Before Recovery – A Blind Spot in Recovery Research? : Users’ Narratives About the Origins and Development of their Mental Health and/or Addiction Problems (original) (raw)

Objective: Recently, the position of persons with mental health and drug problems has evolved from victim of an illness to holder of an experience-based knowledge (EBK). Studies about recovery are often based on recovery narratives. However, focusing on components of the recovery process—parts of this EBK concerned with the causes, onset, and journey before the proper recovery process—risks forming a blind spot. In this study, we aim to analyze service users’ EBK about recovery, the backgrounds and causes of the problems, and how they related these conditions to their recovery journey. Research Design and Methods: We interviewed 29 persons in recovery. Data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. Results: We found that a childhood characterized by violence and abuse reoccurred in the stories. The child’s situation was not addressed by schools, social agencies, or neighbours, creating an experience of social isolation and invisibility. Mental health distress and drug abuse were des...