Group membership and social identity in addiction recovery.

Abstract

Despite a growing interest in how group membership can positively impact health, little research has addressed directly the role social identity processes can have on recovery from addiction. Drawing on social identity theory and self-categorization theory, the present study investigated how recovery group membership can introduce a new social identity associated with recovery, compared to the social identity associated with addiction. We hypothesized that two processes--evaluative differentiation and identity preference--would be linked with higher self-efficacy and positive health outcomes (i.e., reduced relapse, lower levels of appetitive behavior, and elevated feelings of social connectedness [Study 2]). Study 1 recruited members (N = 61) from United Kingdom based mutual aid groups of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Study 2 recruited ex-smokers (N = 81) from online sources. In Study 1, evaluative differentiation was significantly related to lowered relapse and reduced appetitive behavior. Identity preference was related to higher levels of self-efficacy, which was related to months drug-free and reduced levels of appetitive behaviors. In Study 2, evaluative differentiation was related to identity preference. Identity preference was also related to higher self-efficacy, which in turn was related to lower relapse. Although exploratory, these results suggest that developing a social identity as a "recovering addict" or an "ex-smoker" and subsequently highlighting the difference between such identities may be a useful strategy for reducing relapse among people with problems associated with addictive behaviors.

Overcoming alcohol and other drug addiction as a process of social identity transition: the social identity model of recovery (SIMOR)

“…SIMOR is also consistent with evidence reported by Buckingham, Frings and Albery (2013) that both substance users and smokers are more likely to remain abstinent if they identify strongly with a recovery group. In other words, as former users come to identify more strongly with recovery-oriented groups, and less strongly with using groups, their likelihood of sustained recovery increases.…”

“…As the individual cultivates their recovery-based social identity through immersion in AA activities and internalisation of AA values, so the social identity associated with their using group is diminished (Buckingham et al, 2013).…”

The influence of groups and alcohol consumption on individual risk-taking

“…The process of social identity formation within recovery groups may help maintain cessation of the addictive substance, alluded to in the social identity model of cessation maintenance (SIMCM; Frings & Albery, 2015;Frings, Collins, Long, Pinto, & Albery, 2016, and the SIMOR model; Best et al, 2016). Here, it is suggested that when individuals are in recovery, moving from a social identity of 'addict' to one associated with recovery such as 'recovering addicts' or 'alcohol abstainers', enhances ones belief of cessation self-efficacy and control (Buckingham, Frings, & Albery, 2013). Furthermore, by identifying with others recovering (e.g., selfhelp group), individuals may feel more protected from 'falling off the wagon' as the group acts as a support (Frings et al, 2016).…”

Addiction, Behavioral Change and Social Identity

“…For example, in a study with former substance users, Buckingham, Frings, and Albery (2013) Dingle, Stark, Cruwys, and Best (2014) expanded upon these ideas by suggesting that relinquishing an addict identity would allow individuals to identify with a 'recovery identity'. They found that amongst those recovering from drug and/or alcohol abuse, treatment outcomes and wellbeing were influenced by identification with the therapeutic community (TC).…”