The Semantic Understanding of Substance Users who are Members of Narcotics Anonymous towards Addiction, its Process and Treatment

The purpose of the current study was to explore the perspectives of drug users who are affiliated with Narcotics Anonymous regarding addiction, trends that precede treatment, and addiction treatment.

The research employed a qualitative approach and thematic analysis. The statistical population of the present study included all the members of the Narcotics Anonymous Association in Mehriz, Yazd. Nineteen of them were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews, and data analysis was performed using the thematic analysis method.

The findings showed that substance users initially experience multi-layered helplessness (including social, family, economic, psychological, and physical helplessness). After this procedure, members of the Narcotics Anonymous Association gradually develop a desire to overcome addiction due to various factors (such as family reconstruction, mental recovery, economic concerns, fear of the future, and identity recovery. Treatment is then initiated to support them in their recovery journey. Finally, by participating in Narcotics Anonymous, individuals engage in community-based treatment (including self-awareness, acceptance of addiction, identification, strengthening of will, empathy, understanding, and building social capital).

Addiction is a complex process, and its treatment is carried out within the Narcotics Anonymous Association in response to this matter. Focusing on social dimensions, such as participation, support, networking, empathy, mutual understanding, commitment, belonging, and responsibility within the addiction treatment foundation of this association contributes to the continuity of treatment for individuals.