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Article
Recovery in Narcotics Anonymous from the Perspectives of Long-term Members: A Qualitative Study
Journal of Groups in Addiction and Recovery
  • Christian DeLucia, Nova Southeastern University
  • Brandon G. Bergman
  • Diana Formoso
  • Laura B. Weinberg
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-24-2015
Disciplines
Abstract/Excerpt

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a community-based, 12-step organization that holds nearly 62,000 meetings weekly in 129 countries. Relatively little is known about NA members’ recovery experiences. This study presents results of focus groups conducted with long-term NA members to identify key ingredients of recovery, recovery-related processes, and quality-of-life outcomes beyond abstinence. Participants identified personal and program characteristics that were critical to recovery (e.g., responsibility), illuminated several recovery-related processes (e.g., using the 12 steps to obtain a deeper self-understanding), and described personal and interpersonal quality-of-life enhancements (e.g., improved relationships). In addition, fellowship was described as a pervasive and essential element of recovery.

DOI
10.1080/1556035X.2014.969064
Citation Information
Christian DeLucia, Brandon G. Bergman, Diana Formoso and Laura B. Weinberg. "Recovery in Narcotics Anonymous from the Perspectives of Long-term Members: A Qualitative Study" Journal of Groups in Addiction and Recovery Vol. 10 Iss. 1 (2015) p. 3 - 22 ISSN: 1556-035X
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/diana-formoso/44/