understood from a different perspective, one that was not previously viewed. The individuals were each given an opportunity to tell their unique story, in their own words. Hirschman (1992) set a goal to explore the phenomenological accounts of individuals who have sought help through Narcotics Anonymous (N.A) as a means to recovery; and additionally interpreted the dynamics of group discussion. Her paper is based upon her experiences in N.A., as both a participant and as an observer. Hirschman provided a phenomenological description of how recovering substance users share their experiences with one another and to themselves within a support group. Stigma. In Zakrzewski and Hector’s (2004) study some of the participants wanted to be assured that the interviewers were themselves ex-users. Additionally, some participants also added that they would have refused to take part in the interview process if the interviewer was not an ex-user. Participants attributed this to the fact that they felt more comfortable sharing their experience with someone who had been through a similar experience. These findings are in line with previous studies that identify recovery or substance use disorder as a social taboo (Hopkins & Niemiec, 2007). Substance abusers may feel that they are unable to share their …show more content…
White (2007) describes this process as being transient, with previous researchers Matza (1964) and Waldorf (1983) referring to it as ‘drift’, rather than a conscious experience. “Drift” suggests that there is little in-depth involvement in treatment with no personal change having taken place (Matza, 1964; Waldorf, 1983; White; 2007). It is often found that recovery leaves no lasting mark on the individual’s personal identity is left. For others, recovering from substance use may become a defining feature of their lives as it is a process of growth and change (Laudet, 2007; White & Kurtz,