Narcotics Anonymous attendees' perceptions and experiences of substitute behaviors in the Western Cape, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Much remains unknown about the dynamics of substitute behaviors during addiction recovery among persons attending recovery support groups. Insight into the nature, motives for, and course of substitute behaviors could help to shape recovery support and harm reduction services.

Methods

Twenty-three semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 14 males and n = 9 females) were conducted with a convenience sample of Narcotics Anonymous attendees from a number of groups in the Western Cape, South Africa. Participants ranged in age from 22-55 years (M = 39.3, SD = 9.35).

Results

Thematic analysis yielded four themes: (i) substance-to-substance substitution; (ii) substance-to-behavior substitution; (iii) substitute behaviors and harm (reduction) and (iv) support needs

SUBMITTER: Sinclair DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10324242 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature