NCJ Number
186945
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2001 Pages: 47-59
Date Published
February 2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article examines the decision to give up drugs from the user's perspective.
Abstract
Based upon a set of semi-structured interviews with 70 recovering addicts, the article attempts to analyze the decision to give up drugs within the Scottish context. The article argues that the need of many addicts to repair a spoiled identity may be central to the recovery process. The article also explores the influence of rock bottom experiences, "trigger" events and circumstances, and addicts' perceptions of the future. It examines some policy implications of the analysis, including: the need for drug workers to receive training in the area of identity formation and change; the importance of helping addicts to develop alternative, non-drug-related activities; and the fact that, where addicts are not giving up "for themselves", the effectiveness of drug courts may be considerably reduced. The article points out that not only is it important for recovering drug users to perceive an alternative lifestyle as being desirable, they also must see it as being achievable. Integral to this concept is securing paid employment and the article proposes that local employers develop assisted employment schemes for recovering addicts. References