Cessation strategies used successfully by individuals in recovery from methamphetamine addiction

Authors

  • Yvonne Gordon School of Psychology, Massey University, New Zealand
  • Christine Stephens School of Psychology, Massey University, New Zealand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol33iss2id863

Keywords:

Methamphetamine, health issue, recovery, treatment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Methamphetamine (MA) misuse is a recognised health issue in Aotearoa New Zealand, and there is a lack of appropriate treatment available for individuals who are methamphetamine dependent. This exploratory study, undertaken in 2019, sought to gain insight from individuals in Aotearoa who have experienced MA dependence and now identify as being in recovery, to discover which strategies, approaches or treatment appeared helpful in their recovery.

METHODS: The participants in the study were seven adults (New Zealand European, Samoan and Māori ethnicity) who had abstained from methamphetamine for six months or more. In-depth interviews were audiotaped and transcribed before being analysed. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, which has its theoretical origins in phenomenology and hermeneutics.

FINDINGS: Four themes emerged to describe the lived experience of recovery from methamphetamine misuse: Getting Away, Support, Personal Sources of Strength, and Treatment. Each theme held importance in the participants’ recovery from MA and provided insight into their journey in abstaining and being in recovery.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings may be used to assist others entering recovery. The present findings are limited by the size of the sample; however, they provide valuable information on this important health issue as a basis for further research, which is urgently needed in Aotearoa.

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Published

2021-09-02

How to Cite

Gordon, Y., & Stephens, C. (2021). Cessation strategies used successfully by individuals in recovery from methamphetamine addiction. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 33(2), 32–44. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol33iss2id863

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 2 (2021)

Section

Original Articles I

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