It ain't easy: Obstacles in seeking social support among treated junkies in Hong Kong

Abstract

It is a common finding in drug addiction research that social support from family members and friends has a positive effect on the recovery of treated addicts. However, findings of a study of 200 treated heroin addicts in Hong Kong show that the relationship between family suppmt and drug free status in the first three-year post-treatment period is not statistically significant, and that the social circles of these subjects mostly comprise recovered addicts in self-help groups. In-depth interviews of 10 recovered addicts reveal that in the initial period after treatment, they faced distrust and suspicion of family members and friends, due to the uncertainty of recovery. This is a "test -out" period for the treated addicts, who will not receive full support from family and friends unless they can, in this period, convince their family members and friends that they are serious about, and are able to, stay drug free.