Exploring the processes involved in long-term recovery from chronic alcohol addiction within an abstinence-based model: Implications for practice

Abstract

Background: There is little consensus at policy or treatment level as to what defines ‘recovery’ in the alcohol addiction field. Aim: From interviewing a cohort of eight severely alcohol-dependent people who fulfilled all categories of DSM-IV and ICD 10 diagnostic criteria and had achieved long-term recovery (LTR) of between 8 and 48 years, and who are long-term AA members, a definition of recovery that is inclusive, and achievable, was sought from their lived experiences. Methodology: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. Findings: This research uncovers the processes involved in long-term recovery, and identifies them as: sober; maintaining sobriety; and recovery. It suggests a move away from the acute model of cure by brief, time-limited therapy, towards a model of sustained, on-going and life-long recovery management, combined with pro-social aid resources. Individuals need to observe, and hear, the success narratives of others, and the therapeutic conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence need to be strongly experienced by the individual.

Keywords:

• sobriety
• recovery
• abstinence
• shame
• chronic addiction
• counselling
• alcohol

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Richard Davis (colleague) and Janette Torrance (ex-colleague), at the University of Central Lancashire, for their input into this research.