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While a plethora of studies indicating substance use treatment reduced measurable, pathological symptoms, research is still needed to explore treatment-related recovery (i.e., therapeutic changes) derived from a lived experience from clients. The current study used semistructured interviews to query clients' narratives on the process of early recovery in inpatient substance use treatment. The analysis of qualitative data revealed five themes: positive therapeutic changes pertaining to substance use (including substance-related problem recognition, a desire for drug cessation, and a continual need for treatment), emotion regulation, mindfulness and self-awareness, being positive for future outcomes, and changes in conceptualizing important relationships. The findings speak to the importance of promoting changes related to substance use and cultivating co-occurring positive psychological functioning in early recovery. Clinicians may consider integrating a variety of interventions into substance use treatment that help process and regulate emotions, reconnect with client sense of self and personal values, and understand traumatic experiences, which would ultimately facilitate recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]