Purpose: This study aimed to examine the subjective recovery accounts of Japanese female patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the factors that affect their recovery.
Design and methods: This qualitative study used a phenomenological design. A focus group with 10 Japanese participants was conducted.
Findings: Five theme clusters emerged: drinking to forget unpleasant feelings, fighting compulsive cravings with craving, unhealed wounds from past traumatic experiences, encounters with role models in self-help groups, and changing one's mindset to a proactive pursuit of happiness.
Practice implications: To support the recovery of women with AUD, psychiatric nurses should help them improve their family relationships, find recovery models, and proactively provide them with trauma-informed care.
Keywords: Japan; alcohol use disorders; phenomenological approach; psychiatric nurses.
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