This book explores the role of self-medication in reflexive response to victimhood and victim recovery. Based on interviews, counsellor focus groups and a self-medication survey, it situates self-medication among the coping strategies that may be set in formal and informal networks. Victims primarily seek validation, and this book reviews self-medication with particular focus on how victim-survivors develop a variety of reflexive responses in their attempt to carve out a dignified response to victimization. Validation may be achieved through the pursuit of justice, but many victims suffer from multiple or complex victimisation, with limited social chances necessary to achieve a just outcome. Routines, beliefs and an ordered pathway distinguish a dignified identity and more or less successful recovery adaptations. This book also addresses the practical implications of the findings for support organisations.

Considers recovery narratives and the variety of reflexive responses to victimization

Chapter 1. Victims of Crimes, Self-medication and Narratives of (In)justice.- Chapter 2. Methods, collaboration with VSS and victim reflexivity.- Chapter 3. Self-medication and avoidance coping.- Chapter 4. Validation - informal and formal support in narratives of recovery.- Chapter 5. Adaptations in recovery.- Chapter 6. Meaning work and chance.- Chapter 7. Validation, Chance and Justice.