Transformations in the meaning of care in recovery

Abstract

Addicted persons’ and concerned others’ personal constructs on care are distorted. Distortions – polarized meanings, producing a destructive split – are rooted in the life story of the addict. Such distortions, however, are reinforced by shared cultural constructions of consumer societies: both for dependence and codependence. These destructive constructions change substantially during the process of recovery. Reciprocity and generativity – care for the future generations – are essential factors in the reconstruction of the entire social network.