Date of Conferral

9-24-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Sandra Rasmussen

Abstract

Substance-use disorder (SUD) poses significant biological, psychological, and sociological impacts that negatively affect areas of employment, health, family systems, and interactions with social welfare and legal agencies. Although there has been research on SUD treatment, relapse rates remain high at approximately 40%–75%, demonstrating a gap in the literature involving individuals who completed SUD treatment and continuation or management of recovery. Grounded in phenomenological theory and through a biopsychosocial lens, this qualitative study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of individuals with substance-use disorder managing their recovery. Data were collected from 8 individuals who completed partial hospitalization or intensive-outpatient levels of care and who remained substance-free for a minimum of the last 12 consecutive months, through semi-structured interviews. Three core themes emerged: biological, psychological, and social. Substance-use disorder professionals can use these findings to emphasize the significant role that positive and engaging support systems have in the continuation and management of recovery and to expand recovery resources that promote positive social change for individuals who are managing recovery.

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