This study aims to understand the trauma experienced by people with drug addiction and their recovery journey. To achieve this, qualitative research methods were applied, and data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and documents. Data collection was conducted in April 2025, and ultimately, three people with drug addiction participated in the study. Data analysis was conducted using inductive analysis and thematic analysis methods. The core themes of trauma and recovery journey experienced by people with addiction were identified as: devastated and collapsed daily life, rock-bottom experiences that served as both a crisis and an opportunity, struggling recovery journey, and the desire to give back the help received. Trauma influenced the recovery process as a whole, serving as a catalyst for substance use and contributing to the reconstruction of a meaningful and healthy life. This demonstrates that recovery is a comprehensive journey that goes beyond simply ceasing substance use, encompassing the rediscovery of life’s meaning, self-awareness and acceptance, and the restoration of social relationships. Based on these findings, practical and policy recommendations were proposed, including strengthening a multi-layered recovery support system, creating safe environments where recovery can be discussed without stigma, implementing trauma-informed and tailored interventions, and establishing mentoring systems led by individuals in recovery.
Yang et al. (Tue,) studied this question.