Factors Motivating Drug Use, Drug Use Cessation, and Managing One’s Ongoing Recovery: A Retrospective Case Notes Review (2022)

Introduction: In drug treatments, a holistic intervention approach seems to be more favourable as drug abstinence is often assumed to be difficult to achieve. Despite some models and structures being long-established, drug use narratives are often understudied. Hence, less is known about the struggles drug users face during recovery and the support they need from the community. This qualitative study explored factors motivating drug use and drug cessation, as well as factors influencing their recovery.

Methods: Data were derived from clinical notes provided by The Greenhouse Community Services Limited between 2020 to May 2022. This includes notes from four different forms, namely the intake assessment, progress notes, case closing summary, and the care plan review.

Results: Our study generates two themes around factors motivating drug use, including (i) managing trauma and trauma triggers; and (ii) managing feelings and emotions. Managing one’s relationships was found to be a key factor that motivated one’s desire to stop their drug use. Twelve sub-themes were highlighted as contributors to the recovery struggles of the clients. Theywere further grouped into four themes: uncovering personal identities; losing motivation and drive; overcoming struggles; and preparing aftercare.

Discussion and Conclusions: This study identified the significance of social belonging during the recovery process. Feeling lonely was identified as a risk factor for drug use relapse while feelings of hopelessness surfaces when clients navigate through a breakup, worsened family tensions, or feelings of inefficacy. Therefore, psychoeducation such as introducing coping strategies and developing social support group should be key treatment targets for this population.