+, recovery of at least 12 months, in an English‐language peer‐reviewed journal. Review protocol registration: PROSPERO (CRD42020190159). Key Findings The persons in recovery emphasised communities that they perceived as being safe and non‐stigmatising. These are qualities that contributed to positive self‐change, and these communities were perceived as suitable arenas in which to confront responsibility and trust. Additionally, participants found that their relationship skills were improving due to the new social bonds forged in these communities. A sense of citizenship was gained along with a regaining of social dignity through voluntary work and giving back to society. Implications The pivotal role of the social community identified in this review underscores the importance of recognising and supporting persons in recovery's needs when connecting with such communities Conclusion We propose a four‐stage model to guide research into social recovery from a first‐person perspective and how social communities support this process.
Children and youth who have shown serious difficulties or if it is surmised that parents over time will not be able to care for the child or youth, could be placed in a child protection institution. The therapeutic work in such institutions is often described as milieu therapy. There has been little focus on the milieu therapist's relational work in child protection institutions. The research question for this study was: What factors are described by milieu therapists as significant for relational work with youth placed in institutions? To answer this question, we collected data from qualitative semi‐structured interviews with four milieu therapists working in child protection institutions. Interpretative phenomenological analysis helped us identify three overarching categories: (1) structural and personal factors as a basis for relational work; (2) various forms of communication in relational work; and (3) relational work with a starting point in everyday events.
Rebuilding one’s social network is essential to long-term social recovery from a substance-use problem. Despite this awareness, studies are needed for showing how people in long-term social recovery describe their networks and what they perceive as important in developing these networks. This study has sought to investigate (i) how people in long-term social recovery from substance-use problems describe their social networks and (ii) what they experience as key factors in developing their networks. We interviewed seventeen participants in long-term social recovery and mapped out their person-centred networks. Most of the participants were satisfied with their social networks, although some felt their networks were small and wanted more friends in the future. The qualitative thematic content analysis suggested that rebuilding networks was experienced as a demanding, anxiety-filled, long-term process. Access to social arenas, prolonged time spent with others and identification with and recognition from others were key to developing social networks. We argue that there is a need for tailored assistance and long-term support for people in long-term recovery to help them cope with the stresses of entering new social arenas, overcome societal stigma and develop social networks.
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