From Addiction to Recovery: The Role of Personal Coping Mechanisms in Preventing Relapse Among Recovering Drug Users

Abstract

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a significant public health challenge with multifaceted etiologies and limited effective relapse prevention strategies. For individuals recovering from substance use disorder, self-help or personal coping mechanism has been identified as a powerful tool in achieving and maintaining recovery. However, the role of personal coping mechanism in addiction treatment remains under-explored, with limited awareness and practical application of how these practices and involvement can be integrated into recovery programs and relapse prevention particularly in the context of substance use disorder. This qualitative study explored the role of self-help or personal coping mechanism as a complementary resource for recovery in substance use disorder, especially in the cultural context of Pakistan. This study explores the experiences of 12 individuals who have maintained recovery from substance use disorder ranging from two to five years. These participants were selected from Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Through in-depth interviews, and thematic analysis of (Braun and Clark 2012 model) participants shared their perspectives and experiences that how personal coping practices such as time management, taking shower, joining good company, no pocket money, self-control and living clean provided motivation to quit substance use, sustain recovery, and achieve inner peace and self-respect. The findings highlight personal coping as an essential resource for relapse prevention, even in rural and under-served settings where conventional healthcare for substance use disorders may be inaccessible. The study also underscores the potential of personal coping-based interventions as complementary approaches to addiction treatment and relapse prevention offering valuable insights into the development of culturally and contextually relevant recovery strategies.