Experienced Nurses' Provision of Compassionate Care to Individuals Experiencing Alcohol‐Related Harm: A Qualitative Study of a Nurse‐Led Alcohol Harm‐Reduction Approach

This study aimed to explore how experienced nurses provide compassionate care to individuals experiencing alcohol-related harm, as well as examine approaches to recovery support in addiction nursing from a harm-reduction perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine nurses in Japan; the respondents had extensive experience in providing nursing care to individuals with alcohol use disorder. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The thematic analysis yielded three themes regarding compassionate care provided by experienced nurses: (1) attempting to alleviate life-related distress and support social well-being; (2) building a secure base to support recovery; and (3) supporting the reformation of identity destabilised by alcohol use. Rather than focusing on drinking behaviour, the nurses focused on individuals' lived difficulties and suffering and provided realistic support without coercion. Moreover, even when relapse or setbacks occurred, nurses did not sever relationships; they continued treatment by ensuring that the individuals could always return to healthcare institutions for support. Overall, this study revealed that experienced nurses support the reconstruction of life narratives (re-storying) by integrating harm reduction, the concept of a secure base, and recovery-oriented practice through relationships. These findings present a relationship-centred recovery process model in addiction nursing that is not limited to abstinence outcomes. This proposed model may be utilised as a guide for novice nurses' education and clinical practice.