Accentuating the positive: The gendered identities of male problem-drinkers, and the questions these pose for the counselling profession

Abstract

Background: Few published studies have addressed the male experience of alcohol dependency. Aim: This paper seeks to address this deficiency and to highlight aspects of the male experience relevant to the counselling and psychotherapy profession. Methods: Six men in recovery from alcohol dependency participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings: A grounded theory analysis elicited five core categories, Beginning to Drink, Paying for Gain with Pain, Reaching Rock Bottom, Struggling to Recover and Leading a New Life. Despite the pain they had experienced, participants' narratives were matter-of-fact and goal-oriented. Low self-esteem was expressed indirectly. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with socialisation models of alcoholism. Counsellors, and the wider profession, must be alert for the male under-reporting of emotional distress.

Keywords:

• alcohol dependency
• masculinity
• low self-esteem
• gender
• emotion

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Tony Priest for his helpful guidance and to our participants for generously sharing their stories.