Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric condition that includes difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control. Numerous studies have demonstrated that ADHD often co-occurs with problematic substance use. Furthermore, such co-morbidity implies a risk of various aggravating circumstances. While the state of knowledge in this area is relatively well-developed on an aggregated level, the number of qualitative studies remains limited. The present study is based on an empirical material in the form of life stories from six young adults with experience of ADHD and problematic substance use. A two-step analysis has been conducted, where the first, in the form of thematic analysis, reveals three overarching themes: Struggles navigating ADHD medications and substance use, Managing ADHD through substance use, and Strategies for navigating ADHD and substance use. In the second step of analysis, theories of narrative identity are employed to enhance the understanding of aspects of identity in the stories about ADHD and substance use. Specifically, the theory of temporal ambiguity of recovery identities is used to shed light on processes of identity in narratives on ADHD and substance use. The results are discussed in the context of previous research and how they can be applied in social work practice.

Background: Understanding challenges in alcohol consumption is crucial when considering recovery approaches beyond abstinence. This study investigates the narratives that people with former alcohol or other drug (AOD) problems use to describe their alcohol use during recovery, focusing on abstinence, relapse, craving, problematic and unproblematic consumption. Methods: 33 individuals were interviewed 10 years after completed psychosocial treatment for AOD problems in Sweden. They were grouped based on their perspectives on alcohol consumption and analyzed thematically. Results: Participants who described alcohol use as a relapse used the terminology prevalent in treatment, particularly 12-step programs. Participants not defining alcohol consumption as a relapse described varying levels of consumption, from occasional use to extensive consumption that was understood as potentially problematic. In the latter group, narratives about alcohol use and consequence management appeared to be anchored in the participants’ self-perception and self-efficacy. Conclusions: Viewing recovery as a dynamic process challenges traditional relapse definitions. Alcohol problems exist on a continuum, making self-efficacy crucial. Concepts like relapse can both support and hinder recovery. Long-term and recurrent support interventions are recommended throughout the recovery process.

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the occurrence and management of alcohol and other drugs(AOD) and mental health problems among women who have initiated a recovery process after treatment,focusing on how the recovery processes from these problems relate to each other over time.Design/methodology/approach – Thirty women were interviewed three times over a 10-year period. Allwomen had undergone treatment for AOD problems. Trajectories of both AOD use and experiences ofmental health problems, based on the women’s own descriptions, were analyzed.Findings – The results are presented in flowcharts that show heterogeneous trajectories for theseproblems and how they relate to each other. A qualitative analysis further reveals that remaining andsometimes reoccurring problems are interpreted differently over time. This implies that the need forsupport varies both with the type of problem and in relation to other contextual factors during the lifecourse.Originality/value – The results generate new knowledge about how recovery processes from AOD andmental health problems in women relate to each other over time, from a first-person perspective

Aim: The study examines how Swedish welfare professionals linguistically construct and legitimize support for concerned significant others (CSOs) of individuals with alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems. This is studied through the professionals’ understandings of AOD problems and how power relations embedded in their language shape the CSO role. Methods: Semi-structured interviews involving 10 AOD therapists and 10 family care consultants in Sweden were analyzed using Fairclough's critical discourse analysis. Results: The findings reveal three key logics, in which the CSOs are understood. First, professionals position themselves as educators, aiming to make CSOs understand AOD problems “correctly”. Second, AOD problems are described as an evil force, making CSOs appear passive and reactive. Third, medical and resistance discourses dominate, portraying the AOD problem as an uncontrollable disease, legitimizing strategies such as boundary-setting and self-care. While use of these discourses is argued to reduce stigma and challenge traditional caregiving roles, it also pathologizes CSOs, reinforcing professional authority while limiting CSOs’ perceived capacity for self-determined action and imposing an expectation of self-sufficiency. Conclusions: The study highlights how medicalization influences CSO support by describing caregiving as dysfunctional, which legitimizes professional intervention while limiting CSOs’ agency. The findings highlight the need for an integrated approach balancing medical and resistance discourses with relational perspectives that emphasize social support.

Relationship-building skills, with empathy and empathic abilities as crucial ingredients,are described as central in human service professions. These professions usuallyrequire training on relationship-building skills. However, in many professional groups,with support or care functions, rather than functions specifically oriented towardstreatment, the level of education and training required varies.Empathic skills are central in the concept of Motivational Interviewing (MI). It has beensuggested that for the ethical reason that treatment staff should not harm clients,workplaces should assess staff members’ empathic skills and ability to refrain fromharmful behaviours, and these capabilities should be investigated when recruitingnew staff. In accordance with this suggestion, the residential homes at the SwedishNational Board of Institutional Care (SiS), which provides compulsory care for youngpeople, initiated a project to develop and trial a work test based on the concept of MI.The aim of the article is to, based on 59 interviews with stakeholders in the SiS-project,add to the discussion on the balancing act required in evidence-based practise ofmaintaining psychometric stringency versus making contextual and situationaladjustments. Focus is on exploring the possibilities for using and interpreting measuresof MI in a new setting as well as the possibilities for assessing relationship-buildingskills in the recruitment process.The results suggest that tinkering is often necessary when using standardisedmeasures for complex skills like relationship building. The study proposes that anuanced understanding of the method, measurement, and organisational context isessential even with well-established methods.