The Mediating Effect of Recovery Capital on the Relationship between Psychological Distress and Quality of Life in People in Addiction Recovery

The aim of this study was to explore the level of quality of life among individuals in addiction recovery and to examine whether psychological distress affects the quality of life and recovery capital has a mediating effect on this relationship. To do this, original data from the ‘Stigma Perceived by Individuals with Addiction Study’ conducted by the Korea Addicts Right Center in 2023 were used. Recovering individuals who used community addiction organizations and facilities for alcohol, drug, and gambling problems participated in a self-report survey both online and offline. Using SPSS PROCESS macro, mediation analysis was conducted with a sample of 226 recovering addicts. First, the level of quality of life among recovering individuals was found to be low. Second, psychological distress had a direct effect on the quality of life among recovering individuals. Third, recovery capital had a mediating effect on the relationship between psychological distress and quality of life. Based on these findings, suggestions were made to alleviate psychological distress and enhance recovery capital to improve the quality of life for individual in addiction recovery.