Women's Membership and Retention in the Nar-Anon Twelve-Step Program: A Qualitative Study in Yazd, Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Social Work and Social Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

2 Yazd, Iran

3 Assistant professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

Abstract

Drug addiction is a physical, mental, and psychological behavior disorder that, due to its progressive nature,endangers the health of the individual, family, and society in all aspects of life. And its dire consequences do not only affect the addict, but usually the spouse, children, extended family, circle of friends, and colleagues, etc., will be exposed to its devastating effects. This study examines the reasons for participating in the Nar-Anon Twelve-Step Program and staying in it among women in Yazd. The method of this research was qualitative, using the content analysis method. The data for this study was obtained through in-depth interviews with 20 women participating in the Nar-Anon program, who were selected through purposive sampling. The data was analyzed using Brown and Clark's six-step coding. The results of the study indicate three major factors for women entering the Nar-Anon program, including damaged personality, spouse's psychosocial defects, and poor living conditions, which were summarized in the final theme of insecure living. Also, the main factors for women staying in the program include growth, personal improvement, a sense of peace, empathy from the guide and group members, and improved living conditions, which was discussed with the final theme of enhancing the quality of life.

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Main Subjects

Strategic Research on Social Problems

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 May 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 16 May 2026
  • Publish Date: 16 May 2026

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