Narratives of Change: Identity and Recognition Dynamics in the Process of Moving Away From a Life Dominated by Drug Use

Abstract

The concepts of identity and recovery capital are recognized as being an embedded part of moving away from a life dominated by drug use. However, the link between these two concepts and the effect of broader social structures, and the normative assumptions underpinning the condition of recovery, is less explored. This article focuses on the social practices of everyday life in the foreground of identity formation, meaning that “who I am” is an inseparable part of “what I do.” A narrative approach was employed to analyze qualitative follow-up data extracted from 48 in-depth interviews with 17 males and females with drug-using experience that were conducted posttreatment on three separate occasions over a period of 2.5 years. Theories of identity formation were employed to analyze the interdependent dynamic between social structure, persona and social resources, and way of life and identity. The analyses identified four narratives related to how people present themselves through the process of changing practices. Following the work of Honneth, we argue that the positive identity formation revealed in these narratives is best understood as a struggle for recognition via the principle of achievement. However, the participants’ self-narratives reflected cultural stories—specified as formula stories—of “normality,” “addiction,” and the “addict,” which work into the concepts of self and confine options of storying experiences during the recovery process. This study demonstrate that the process of recovery is culturally embedded and constitutes a process of adaption to conventional social positions and roles. We suggest challenging dominant discourses related to “addiction as a disease” and “normality” in order to prevent stigma related to drug use and recovery. In so doing, it may contribute to broaden conditions for identity (trans)formation for people in recovery.

Self‐interpellation in narratives about craving: Multiple and unitary selves

“…Focus was instead on how participants in their narratives drew upon different discursive resources when making sense of craving. The study thus follows a similar analytical path as Robertson et al (2021), who explored how the self-presentations of people using drugs were shaped by the settings they found themselves in and the discursive resources they had at their disposal (see also Andersen, 2015). Highlighting that personal narratives always achieve something in the context they are uttered (Bamberg, 2004), it should be noted that the data analysed here stem from research interviews with participants who were encouraged to make sense of craving experiences.…”

“…We also discuss how such ‘self‐interpellations’ mirror the recovery identities that addiction treatment builds on and propagates (see also, Fomiatti et al., 2017 , 2019 ; Hammer et al., 2012 ; Keane, 2001 ; Neale et al., 2011 ; Pienaar & Dilkes‐Frayne, 2017 ). Understandings of addiction‐related phenomena are profoundly shaped by available ‘discursive resources’ (Robertson et al., 2021 ) or ‘conceptual categories’ (Reinarman, 2005 , p. 316), and these resources are key to consider when scrutinising craving narratives. Thus, a sociologically informed perspective on these narratives has much to offer a field that typically relies on individualistic interpretations of addiction and recovery.…”

“…Our aim here is to unearth how ideas related to identity, inherent in AA and RP, are reflected in personal narratives (see also, Andersen, 2015 ; Cain, 1991 ; Keane, 2001 ; Pienaar & Dilkes‐Frayne, 2017 ; Robertson et al., 2021 ). We draw theoretically on insights from work on narrative identity (Bamberg, 2012 ), and ask: What discursive resources are used when people who have engaged in talk therapies narrate craving?…”

Performing normality in working life among heavy substance users

“…We noticed that phone interviews facilitated the feeling of anonymity among the participants and increased their willingness to talk about sensitive subjects, such as heavy substance use. While conducting the interviews over the phone, we sensed that the participants felt more in control of the situation and more open to disclose intimate details about their lives than they would have been face to face, perhaps resulting in more honest, rich and in-depth data ( Khalil et al, 2021 ; Novick, 2008 ; Trier-Bieniek, 2012 ).…”

“…While heavy substance use causes serious problems for working life, research also recognises that heavy users often try to continue working as long as possible since it makes their lives more meaningful, helps them to keep their daily routines and motivates them to maintain "normality" and represent themselves as responsible "good citizens" (Cebulla et al, 2004). Correspondingly, lack of employment may create a feeling of personal failure, resulting in experiences of shame and worthlessness (Robertson et al, 2021a(Robertson et al, , 2021b. In order to continue their working lives, heavy substance users may need to develop techniques to use substances when working.…”