Conquering The Demons Within: How Men In Recovery Conceptualize Challenges And Use Their Inherent Strengths To Navigate Them

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to explore how men in recovery from substance use conceptualize challenges and use their inherent strengths to navigate them. Estimates of substance use prevalence rates in Canada suggest that approximately one-in-five Canadians will meet the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder throughout their lifetime (Pearson, Janz & Ali, 2013). These prevalence estimates represent a significant cause for concern as addiction is a significant phenomenon in contemporary Canadian society. A scoping literature review was conducted on nineteen research studies to investigate the state of current research. Although there is a wealth of studies on addiction, research frequently utilizes pathologizing approaches. These approaches are commonly focused on addiction in the context of a social or individual issue ripe with problematizing discourses. Six qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted on men living in recovery-based supportive housing for this research to explore their experiences from the onset of substance use into substance use and recovery efforts. A strength-based perspective was adopted for analysis purposes in order to more accurately reflect on the inherent strengths of the participants. The men provided in-depth accounts of their experiences, conceptualized challenges to their recovery and contrary to many contemporary research discourses, demonstrated an affluence of strengths while articulating challenge navigation. The men were also proactive in their ability to anticipate future challenges and conceive methods of effective challenge navigation. Findings of this study are analyzed and discussed in the context of recognizing the magnitude of the challenges facing the men in recovery and the incredible strengths that they demonstrate in challenge navigation. The implications for current social work practice are outlined and several suggestions are tabled with the goal of improving current practice methods. Finally, suggestions for future strength-based addiction research are offered with the intention of seeking overall improvements to the research field and addressing existing gaps within the literature.