Contrarius Series: Law & Social Justice
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Contrarius Series: Law & Social Justice

Embodied Recovery: Phenomenological Reflections on Sensory Human Rights in Asian Drug Rehabilitation Spaces




Article Info

Publish Date
20 Jan 2026

Abstract

Drug rehabilitation in Asia remains dominated by coercive approaches that often disregard the human body as a central medium of healing. This paper introduces the concept of Embodied Recovery, grounded in Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology of embodiment and Ibn Sīnā’s model of sensory and cognitive perception, to examine the sensory and bodily dimensions of rehabilitation. Using a desk review approach, this study aims (1) to identify the characteristics and implications of coercive rehabilitation practices across Asia; (2) to analyze the relationship between bodily sensory experience and the recovery process; and (3) to assess the application of human rights–based rehabilitation within the Maqasid al-Shariah framework. Findings reveal that neglecting sensory and embodied experiences weakens cognitive and moral restoration, as the senses serve as the primary gateway to reason (‘aql). When the body’s sensory engagement is suppressed, rehabilitation risks perpetuating psychological distress and spiritual disconnection. The study concludes that integrating phenomenological and Islamic perspectives offers a more ethical, human-centered model of recovery one that recognizes sensory awareness as fundamental to holistic well-being and human dignity in accordance with Maqasid al-Shariah.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

LSJCP

Publisher

Subject

Education Energy Environmental Science Health Professions Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Public Health Social Sciences

Description

Contrarius Series: Law & Social Justice is an Proceedings Open Access publication series dedicated to archiving conference proceedings in all areas related to Law, Crime, Environment, Energy, Education, Economic, Tourism and Social Justice. The Contrarius Series: Law & Social Justice covers the ...