”När jag missbrukade tog de avstånd men när jag ville bli frisk har de stöttat mig jättemycket. Och det har varit jätteviktigt för mig.”

: en kvalitativ studie ur ett individperspektiv om vägen ur narkotikamissbruk

Abstract

Background: Since the 1960s, drug abuse has been considered a serious societal issue that increases the risk of illness and social exclusion. In Sweden approximately 900 people die from drug intoxication annually. People who develop a drug addiction can end up in a negative spiral with consequences such as loss of work, home and family. Consequences that can increase the socio-economic differences within the population. When a person decides to end their addiction a process of change takes place, in this study explained using the Stage of change model. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to describe significant factors during the process of change within individuals who have recovered from drug abuse. Method: The study design was qualitative and was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The study combined inductive and deductive analysis. Results: The results indicated that social support was an important factor throughout the process of change, especially during the phases action and maintenance. Various strategies such as breaking old habits and patterns were also significant. Self-determination was considered essential to initiate and implement change. During treatment, the informants were given coping strategies to handle their everyday lives. They worked hard with themselves throughout the various stages in Stages of change to achieve sustainability and minimize the risk of relapse. Conclusion: The study's result implies that when a person is in need of help, and expresses this, family and community need to offer support. Individuals who do not have the social network requires more interventions from the community to enable a healthy life.