Focus on society
In effect, the study is mapping the road to recovery from problematic drug use (excluding alcohol and prescription drugs), while simultaneously investigating the societal responses towards these individuals. One focus of the study is Societal Responses playing a major role in recovery capital. A more in-depth analysis will draw on three aspects of societal responses: Personal capital, Social capital and Community capital. Moreover, a developmental approach will be used within this research investigating changes in recovery at different stages (<1 year, 1-5 years, >5 years into recovery).
Mixed Methods
The main body of the methodology will be quantitative through the medium of a large survey encapsulating all the above variables. Alongside this form of data collection, a qualitative method will be used through in-depth interviews. These interviews will be focussed directly on the individual experience on recovery through a narrative understanding of the specific role of various sources of recovery capital and 'Mechanisms of Behaviour Change for Recovery'. Photovoice will also be used in the Belgian part of the study.
Practice & Policy
The four countries are at different stages in recovery policy. By investigating all combined, the study will be able to analyse the effect of these. In the UK, recovery policy has been a continuing aim for the government and has been established for a number of years, whereas in other countries (the Netherlands and Belgium) recovery policy is in its early stages or just beginning. In theory, there should be a difference between these countries in terms of how and why treatment programs are accessed and their effectiveness.
4 Countries
The REC-PATH project is aiming to assess variations in recovery policy and practice between four countries: England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Belgium, furthering advancement of recovery strategies and interventions on a personal experience level.
The research institutes that carried out the research are: University of Derby, UK; Ghent University, Belgium; IVO Research Institute, the Netherlands; Tilburg University, the Netherlands; University of Manchester, UK; & HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Belgium.
We would like to thank the following funders
in aiding our research:
