Exploring the systemic influences in complex stories: the case of migrants and adults recovering from substance abuse

The complexity of stories and challenges faced by individuals from particularly vulnerable groups such as recovering substance users and people going through forced migration is thoroughly discussed in the literature. Though, their difficulties such as navigating cultural adaptation that comes with changing the place of residence or experiencing isolation due to denied family support as a result of getting caught up in the depths of addiction are rarely considered in their relation to career-related questions. This study aims to contribute to closing this gap in the literature by taking the integrative perspective suggested by the Systems Theory Framework, which puts emphasis on including living systems that are usually overlooked. Using the My System of Career Influences tool allows the identification of multiple systems of influences that can give insights into the roots and the dynamics of difficulties these vulnerable individuals have in planning their future and pursuing positive goals. Through the multiple level analysis of their narratives, both specificities and commonalities emerge, along with some suggestions that can have high potential for practice.