ABSTRACT

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of individuals with alcohol use disorder towards recovery.

Methods

The study was conducted with individuals who volunteered to participate in the study among the inpatients at the Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment Center (AMATEM) of İzmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital. Data were collected in the interview room of the AMATEM service between January 19, 2023 and April 20, 2023. Purposive sampling method was used in the study and sampling was completed in 9 patients with data saturation. The research data were collected with an Individual Introduction Form and a Semi-Structured In-Depth Interview Form for individuals’ perceptions of recovery. The interview with each individual lasted 45 minutes in total.

Results

All of the individuals who participated in the study were male and had at least one quit attempt. The codes were categorized by constant comparisons in different categories and subcategories according to their repetition, differences and similarities, and three themes (meaning of recovery, source of support for recovery, and maintenance of recovery) were identified to describe patients’ perceptions of recovery in line with the purpose of the study.

Conclusion

Patients’ with alcohol use disorder perceive being able to control their alcohol use and an increase in their functionality as recovery. Patients emphasized that the attitude of nurses and the presence and approach of their families were important determinants for recovery.