Understanding the therapeutic factors of the social reintegration treatment stage in a residential treatment setting: a qualitative approach

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand deeply the important elements of the reintegration phase of recovery. Design/methodology/approach The participants were 14 people suffering from addiction to drugs, who met the criteria for substance use disorder according to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition. The data obtained by semi-structured interview were qualitatively analyzed by interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings The results highlight the importance of relationships in therapy, identity reshaping, a deeper understanding of the causes of substance use, the importance of boundaries, the critical parameters of the transition to regularity and the important role of emotions. Originality/value The results are discussed on the basis of the enhancement of the therapeutic interventions that are followed at the reintegration stage, taking into account not only the peculiarities of this phase but also social factors such as stigmatization.