The exploration of factors related to treatment retention in Narcotics Anonymous members: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Elimination of psychological dependence to substance is more difficult than elimination of physical dependence, and needs to time, going through several stages, and internal care. The aim of this study was to exploring the factors related to treatment retention in Narcotics Anonymous members. METHODS: In a qualitative study and by individual interview, 12 recovered participants were interviewed. The participants were substance user, whom recovered for more than two years. The data were gathered by purposeful sampling and through recording and transcribing interviews. Data analysis were done by qualitative content analysis through three steps: conceptualization, interview and data analysis. RESULTS: After analyzing data, two main categories had emerged: “personal-psychological” and “social” factors. Personal-psychological" factors includes: self-knowledge, change of attitude, self-confidence, consistency in treatment, living in the moment and “social” factors include interaction with others, group of sympathizers, reformation of social and familial relationships, reclaiming the social position, supports received from others, and supports received from the generalized network. CONCLUSION: Recovered individuals are in need to emotional supports and reclaiming their positions in the family and society play an important role in their treatment retention. Keeping the Substance users away from drugs is not the basic step of substance use treatment, but the necessary supports and special cares should be given to the Substance users after elimination of physical attachment, so that the psychological dependence can be eliminated as well.