<p>Addiction and Substance use are complicated issues that have a significant impact on a person’s identity and social interactions. To gain a thorough understanding of identity construction and the recovery process, this study aimed to investigate the narratives of substance users in the rehabilitation center. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants selected through purposive sampling at a rehabilitation center in Delhi. The data was analyzed using Catherine Riessman’s Narrative Analysis. Seven core narratives emerged: <i>Substance as the Main Character, Substance as Air, Nostalgia over Lost Life, Confronting the Reality, Oscillating Recovery, Coexistence of Hope and Despair, and Push and Pull of Support</i>. These narratives illustrate the multifaceted nature of addiction, where substances are not merely consumed but become central to identity, daily existence, and interpersonal relationships. The findings provide insights into the complexities of substance use and recovery by highlighting the constant oscillation between hope and despair in the recovery journey, as well as the ambivalent nature of family and society. The study concludes that substance use cannot be understood solely as a disorder. It often becomes intertwined with an individual’s life and narrative. A holistic and humanized approach is necessary to address the personal, familial, and societal factors that influence addiction and recovery.</p>