NDRI Launches Bi-National Research on Recovery
with
Australian
Self-Help Organization
NDRI has established a partnership with the Self-Help Addiction Resource Center (SHARC), an addiction recovery self-help organization established in 1998, in Melbourne, Australia. SHARC combines the expertise of ‘experientialists’ with skilled professional practice to create authentic recovery opportunities for people affected by addiction problems. SHARC services include (1) residential recovery support services for young people with severe problems related to their alcohol and other drug use, (2) help for families affected by the drug use problems of another family member and (3) advocacy for people who use drug treatment services to have a voice and assist in the development of opportunities and services to better meet their needs.
This NIDA-funded study, the first of its kind, is intended as an initial step in carrying out a global recovery-focus research agenda that is based on the fact that recovery is a reality for millions worldwide yet remains largely neglected by researchers. The two-year study, ‘An exploration of the recovery experience in Australia,” replicates the methods of the Pathways project currently ongoing in NYC to begin identifying cross-cultural (universal) as well as culture-specific patterns and determinants of sustained recovery over time. Findings from the twin projects will contribute to informing policy, practitioners and funders toward enhancing the availability of recovery promoting resources.
Among the unique aspects of this study is the implementation of a participatory research model: The partnership between NDRI and SHARC is among the first research projects in the addiction field to integrate the lived experience of persons in recovery in the research process. The research design and instruments were adapted to the Australian context in partnership with SHARC staff who have a ‘lived experience of addiction and recovery.’ Based on findings from the field of mental health, it is anticipated that the involvement of ‘experts by experience’ will (1) provide additional insight into the aspirations and needs of study participants; and, (2) more accurately identify the knowledge, experiences and perspectives about helpful resources, treatment and support in the community. Moreover, recovering individuals often report that they find these participatory research models highly informative and empowering.
The study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to describe participants’ “paths to recovery,” beliefs about addiction and recovery, and recovery goals. Recruitment is underway and the study has already attracted the attention of Australia’s leading current affairs television program. Regular updates will be posted on the Pathways Australia project page.
Link to Australian Broadcasting Corporation report, February 6, 2005
This research is supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse,
grant no. R01 DA014409-03S1.
May, 2005