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.

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.