Mothers in Recovery: An Occupational Perspective

Occupational Lives in Sustained Recovery From Alcohol Dependency: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

Alcohol use is a significant risk factor for ill health. Although many people complete treatment, only one third maintain their sobriety. Research has suggested that occupational engagement supports early recovery, but its role in sustained recovery is not known. This study aimed to explore the occupational lives of individuals in sustained recovery from alcohol dependency. An interpretive phenomenological analysis methodology was used, utilizing an occupational perspective. Participants were recruited from a substance use recovery center. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed thematically. This study had three participants. Four themes emerged: (a) shaping occupational lives, (b) shifting coping strategies, (c) finding a gateway to new social connections and a sense of belonging, and (d) establishing a new role in the context of recovery. Findings suggest that in sustained recovery, occupations develop new meanings and purposes that have the potential to support recovery.

Occupational identity in occupational therapy: A concept analysis

BACKGROUND

The concept of occupational identity has become an important focus within occupational science and occupational therapy, drawing both recognition and inquiry. Even if the concept is highly relevant for understanding the occupational nature of human beings, ambiguity regarding the identification and application of occupational identity exists.

AIM

This analysis aimed to clarify the concept of occupational identity by examining its current use and application within occupational therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Walker and Avant's method for concept analysis was utilized to clarify the concept of occupational identity.

RESULTS

Analysis resulted in three distinct categories of use: occupational identity construction, occupational identity discrepancy and occupational identity disruption, described contextually in terms of the self being, the self being and doing, and the self being and doing with others.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings validated the significant connection between occupation and identity through doing, being and future becoming. Also uncovered were considerable connections to belonging.

SIGNIFICANCE

Occupational identity encompassed complex connections comprising both individual and collective components. Personally meaningful expression and connection were of particular significance to occupational identity as discrepancies or disruption of meaningful connections had negative implications for occupational engagement.

Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Addiction: Models, Practice, and Qualitative and Quantitative Research

OBJECTIVE

The authors conducted a systematic review of theoretical models, professional practice, and research findings to understand occupational therapy's role in the treatment of addiction.

METHOD

PubMed, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, ERIC, OTseeker, and Google Scholar were searched to identify scientific journal articles, book chapters, or any other similar literature published from 1970 through July 2015 that addressed theoretical approaches, intervention models, and professional roles or were qualitative or quantitative studies in which occupational therapy had a central role.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 16 theoretical and professional role studies, 8 qualitative studies, and 14 quantitative studies. All studies had low levels of evidence, and all were case series, sometimes with very small samples.

CONCLUSION

Although occupational therapy has been involved in the treatment of people with substance addiction and, more recently, with behavioral addictions for more than half a century, the research that has been published is poor.

Recovery From Substance Abuse Among Zimbabwean Men: An Occupational Transition

Substance abuse is a rising global problem, associated with medical, psychiatric, family, occupational, legal, political, financial, and spiritual problems. Recovery is an important area of consideration in occupational therapy's quest to promoting health and well-being. This narrative inquiry explored the journey of recovery from substance abuse among young adult Zimbabwean men. Three men were purposively selected to participate in in-depth narrative interviews about their occupations during recovery. Data were analyzed using a narrative analysis. Explanatory stories and three superordinate themes illustrated how substance abuse was associated with both positive and negative outcomes. The recovery process emerged as an ongoing occupational transition, influenced by occupational identity and involving changes in occupational participation. Recovery from substance abuse can be conceptualized as an occupational transition. Ongoing participation in "healthy" and meaningful occupations is key factor in this process. Construction of a positive occupational identity is also central.