‘It is Just Habitual’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experience of Long-Term Recovery from Addiction

Abstract

This study explores experiences and understandings of people who have engaged with the process of recovery from alcohol or drug problems over a long period of time. Although there is a large body of research studies on recovery, few have examined long-term recovery from a qualitative perspective. The participants in this study were women who have not used alcohol or drugs for 15 years or longer and who described themselves as 'in recovery'. They have been involved with AA throughout this time. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews in conjunction with participants' drawings. Participants' accounts suggest that their involvement with AA activities and processes over a long period evolved into habitual actions which became interwoven into their ordinary daily activities. It is suggested that the qualitative approach of IPA can be seen as complementing and illuminating quantitative studies. This study can provide a basis for future studies using larger samples or different groups and move towards making more general claims.This study explores experiences and understandings of people who have engaged with the process of recovery from alcohol or drug problems over a long period of time. Although there is a large body of research and empirical data on the short-term effectiveness of various treatment approaches, the majority of these studies have follow-up periods ranging in length from 1 to 24 months (Laudet et al. 2002). Laudet and White (2008, p.28) maintain that 'findings from most studies speak to recovery initiation only, not to the challenges and processes involved in achieving and sustaining long-term recovery' [italics in original]. In addition, they contend that most of the research is mainly focused on treatment outcomes, Int

Reconstructing ‘the Alcoholic’: Recovering from Alcohol Addiction and the Stigma this Entails

“…Although attendance at AA does not necessarily indicate complete endorsement and practice of the 12-step approach (Shinebourne & Smith, 2011), the participants' accounts reflected AA concepts and teachings at many points, and these seemed to have been useful resources for developing a sense of a new, more knowing, reflexive and authentic self. Of course it could be argued that AA's notions of recovery as a life-long process and addiction as a chronic condition (Alcoholics Anonymous, 2001), reinforce and sustain a deviant identity as a 'dry drunk' long after drinking ceases.…”

“…Alcohol addiction has been described several times as an experience of a divided self, leading to a sense of instability and fragmentation (e.g. Denzin, 1987;Shinebourne & Smith, 2011). Here Chris emphasised not just the instability but the internal struggle.…”

“…The research was also not a full exploration of factors which might impact on recovery, but instead focused on the particular issue of the reconstruction of identity following identification with a stigmatising label. Other studies have highlighted the importance for recovery of several additional factors such as supportive others (Kubicek, Morgan & Morrison, 2002), the availability of a prior effective non-user identity (Biernacki, 1986), a sense of empowerment (Yeh, Che, Lee & Horng, 2008) and being supported in developing alternative sober habits (Shinebourne & Smith, 2011;Vaillant, 2005). Therefore the present findings should not be taken as a complete picture of the process of recovery.…”

“…For example, Shinebourne and Smith, (2011) found that for participants in an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) programme, maintaining the habits necessary for abstinence could be experienced as an effortful process. A different picture is provided by Bowden (1998), who describes a spiritual journey to self-knowledge, strengthened will and self-acceptance.…”

The Therapeutic Journeys of Recovering Helpers – an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

“…Shinebourne and Smith (2011b) described this activity as Bself care^, which Foucault characterized with the term Btechnologies of the self^. This so-called practicing takes a lifetime: testing, observing, and monitoring ourselves in terms of who we are, what we do, and what we can do (Foucault 2001).…”