Lived Experiences of Addiction Recovery: A Qualitative Investigation and Implications for Rehabilitation Counselors

Abstract

Substance use disorder is a chronic condition that affects individuals’ health, functioning, and employment. Despite growing research on addiction recovery, limited qualitative work has explored how people in recovery experience and define this process in ways that inform rehabilitation counseling. This study examined the lived experiences of 18 individuals in recovery from drug and/or alcohol abuse. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, semi-structured interviews were analyzed to identify key themes and develop a conceptual model of recovery. Findings depict recovery as a holistic, long-term journey of reconstructing the self, one’s life, and a sense of meaning. The process begins with a triggering realization, followed by intentional action and sustained change supported by connection, purpose, and community. Recovery extends beyond abstinence, encompassing growth, resilience, and meaning-making while navigating stigma and stress. These findings highlight recovery as a dynamic, nonlinear process that informs strengths-based rehabilitation counseling practice.