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Negotiating an alcoholic identity within the Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve-Step recovery model: A narrative inquiry

Rankine, Janette

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Authors

Janette Rankine



Abstract

Although the only requirement for membership to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a desire to stop drinking, the claiming of an alcoholic identity is perceived to be the first step towards recovery within the AA Twelve-Step model. US based literature has documented both positive and negative effects of adopting an alcoholic identity, especially in relation to shame. Building on existing literature, whilst adopting a narrative epistemology, the present qualitative study explores how 4 male UK AA members who have adopted the alcoholic label, negotiate this identity through their personal stories. The participants were interviewed face to face and were encouraged to share with me their stories of managing alcohol addiction within the AA framework. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to a narrative analysis, with a particular focus on issues of identity and how this is achieved within the data. Findings suggest that the identity transition from a drinking non-alcoholic to a sober recovering alcoholic is often an internally conflicting experience. Within the obtained accounts, the problem of alcohol dependence is primarily positioned within the self, thus entrenching an individualist and potentially pathologizing view of alcohol addiction. Popular imagery and discourses surrounding narratives of ‘alcoholism’ are explored as part of the conflicting process of claiming the alcoholic identity. The spiritual dimension of the Twelve-Step approach is emplotted in all the stories as key to the transition towards living a more morally directed, less shameful life as a ‘recovering alcoholic’. Hedonistic and eudaimonic senses of well-being are identified and compared within the alcoholic identity transition narratives, within the context of the spiritual aspects of recovery within AA. The reconstruction of the self from a drinking non-alcoholic, to a sober alcoholic in recovery, encompasses much more than the behavioral change of not drinking. It appears to involve embracing a relational identity from where new meaningful connections to others are forged and both personal and communal agency are heightened. In contrast, feelings of powerlessness and isolation are woven through the participant narratives prior to adopting the recovering alcoholic identity. Findings also suggest that the valuable community identity and support that the AA fellowship provides, could also be offered in other areas through changes in community infra-structure. Including social enterprises that are easily accessible for those who do not see AA and the Twelve-Step model as suitable for them. These types of systemic change may provide fruitful ways to balance the potential shortcomings of more individual psychological approaches employed in the treatment of alcohol dependency.

Citation

Rankine, J. Negotiating an alcoholic identity within the Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve-Step recovery model: A narrative inquiry. (Thesis). University of the West of England. Retrieved from https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/4971609

Thesis Type Thesis
Deposit Date Jan 2, 2020
Publicly Available Date May 7, 2020
Keywords Alcoholic Identity, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narrative Inquiry, Social Constructionism
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/4971609
Award Date May 7, 2020

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