City Research Online

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) sponsors from ethnic and/or racial minority backgrounds, with a particular focus on the role of sponsorship in their recovery journeys. This study uses Reissman’s (1965) Helper Therapy Principle as a theoretical underpinning, which states that the helper in mutual-help groups benefits more than the receiver. Sponsorship, a form of helping role in NA, is known to help both sponsor and sponsee, yet there is a lack of qualitative research to capture how and why this is. Particularly, there is a lack of research among ethnic and/or racial minorities, a group which is known to face significant barriers to accessing formal treatment services, yet little is known about their experiences within peer-led recovery contexts. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight NA sponsors aged 42–66, all based in London, representing diverse minority backgrounds. The analysis generated five Group Experiential Themes: (1) Transformation of identity and spiritual growth; (2) Reciprocity of helping and relational growth; (3) Cultural identity and belonging in recovery; (4) Boundaries and accountability as self-care; and (5) Recovery as a lifelong process sustained through service. Findings highlight how sponsorship fosters self-acceptance, meaning and agency, while providing sponsors with relational repair and a sense of belonging that transcends cultural divisions. Participants also described challenges, including managing boundaries and navigating experiences of otherness in predominantly white recovery spaces. The study contributes to the limited qualitative literature on sponsorship, highlighting minority voices and emphasising the therapeutic value of altruism, connection and community in addiction. Implications for Counselling Psychology include the importance of practitioners empowering clients and fostering agency, potentially encouraging helping and leadership roles. Health care professionals with lived experience may want to consider disclosure as a therapeutic tool for positive outcomes.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Additional Information:	Combined Case Study and Process Report redacted for confidentiality reasons.
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare R Medicine > RB Pathology
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Psychology & Neuroscience School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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