Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Publication Title

Journal of Transformative Learning

Volume

12

Issue

1

Pages

18-32

Abstract

With the rise in overdose and problematic drug use in the United States, it is crucial to develop competent human service practitioners in addiction treatment and recovery settings. This qualitative study explores the virtual abstinence experience of distance learning human services students, using Mezirow’s transformative learning theory to examine how a 21-day experiential abstinence prompts critical reflection and perspective transformation. The study investigates the socio-emotional and physiological factors influencing participants' progress toward sobriety, including cravings, withdrawal, isolation, and relapse triggers. Findings highlight how participants' critical reflection leads to a deeper understanding of addiction and recovery, as well as an enhanced ability to conceptualize client needs and design person-centered recovery plans. This research underscores the role of transformative learning in developing more effective and empathetic addiction treatment practitioners.

Rights

© 2026 Chaniece Winfield, Jill Kivikoski, Catalina Kraft.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) License.

ORCID

0009-0009-5503-2222 (Winfield), 0009-0001-8214-7182 (Kivikoski), 0009-0008-5512-4322 (Kraft)

Original Publication Citation

Winfield, C., Kivikoski, J., & Kraft, C. (2025). Navigating recovery: Insights from distance learning human services students' abstinence experience. Journal of Transformative Learning, 12(1), 18-32. https://jotl.uco.edu/index.php/jotl/article/view/534

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