Experiencing spirituality in mental health intervention for addiction recovery in South Africa: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Within a postsecularist framework, this interdisciplinary study explored the lived experiences of spirituality in mental health intervention for addiction recovery in South Africa. The purpose of the study included the generating of insights for the initiation of collaborative endeavours between mental health professionals and church-based/faith-led community leaders, pastors and volunteers in the development and facilitation of addiction recovery programmes. Devastating statistics in South Africa regarding substance use, and other behavioural addictions, and the dire consequences thereof for individuals, families, communities, and society, show the need for improved, cost-effective addiction recovery programmes. In proposing an ethical, sustainable, and interdisciplinary model, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continuous technological advancements were also considered. An IPA research design and methodology was used where the individual narratives of the lived experiences of spirituality of three adults who had attended Christian inpatient rehabilitation facilities more than three years ago, and who had not relapsed within the last year, were used to explore converging, and diverging aspects thereof. In-depth case-by-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis, led to the emergence of five group experiential themes: 1. darkness vs. light, 2. God and people: the relationships, 3. journey of change over time, 4. embodied experience, and 5. spiritual overflow: living a new life. The proposed “Joy Seen” model was developed from these findings. The reciprocal and interactive nature of these findings were considered in the development of the model, where with increased spiritual self-awareness and diverse cultural competency of mental health professionals, and with spiritual leaders/facilitators who increase their mental health knowledge and competencies through supportive supervision, a collaborative context for shared learning and healing can occur. Within the context of addiction recovery support groups, the embodiment of shared values and the spiritual overflow of humility, gratitude and hope can grow, as individuals seek authentic meaning and purpose.