Tools
Tools
Notley, Caitlin 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0876-3304, Houghton, Ben, Maskrey, Vivienne, Holland, Richard, Lingford-Hughes, Anne, Punukollu, Bhaskar, Duka, Theodora and Kouimtsidis, Christos
(2022)
An exploration of identity change in post-detoxification alcohol dependent individuals.
Drugs, Habits and Social Policy, 23 (1).
pp. 48-61.
ISSN 2752-6739
Preview |
PDF (Drugs and alchol today accepted manuscript 11-10-21)
- Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives. Download (487kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Purpose: Dependent alcohol use is a severe addictive disorder with significant enduring consequences for health and social functioning. This study aims to inductively explore the process of identity change for alcohol dependent people progressing through a “pre-habilitation” intervention, alcohol detoxification and post-detoxification recovery support. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative study as a part of a process evaluation situated within a UK feasibility trial of a group-based intervention in preparation for structured alcohol detoxification. Semi-structured qualitative interviews (face-to-face or telephone) collected self-reported data on experiences of treatment provision as part of the feasibility trial. Thematic analysis of transcripts and iterative categorisation of identity-related themes and concepts was conducted with verification of analysis undertaken by a second coder. Findings: Identity change was revealed in participant narratives around the meta themes of external (social-identity) and internal (self-identity) concepts. External influences impacting social identity were key, having influenced initiation into alcohol use, influencing acceptance of the stigmatised “alcoholic” label and then being central to the treatment journey. Internal influences on self-identity also impacted on the process of identity change. In recovery, there was hope in discovering a new “normal” identity or rediscovering normality. Originality/value: Analysis demonstrates that moving from regular alcohol use to problematic use is a journey of identity change that is influenced at the macro (cultural), meso (group) and micro (relational) social levels. Throughout the treatment journey, social influences in gaining a new non-drinker identity are key. Findings suggest a need for long-term support through treatment and community-based groups specifically to foster positive identity change that may not have been addressed previously.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | Funding Information: Department of Health, National Institute for Health Research, PB-PG-0815-20014. |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | alcohol treatment,detox,identity,qualitative,recovery,relapse,social science,public health, environmental and occupational health,health(social science),psychiatry and mental health,clinical psychology,health policy,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2739 |
| Faculty \ School: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School |
| UEA Research Groups: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Norwich Institute for Healthy Aging Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | LivePure Connector |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Oct 2021 02:17 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Dec 2024 01:37 |
| URI: | https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/81676 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/DHS-04-2021-0021 |
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |