title: Choosing to Live or Die: Online Narratives of Recovering from Methamphetamine Abuse.
abstract: The goal of this study is to explore motivating factors for recovering from methamphetamine abuse. The source of data was 202 anonymous letters and stories submitted to an online support platform for methamphetamine users. Qualitative data were analyzed in Dedoose software using grounded theory methodology. Ten primary motivating factors for recovering from methamphetamine abuse were identified and mapped onto four constructs from the Health Belief Model: (1) perceived susceptibility (learning from others and learning from self); (2) perceived severity (fear of death and declining health); (3) perceived benefits (reconnecting with family, reconnecting with society, and recovering self-esteem); and (4) cues to action (hitting rock bottom, finding God, and becoming pregnant). By using data from an online support group and categorizing emerging themes within a theoretical framework, findings from this study provide a comprehensive understanding of factors involved in recovery from methamphetamine abuse and offer further insights in developing theoretically informed interventions for methamphetamine users. This study suggests the utility of online platforms for obtaining anonymous but unique experiences about drug abuse and recovery. Findings may benefit healthcare professionals, counselors, and researchers by helping to develop theoretically informed interventions for methamphetamine abuse.
authors.affiliation: a Graduate Assistant, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health , University of Memphis , Memphis , TN , USA.
authors.forename: Christopher O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Obong'o
authors.affiliation: a Graduate Assistant, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health , University of Memphis , Memphis , TN , USA.
authors.forename: Adam C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.affiliation: b Graduate Assistant, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health, School of Public Health , University of Memphis , Memphis , TN , USA.
authors.forename: Prachi P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Chavan
authors.affiliation: c Assistant Professor, School of Communication Studies , Kent State University , North Canton , OH , USA.
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Dillon
authors.affiliation: d Professor, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health , University of Memphis , Memphis , TN , USA.
authors.forename: Satish K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kedia
mesh_terms: D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001293:Attitude to Death; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009042:Motivation; D012649:Self Concept
chemical_list: D008694:Methamphetamine
keywords: Health Belief Model; methamphetamine abuse; online narratives; qualitative method; recovery