Addiction and identity: Exploring the possibility of a relationship.

Abstract

Evidence gathered from a focused review of research on addiction and identity shows that identification with an addiction may lead to increased involvement in the addictive activity; whereas identification with behaviors incompatible with an addiction may lead to reduced involvement in the addictive activity. The contention that labeling a behavior addictive fosters identification with and involvement in that activity produced mixed results, suggesting that a number of variables may moderate the relationship between labeling and long-term outcome. Recommendations for future research on the proposed addiction-identity connection are discussed.

Preventing relapse and maintaining change in addictive behaviors.

“…In a recent review of the AVE literature, Walters (1996) found that 71% of 14 published studies testing the AVE provided full or congruent support for the model across addictive behaviors. Comparisons of these studies are hampered by use of different outcome measures and variables (e.g., assessment of global and specific negative emotions) as well as differing definitions of lapse and relapse.…”

Developing a research agenda for reducing the stigma of addictions, part II: Lessons from the mental health stigma literature

“…Research about identity and addiction seems to echo studies about the risks of disease identification and mental illness. Namely, people who identify with their addiction are more likely to remain addicted and have poorer outcomes . In fact, an adaptive goal of treatment might be to replace addiction identity with recovery identity .…”

Creation as transformation: Parenting as a turning point in drug users’ lives

“…However, simply recognising and building on the attitudes and capabilities needed for good parenting might not be enough to enable people to quit using drugs. There are also potential links to be made between childhood trauma, drug misuse and parenting, and the impact of unprocessed trauma on a person's sense of identity (Herman, ; Lubit et al, ; Meares, ) and behaviour as a parent (Anderson, ; Koski‐Jannes, ; O'Connor, ; Walters, ).…”