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. 2023 Feb 11:17:11782218231153843.
doi: 10.1177/11782218231153843. eCollection 2023.

Habits and Routines of Adults in Early Recovery From Substance Use Disorder: Clinical and Research Implications From a Mixed Methodology Exploratory Study

Robert H Kitzinger Jr  1 , Jennifer A Gardner  2 , Mariann Moran  2 , Carly Celkos  2 , Nicole Fasano  2 , Eric Linares  2 , Joyce Muthee  2 , Gabby Royzner  2
Affiliations

Habits and Routines of Adults in Early Recovery From Substance Use Disorder: Clinical and Research Implications From a Mixed Methodology Exploratory Study

Robert H Kitzinger Jr et al. Subst Abuse. .

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory, non-experimental mixed methods study was to analyze the habits and routines of adults in early recovery (>3 months) from substance use disorder (SUD). Participants (N = 14) were recruited from an intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) program for substance use disorders. Data collection consisted of a demographic survey, a researcher developed Daily Occupational Questionnaire (DOQ), and follow-up semi-structured interviews with 5 randomly selected participants. Quantitative results indicate rest as the most frequently engaged in activity on the most busy (31.0%) and least busy day (36.6%). There was no significant difference, t(13) = 0.117, P = .909, between newly established activities on the most busy and least busy day. Qualitative themes included 1. The most difficult time of day is often related to patterns of unused time. 2. When there is a lack of structure or unoccupied time, they return to their previously established positive supports. 3. There is a need for consistency and structure for developing anticipated/perceived routines. Implications for all healthcare and clinical providers working with this population, as well as research suggestions, are outlined.

Keywords: Habits; addiction; early recovery; occupational therapy; routines; substance use; time configuration.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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