Self Recuperation of Former Drug Users: A Phenomenological Study

The research study explored the lived experiences of former drug users from drug use who recovered from drug use without government intervention, specifically to determine their live experiences, challenges encountered by the former drug user, coping strategy, factors that influenced the former drug user to quit drug use, realization of the former drug user in using drugs. Qualitative research using a phenomenological study with five participants in Solsona, Marcos, and Batac City, Ilocos Norte was used. The interview guide, recording device, and interview were the data gathering tools. Thematic analysis was used in this study. The themes derived from the lived experiences of former drug users from drug use who recovered from drug use without government intervention include external influences and internal influences which is the factors influences the former drug users to use drugs, health issue, financial distress, stigma, provisional solution a coping strategy during drug use phase, holistic transformation coping strategy during recovery phase, fervent wish to change and negative effect which are the factors that influences the former drug user to quit drugs, and repercussions from drug use which is the realizations. Despite these challenges, former drug users from drug use who recovered from drug use without government intervention cope through holistic transformation, focusing on achieving goals, and positive development and habit. They demonstrate resilience in regaining a sense of normalcy. Researchers found that former drug users change is possible through avoiding negative habits and diverting it to positive acts like staying active in sports and keeping their selves busy through employment and maintaining livelihood , despite the challenges, as they must find ways to escape this loophole of negative effects of drug use without any intervention of the government. The study highlights the challenges faced by the drug user in their journey to recovery without any government assistance. The Local Government Unit may provide health services and coordinate support and intervention for the former drug users, families and community health workers by ensuring access to counseling, safe spaces for self-expression, and early intervention programs. The study also highlights the factors that influences the former drug user to quit drugs. The Department of Health and Department of social welfare development may offer behavioral health support and therapy to the former drug users by developing peer support networks, provide access to group therapy, and encouraging community reintegration programs to build resilience.