Table 1.

Thematic interview guide.

The thematic interview guide begins with a focusing question that, depending on the participants’ responses, is followed by relevant probing questions. The interviews will therefore develop into conversations around specific themes. The purpose is to create an arena in which the participants freely express their experiences and self-awareness concerning their use of and abstinence from psychoactive substances. Focusing question: “What has been most important for your recovery?” Themes and probing questions: 1. What were your reasons for quitting substance use?  Probing question: What was the influence of your partner, family, friends, and living situation? 2. What were your own efforts when managing to quit substance use?  Probing question: What was the influence of your old and new social network? 3. What were your own efforts when managing to stay abstinent over time?  Probing question: To what extent have your efforts involved other individuals or groups? 4. How has treatment contributed to your recovery?  Probing question: To what extent has treatment involved feedback from others, peers as role models, or relationships with treatment providers? 5. How have your own rational choices been important for your recovery?  Probing question: How have your choices been influenced by important social arenas and belonging? 6. How do you experience long-term abstinence from substance use?  Probing question: How has your life evolved? What are your experiences of sociability and loneliness?