The role of social mechanisms of change in women’s addiction recovery trajectories

Recovery from substance use addiction is a socially mediated process, with the formation of pro-social networks and engagement in community resources acting as catalysts for growth change. Gender key mediator pathways into out use, however literature that considers gender dimensions within recovery paradigm limited. This paper presents secondary analysis two qualitative studies undertaken nine women recovery—recruited based on their support services. Thematic women’s narratives elucidates role social mechanisms processes who are accessing support, order to inform progressive policy change better acknowledges, understands enhances experience recovery. Based emergent themes trauma; intimate relationships; networks; identity, we consider practical implications support.