Phenomenology of Lived Experiences of Women with Substance Use Disorder in a Rehabilitation Center

Taghvaeinia, ali; Tavakol Koukhdan, Negin

Volume 19, Issue 76 (9-2025) etiadpajohi 2025, 19(76): 37-58 | Back to browse issues page

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Taghvaeinia A, Tavakol Koukhdan N. Phenomenology of Lived Experiences of Women with Substance Use Disorder in a Rehabilitation Center. etiadpajohi 2025; 19 (76) :37-58
URL: http://etiadpajohi.ir/article-1-3227-en.html

Phenomenology of Lived Experiences of Women with Substance Use Disorder in a Rehabilitation Center

Ali Taghvaeinia ^*

, Negin Tavakol Koukhdan

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.

Abstract: (12 Views)

Objective: This study aimed to explore the phenomenology of the lived experiences of women with substance use disorder in a residential rehabilitation center. Method: This was a qualitative, phenomenological study. The population of the study consisted of substance-dependent women in Gachsaran in 2024. A purposeful sampling method was used until data saturation was reached, and ultimately, 12 participants were selected. The research tools included semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis using the Colaizzi method was employed for data analysis. Results: Data analysis led to the identification of 3 selective themes, 11 axial themes, and 42 open codes. The theme of emotional problems and vulnerability included anger and the formation of destructive relationships, stress and fear, a sense of meaninglessness, feelings of loneliness and social rejection, and the development of pessimism and frustration. Family dysfunction included family-related harms, conflict, and communication breakdown with family. Unpleasant past experiences included experiences of failure, repeated relapses and quitting, and previously experienced maltreatment. Conclusion: The findings of this research, in addition to increasing insight and awareness into the contexts leading to substance use disorder in women, can provide the necessary content for designing preventative programs and have important practical implications for psychological interventions for women with substance use disorder.

Keywords: Lived experience, Women, Substance use disorder, Phenomenology

Full-Text [PDF 566 kb] (12 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2024/12/3 | Accepted: 2025/10/7 | Published: 2025/10/30