The Impact of Sharing Recovery Stories in Public: Stigma, Trauma Response, and the Need for Multiple Pathways

Abstract

There is increasing pressure on members of the substance use recovery community to share stories of their recovery process with health care professionals and the public to educate and destigmatize. This study examines the process and impact of this public sharing on recovery community members. This qualitative study used semi-structured, online interviews with 26 members of the recovery community who were recruited through a New England-based recovery community organization and social media. Sharing recovery stories in public is complex as 96% of participants reported both positive and negative experiences in sharing. Participants perceived that sharing could combat stigma through education about multiple recovery pathways and engender external validation. Perceived or anticipated impacts included facing different levels of stigma in and outside of the recovery community as well as potential trauma responses. Public sharing necessitated preparation or training, of which 92% had not received formal training. Recovery community members and organizations understand they have expert knowledge about recovery pathways that they can share to change perceptions of providers and the public. Substance use educators can work with and for the recovery community to provide guidance and resources to prepare for public, outgroup sharing to mitigate stigma and potential trauma response. Future research should consider a more diverse sample and a focus on in-group cultural consensus modeling, listing, and building inventories of “what to do” or “what not to do” when sharing traumatic experiences.