The Importance of Relationships in Substance Abuse Recovery - A Literature Review
Denged, Sumeya; Nykänen, Elisa (2026)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2026051512428
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2026051512428
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the importance of relationships in substance abuse recovery whilst examining how professional nurses can support these relationships during the recovery process. The aim was to examine the role of various interpersonal relationships and to inform health care professionals and other stakeholders about their proposed significance in the recovery process.
The thesis work arose from the social and professional observation that different interpersonal relationships were not adequately taken into consideration in substance abuse recovery processes. Since substance abuse is a topical issue in Finland, solutions to this challenge are necessary. The thesis was conducted in the form of a descriptive literature review of eighteen selected articles through systematic database search. Data was obtained from academical databases, CINAHL Ultimate, Medline and Academic Search Premiere. The data collected was analysed through qualitative content analysis. Four main themes were identified: contribution of family, contribution of other relationships, contradictions of different relationships and nurse’s role in supporting these relationships.
The literature pertaining to this specific topic indicates that the issues are broadly unresolved and in need of further analysing and studying. The main results indicate that although families and other interpersonal relationships play a significant role in the recovery process, they are not sufficiently integrated into it. Additionally, certain interpersonal relationships may hinder and impair the recovery process in several ways, highlighting the need for case specific consideration. The results also suggest that nurses play a crucial role in supporting and incorporating these interpersonal relationships into the recovery process, providing both constructive and informational support.
The results align with and support views presented in previous research. They suggest that further research is necessary to ensure proper acknowledgement of the importance that different interpersonal relationships hold in substance abuse recovery process. The various roles of nurses and their impact in supporting different relationships in substance abuse recovery necessitate further investigation in order to establish clear clinical guidelines and standards for nursing education and practise.
Keywords: substance abuse, recovery, illicit drug use, family, interpersonal relationships, interpersonal relations, nursing
The thesis work arose from the social and professional observation that different interpersonal relationships were not adequately taken into consideration in substance abuse recovery processes. Since substance abuse is a topical issue in Finland, solutions to this challenge are necessary. The thesis was conducted in the form of a descriptive literature review of eighteen selected articles through systematic database search. Data was obtained from academical databases, CINAHL Ultimate, Medline and Academic Search Premiere. The data collected was analysed through qualitative content analysis. Four main themes were identified: contribution of family, contribution of other relationships, contradictions of different relationships and nurse’s role in supporting these relationships.
The literature pertaining to this specific topic indicates that the issues are broadly unresolved and in need of further analysing and studying. The main results indicate that although families and other interpersonal relationships play a significant role in the recovery process, they are not sufficiently integrated into it. Additionally, certain interpersonal relationships may hinder and impair the recovery process in several ways, highlighting the need for case specific consideration. The results also suggest that nurses play a crucial role in supporting and incorporating these interpersonal relationships into the recovery process, providing both constructive and informational support.
The results align with and support views presented in previous research. They suggest that further research is necessary to ensure proper acknowledgement of the importance that different interpersonal relationships hold in substance abuse recovery process. The various roles of nurses and their impact in supporting different relationships in substance abuse recovery necessitate further investigation in order to establish clear clinical guidelines and standards for nursing education and practise.
Keywords: substance abuse, recovery, illicit drug use, family, interpersonal relationships, interpersonal relations, nursing