Emotional experiences in the psychosocial transition of becoming drug free: a diary study.

This chapter analyses emotional experiences and mood of former heroin addicts who participate in a rehabilitation program in a residential community setting. The rehabilitation program offers a specific kind of treatment focusing on the importance of interpersonal relationships for psychosocial transition. A time sampling mood diary was employed to study emotional experiences of the individual within the situational influences of the community. At three points during the rehabilitation program - at the beginning, six and twelve months later - data was collected four times a day for two weeks each. The first part focuses on well-being of 65 participants during the first two weeks of treatment, considering the personal history and situational context. Results show that well-being and emotions differ mainly according to personal history, but not - at least in the beginning of treatment within the community - according to situations. This is interpreted as a "state of shock" in the new environment and highlights the necessity for special individual care for participants with a long drug career. The second part explores the effects of the treatment over the one-year period by using data from 29 participants. Results show an increase in positive emotions, and in subjective strength and freedom. Furthermore, participants report higher self-esteem and use less fatalistic attributions. This is interpreted as indicating successful transition processes in terms of higher autonomy, a more extended life space and increased levels of realism.