Diary reports on emotional experiences in the onset of a psychosocial transition: Becoming drug-free

The process of becoming drug free is viewed as a psychosocial transition in the life of drug addicts. A specific form of treatment of heroin addiction within residential communities is based on the importance of interpersonal relationships for change. Well-being of 65 drug addicts during the first 2 weeks in a residential community is explored using a time-sampling diary which was completed four times a day. The influence of subjects' history, situational context, and motive activation on well-being and emotions is investigated. Results show that well-being and emotions differ mainly according to subjects' history, but not - at least at the beginning of treatment within the community - according to situations. This is interpreted as a 'state of shock' in the new environment and highlights the necessity for special individual care for subjects with a long drug career. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.