The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe first-person experiences of relational recovery in co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.
Within a phenomenological and collaborative approach, in-depth individual interviews with eight persons with co-occurring conditions were analysed using systematic text condensation.
Participants described interpersonal relationships as both supporting and hindering recovery in fundamental ways. Four categories of experiences of relational recovery were described as follows: choosing one’s child; living with loneliness and a painful past; sacrificing everything for one’s partner; and regaining trust and support.
This paper provides an enhanced understanding of how interpersonal relationships may be experienced by persons who live with co-occurring conditions. The results generally support an understanding of recovery as a relational process.
