Mā te Whānau, ka Ora ai te Tangata: Māori Experiences in Recovery from Addiction

Abstract

Drug and alcohol addiction is a critical issue in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the over-representation of the indigenous population is of real concern. Currently, there are a number of addiction treatment options available but there is a notable lack of interventions underpinned by Māori models of health and well-being. Higher Ground, a residential addiction treatment facility in Auckland, offers clients an opportunity to participate in an adjunctive, Māori-centred group. This research aimed to explore the recovery experiences of past Māori residents and how the whānau group contributed to their recovery. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants were conducted. Thematic analysis of transcripts identified five themes and nine subthemes. The themes were: learning how to transition from treatment to the community; understanding myself and understanding addiction; making changes to the relational aspects of life; strengthening my Māori identity; connecting to spirituality in recovery. Overall the findings revealed that participants managed recovery in some respects in similar ways to those who participate in mainstream programmes, and in other respects, in ways unique to their experience as Māori and their experience in the whānau group. This research supports extending the concept of recovery and treatment, especially for Māori, to include non-abstinence factors such as relational reintegration and identity development. This is the first study to explore the recovery experiences of Māori having participated in a culturally consistent group during addiction treatment. Therefore, it makes a unique contribution to both the theory and practice of addiction treatment and recovery in Aotearoa New Zealand.