“I Will Fight Tooth and Nail for My Recovery”: A Typology of Individuals in Long-Term Recovery From Addiction

Long-term recovery (LTR) refers to changes occurring over five years or more. This study aimed to establish a typology of individuals in LTR from the perspectives of various stakeholders. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals in recovery from substance and behavioral addictions ( n = 30), family members ( n = 8), and professional therapists ( n = 9). The findings identified five distinct types of individuals in LTR: the Fighter, the Avoidant, the Wanderer, the Devout, and the Comrade. These types differ based on identity, recovery goals, and strategies. The study suggests recovery identity acts as a transitional stage, aiding individuals in stabilizing and resuming typical activities. This typology captures the multifaceted nature of addiction recovery, incorporating insights from prior research on identity and recovery strategies. It offers potential for tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet the diverse needs of individuals in recovery.