Hope for the future as perceived by individuals struggling with difficulties with life difficulties and addiction

Abstract

This study was to identify the hope for the future as perceived by drug, alcohol, and gambling addicts who have life difficulties. The study subjects were 14 individuals with a 10-year or longer history of alcohol, drug, or gambling addiction and who were working in a recovery facility. We utilized qualitative descriptive analysis with data collection performed using the semi-constructive interview method. The results showed that although the perception of a “never-ending difficulty of life” never disappeared, the participants encountered “a self that can be exposed” through encounters with various people in their “connected lives,” recognized themselves, and cultivated their “ability to see the good in others”. Furthermore, from their “regained sense of self-esteem,” they were able to “shift to positive thinking” and “adapt to situations with flexibility,” and were able to talk about their “hopes for the future”. Thus, he was trying to fulfill his “sense of responsibility for his own life” as a “positive life” and a “life he wants to cherish”.