The meaning of heroin addiction : a phenomenological study

Abstract

Heroin addicts are often misunderstood and stigmatised. The aim of this investigation was to provide the reader with a description of the life world of heroin addicts who seem unable to recover from their addiction. The phenomenological method was used in order to achieve the aim of this study.

Themes which emerged were that heroin traps the addicts in a paradox - creating meaning for them and robbing them of it at the same time. They develop a personal love relationship with the heroin, which turns into an abusive relationship. Recovery holds no guarantees as the addicts experience the process of recovery as a never ending cycle.

This study highlights the value of the phenomenological method in describing the life world of the heroin addict undergoing treatment. Recommendations are made which may be of value to the professional working with the heroin addict.