Social Problems of Iran

Phenomenology of the experiences of recovering addicts and their families in social networks

Author

Mahin Sheikh Ansari

Postdoctoral Graduate, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.61186/jspi.16.1.121
Abstract
This research aims to enhance the understanding of addiction as a social phenomenon by conducting a phenomenological study of the lived experiences of recovering addicts and their families. The data were gathered using both documentary and qualitative methods. In the direct observation method, the sample included meetings of recovering addicts (NA), Congress60 members, and families of addicts. For the in-depth interviews, participants comprised recovered addicts, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The findings reveal that one of the primary causes of addiction is 'experiential avoidance.' After the first substance use, addicts often experience a sense of 'life just beginning' or 'finding peace,' whereas their families simultaneously undergo fear, panic, and blame. This divergence in perception causes a lack of mutual understanding, leading to the continuation of addiction and relapse. Through participation in support groups, families learn to modify their lifestyle and adopt an attitude described as 'let go with love,' which aids in the addict’s recovery or at least helps them manage their own lives without being victims of addiction. The study also indicates that attending meetings like those of NA or Congress60 has helped some addicts achieve and maintain recovery. Furthermore, families and therapists face two significant challenges: determining whether to view addicts as criminals after committing offenses and deciding how to manage voluntary versus forced withdrawal.



Extended Abstract

1. Introduction

According to published statistics, more than 90% of addicts relapsed after treatment in 2018, and this figure rose to over 94% by 2024. This alarming increase in relapse rates highlights the persistent challenges in addiction recovery. The reasons for addiction and relapse generally remain consistent across cases. Sheikh Ansari (2019) posits that individuals who resort to addictive substances often suffer from what he terms as a 'mental illness of addiction.' This illness is not merely a personal failing but rather a condition rooted in the individual’s social network and relational dynamics. One primary reason for relapse is that after ceasing substance use, individuals often find themselves reintegrated into the same unhealthy social environment that initially fueled their addiction (Sheikh Ansari, 2019: 227). Those affected by the 'mental illness of addiction' typically lack the resilience needed to confront life's realities. Furthermore, they struggle to find energy and vitality in their lives, perceiving existence as dull and meaningless, and are constantly in search of an illusory sense of fulfillment (Sheikh Ansari, 2019: 128). Hayes (1999) attributes this phenomenon, which he calls the 'panic of life,' to the process of socialization within the family, linking it to a concept known as 'experiential avoidance.' Experiential avoidance is defined as the tendency to evade or suppress contact with unpleasant private experiences such as distressing thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations (Bach et al., 2014: 16). This study aims to explore the lived experiences of recovering substance users and their families (considered integral components of the individual’s social network) using a phenomenological approach. The goal is to achieve a more nuanced understanding of how interactions within this network contribute to addiction and relapse.



2. Methodology

This research adopts an interpretive phenomenological approach, emphasizing the lived experiences and subjective realities of the participants. Data were collected using documentary analysis, direct observation, and in-depth interviews. Heidegger (2005) highlights the relational nature of human existence, asserting that Dasein is not merely an isolated 'I' but inherently involves connections with others ('you'), indicating that existence is fundamentally shared and mediated through relationships (Heidegger, 2005: 328). Therefore, the direct observation method focused on public recovery meetings such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous), Congress60 sessions, and family support groups including Nar-Anon, Cmanon, and co-travelers. In-depth interviews were conducted with a diverse group of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and peer mentors from specialized addiction treatment camps (Chitgar, Neday-Aramesh, Verdij). The validity of this study was ensured by employing triangulation through multiple data sources (family members, peer mentors, psychologists) and a combination of data collection methods (document analysis, interviews, observations).



3. Findings

The study revealed that individuals who are susceptible to addiction often display signs of the 'mental illness of addiction' even before their initial substance use. This finding underscores the notion that addiction is not solely a consequence of substance exposure but is often rooted in unresolved psychological and social issues. Zafar, a peer support worker at NA, commented: 'People who become addicted had their personality development stalled at a stage. I didn't have the ability to cope with life, so I needed a drug to help me get through it.' Additionally, the research highlights a growing trend among young people to turn to stimulants as a quick fix to cope with academic pressures. A psychologist from the Vardij Camp noted: 'Most individuals admitted here have at least a high school diploma and are primarily users of stimulant drugs. They use these substances as performance enhancers for exams, under the belief that they can quit afterward. However, this intention often fails as dependency develops.'

Moreover, the study indicates that family dynamics play a critical role in the development and perpetuation of addiction. Some families, in their effort to protect their children, inadvertently deprive them of the ability to make independent choices and face real-life challenges. This overprotectiveness can foster experiential avoidance, wherein individuals avoid confronting difficulties, leading to addiction as an escape. Azim, a peer support mentor, remarked: 'Another issue is how children are raised. They grow up without responsibility. They are not allowed to live, go out, or build relationships.'

When addiction becomes evident, the family often reacts with fear, confusion, and anger, further alienating the addicted individual. This sense of isolation can push the addict toward peers who also misuse substances, reinforcing the addiction cycle. Peer mentors within recovery communities emphasize that inappropriate family responses during this critical period can significantly hinder recovery. As Azim observed: 'If the family doesn't know how to deal with addicts, their presence can be more harmful than their absence.'



4. Conclusion

This study concludes that the contrasting perceptions between addicts and their families—where the addict feels that life has 'just begun' after initial use while the family experiences fear and panic—creates a communicative gap that perpetuates addiction. Families who participate in support groups such as Cmanon, Nar-Anon, or co-travelers often learn to adopt healthier behavioral strategies, summarized as 'letting go with love.' This philosophy involves maintaining an open home environment, establishing clear behavioral boundaries, providing emotional support without enabling addiction, and releasing control by entrusting the situation to a higher power. The research also underscores the persistent dilemma faced by families and therapists: balancing the perception of the addict as a criminal after unlawful acts against the need for compassionate, voluntary treatment. Participation in NA or Congress60 meetings has enabled some addicts to maintain long-term recovery. However, even those who have achieved sustained sobriety continue to battle the fear of relapse, demonstrating that recovery is an ongoing process rather than a definitive outcome.





Keywords

addiction
Addiction Treatment
Recovery
Experiential Avoidance
lived experience
Relapse
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  • Receive Date 08 June 2026
  • Publish Date 08 June 2026