Mothers in Recovery: An Occupational Perspective

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to discover the stories of mothers regarding their journeys to addiction and through recovery, to explore the impact of addiction on the occupational performance of mothers and to identify the factors perceived by these mothers as important in their treatment. A narrative inquiry with thematic analysis of data was utilized; semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 women in treatment for alcohol or other drug addiction who were all mothers of minor children. Alterations in occupational identity, occupational performance patterns and performance capacity were revealed. Environmental elements contributing to addiction and those important in recovery were identified and included structure (or the lack of it) and the persons populating the social environment. This qualitative study is not generalizable and should be viewed as relevant to these informants in this context; participants had histories of chronic substance addiction and are not representative of all addictions patients. Findings can be viewed within the context of other research to help enrich the reader's understanding of the complexity of issues. Further research is recommended to test the efficacy of occupational therapy interventions for substance addictions. Possible intervention studies might include those focused on environmental structure, exploration of interests in treatment and co-occupations of mother and child.

Model of Occupational Empowerment and Gunnarsson’s Tree Theme: Intervention for Mothers in Recovery

“…According to Brudenell (1997) "many addicted women believe that it is the only socially acceptable role remaining to them and thus the only way to achieve feelings of self-worth" (p. 456). Motherhood has also been identified as rewarding for women experiencing substance abuse, with great effort being placed on trying to become a good mother despite their addiction (Martin, Smith, Rogers, Wallen, & Boisvert, 2011).…”

Occupational Lives in Sustained Recovery From Alcohol Dependency: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

“…Therefore, upon cessation, a major occupational role is lost, akin to an occupational transition ( Nhunzvi et al, 2019 ). Recovery may evoke feelings of loss for the addiction, including associated routines and social connections ( Martin et al, 2011 ). Loss or change of identity, role confusion, and reduced motivation may also arise ( Wasmuth et al, 2014 ).…”

Recovery From Substance Abuse Among Zimbabwean Men: An Occupational Transition

“…Substance abuse affects society in multiple domains including public health, social cohesion, and employment (Boisvert, Martin, Grosek, & Clarie, 2008; Martin, Smith, Rogers, Wallen, & Boisvert, 2011). Physical and mental health problems resulting from substance abuse make it difficult for people to work and can negatively affect quality of life (Cubbins, Kasprzyk, Montano, Jordan, & Woelk, 2012; Morgen, Astone-Twerell, Hernitche, Gunneson, & Santangelo, 2007).…”

“…Though scarce, successful recovery stories are available (Hänninen & Koski-Jännes, 1999; Luck & Beagan, 2015; Martin et al, 2011; Cloud, & Granfield, 2001) and are worthy of exploration to inform interventions in facilitating and supporting sobriety. To explore the occupational processes involved in successfully changing from a substance abuse dominated life to one of sobriety, improved health and wellness, the study on which this article is based asked the following research question:…”