Graduation Semester and Year
2016
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Anne Nordberg
Abstract
This study is an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the human experience of heroin addiction and recovery. Literature on heroin addiction suggests that those who struggle with addiction are likely to also struggle with impulsivity, self-efficacy, and mood. The literature also finds that group membership is a common factor in recovering from addiction, whether that be in an Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous group or harm-reduction community. Two theories were explored, the social learning theory and self- medication theory. The study was shaped by the ideas and findings of previous literature and theories and narrowed down to one specific research question not yet addressed within the literature: What is the experience of addiction among adults in recovery from heroin use? Results identified common themes across all or most participants. The thematic discoveries of this study complement the research on heroin addiction and recovery. Subsequent researchers and social workers can use these results both to better understand this experience and as a guide in discovering more about heroin addiction and recovery.
Keywords
Heroin addiction, Recovery, Interpretative phenomenological analysis, Experience
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Rossini, Julia C., "Heroin Addiction And Recovery: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis" (2016). Social Work Theses. 195.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/socialwork_theses/195
Comments
Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington