NCJ Number
225348
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 43 Issue: 12-13 Dated: 2008 Pages: 1950-1970
Date Published
2008
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined the process of creating and maintaining drug abstinence among 25 former heroin users (mostly Latino and African-American ex-offenders in New York City), based on indepth interviews during an 18-month period between mid-2004 and late 2005.
Abstract
All of those interviewed had remained abstinent from heroin use for 5 years or longer, and all reported lifetime heroin use, with 85 percent reporting intravenous use. All respondents reported multiple drug use. The article focuses on one female respondent, using her own words to describe her experiences in achieving and maintaining abstinence. The factors mentioned as the keys to recovery were positive peer support, motivational tools, exercise, meditation, and skills enhancement. Establishing stakes in conformity through employment and responsible social behaviors enabled the establishment of a new sense of identity and positive self-esteem set against a previous lifestyle that they perceived as having brought them physical and emotional suffering as well as a bleak future. A key feature of being able to turn their lives around was the availability of opportunities and resources for change that facilitated following through on their motivation to change their lives. Many of those interviewed commented on the importance of the training they received under programs offered by the criminal justice system. This indicates the cost-effectiveness of such programs for those offenders who are strongly motivated to change how they live their lives in their communities. 55 references and appended recruitment poster