Navigating Recovery: Insights from Distance Learning Human Services Students' Abstinence Experience

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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.

Author Biographies

Dr. Chaniece Winfield, Old Dominion University

Dr. Chaniece Winfield ACS LPC LSATP RPT-S MAC CAADC CSAC HS-BCP CRP is an Assistant Professor of Human Services with Old Dominion University where she specializes in addiction education and clinical practitioner competency in the substance use and addiction field.  Dr. Winfield has over 17 years of experience providing substance use disorder, mental health and play therapy services to individuals and families across the lifespan. Her professional experience includes practice in both private and public agencies providing individual, group, and family services within outpatient, community based and educational settings. She has over 17 years of experience as a behavioral health professional providing counseling to low income and historically marginalized communities. She has been the recipient of several awards and honors related to her teaching innovation, contributions to the field human services as well as her mentorship and development of emerging human service professionals.

Her research interests include addiction practitioner development, experiential teaching strategies, ethics, and the practitioner experience.

Jill Kivikoski, Old Dominion University

Jill Kivikoski is a doctoral learner in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Old Dominion University. She completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, fortifying a dedication to fostering positive change, holistic wellness, and equity within intersecting counselor and counselor educator capacities. Coupling professional experiences in community behavioral health with personal healing and resilience, she embodies a holistic approach, growth-mindset, and commitments to social justice, relational health, and community well-being. She is thrilled to be exploring research agenda concerning subjects such as technology, counselor identity development, resiliency, and workplace culture and wellness. 

Catalina Kraft, Old Dominion University

Catalina Kraft is a second-year doctoral student at Old Dominion University where she studies Education with a Counseling concentration. She has experience as an administrative, teaching, and research graduate assistant and a Resident in Counseling. Her career goals include becoming fully licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor and working in academia as a professor. Her research interests include professional counselor identity development, counselor education, and social justice. 

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Published

2026-01-05

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Chaniece Winfield, Jill Kivikoski, Catalina Kraft

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