A Retrospective Look at Long-Term Adolescent Recovery: Clinicians Talk to Researchers

Abstract

The purpose of the present article is to identify factors associated with long-term recovery for adolescents. A group of 14 young adults were given semistructured in-depth (one to two hour) interviews. The subjects had been in recovery for two to 16 years. Length of stay in treatment, involvement with self-help groups, psychotropic medication, family support, peer support, spirituality, and other factors were identified as helpful for long-term recovery. A major limitation of this inquiry is that it does not meet minimum standards for research. It is hoped, however, that this inquiry can inform directions for further research.

The Role of Social Supports, Spirituality, Religiousness, Life Meaning and Affiliation with 12-Step Fellowships in Quality of Life Satisfaction Among Individuals in Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Problems

“…Conversely, having a recovery-oriented network predicts subsequent decreased alcohol use (e.g., Humphreys, Moos, & Cohen, 1997;Humphreys, Mankowski, Moos, & Finney, 1999;Weisner, Delucchi, & Matzger, 2003). Many former recovering persons report that being in the company of other recovering individuals is helpful (e.g., Granfield & Cloud, 2001;Margolis et al, 2000;Nealon-Woods, Ferrari, & Jason, 1995;Richter, Brown, & Mott, 1991;Trumbetta Mueser, Quimby, Bebout, & Teague 1999). At least one study has reported that the effect of support for abstinence on reduced substance use was stronger than that for general friendship quality .…”

“…A cross-sectional study of 102 women in recovery reported that perceived stress in 16 life domains significantly decreased from prerecovery to recovery (Weaver, Turner, & O'Dell, 2000). An informative, albeit small-scale, exploratory study of drug-dependent persons abstinent for an average of 9 years speaks to the demands recovery places on the individual (Margolis, Kilpatrick, & Mooney, 2000): the majority of subjects reported passing through an initial phase (lasting one to three years) almost solely focused on remaining abstinent, particularly the first year (early recovery). Only once a solid recovery foundation was established could subjects concentrate on "living a normal life," where abstinence was no longer the main focus.…”

“…The road of recovery is both the path to and the promise of a better life. Recovery is a continuous, lifelong process and a difficult path for most (Flynn, Joe, Broome, Simpson, & Brown, 2003;Margolis, Kilpatrick, & Mooney, 2000). So, does recovery lead to a better life?…”

An Exploration of the Effect of On-Site 12-Step Meetings on Post-Treatment Outcomes among Polysubstance-Dependent Outpatient Clients

“…Fellowship with other recovering persons at 12-step meetings is one of the cornerstones of the 12-step recovery program, cited as a critical source of support by remitting individuals (e.g., Laudet, Savage, and Mahmood, 2002;Margolis, Kilpatrick and Mooney, 2000; NealonWoods, Ferrari, and Jason, 1995). However, the 12-step program of recovery suggests that members do more than attend meetings.…”

Personal and interpersonal factors with the inclination to relapse

“…Friends seem to have the largest influence on former addicts to incline to relapse (Chen, Sheth, Elliott, & Yeager 2004;Kandel 1996). For example, study done by Margolis, Kilpatrick & Mooney, (2000) was done on pregnant women among ethnic minorities in North America. This study is based on factors influencing the inclination to relapse such as family and friends.…”