Overcoming addiction without formal treatment : A qualitative study of the process of self-managed change
Date
2008-12-22T10:19:47Z
Authors
Pryce, Deborah Jane
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Abstract
This study explores the narratives of individuals who have overcome an addiction
without formal treatment through a process of self-managed change. The research
was conducted from a qualitative perspective that was grounded in social
constructionist methodology. Six individuals were interviewed and the transcripts
formed the texts for analysis. The analysis is divided into two sections. The first
section looks at narrative as genre and content. It explores the type of narrative
genres utilized by participants and looks at the spheres of meaning within the
content of their narratives. The second section of the analysis looks at narrative as
social construction and action. It explores participants’ constructions of addiction,
formal treatment and recovery and it examines the way language is used to
distance construction of self in the past from constructions of self in the present.
Furthermore, the analysis observes the narratives as social actions embedded in
social worlds, raising awareness of the stream of power that flows within the
storytelling.
The narratives collected in this study illustrate that overcoming addiction without
formal treatment through a process of self-managed change is possible. They
demonstrate the power that individuals can have over the substances to which they
become addicted. They challenge the presuppositions that formal treatment is
necessary. This study thus seeks to mobilize resistance against the dominant
narratives of addiction in society.
By contesting these narratives within the social world, this research aims to open
up a space for previously marginalized voices to be heard. Investigation indicates
that this is most likely the first study on overcoming addiction without formal
treatment conducted in South Africa. It is significant therefore in that it serves to
break a silence.
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Keywords
addiction, without formal treatment, qualitative, self-managed change