Social Identities as Pathways into and out of Addiction

Abstract

There exists a predominant identity loss and “redemption” narrative in the addiction literature describing how individuals move from a “substance user” identity to a “recovery” identity. However, other identity related pathways influencing onset, treatment seeking and recovery may exist, and the process through which social identities unrelated to substance use change over time is not well understood. This study was designed to provide a richer understanding of such social identities processes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 adults residing in a drug and alcohol therapeutic community (TC) and thematic analysis revealed two distinct identity-related pathways leading into and out of addiction. Some individuals experienced a loss of valued identities during addiction onset that were later renewed during recovery (consistent with the existing redemption narrative). However, a distinct identity gain pathway emerged for socially isolated individuals, who described the onset of their addiction in terms of a new valued social identity. Almost all participants described their TC experience in terms of belonging to a recovery community. Participants on the identity loss pathway aimed to renew their pre-addiction identities after treatment while those on the identity gain pathway aimed to build aspirational new identities involving study, work, or family roles. These findings help to explain how social factors are implicated in the course of addiction, and may act as either motivations for or barriers to recovery. The qualitative analysis yielded a testable model for future research in other samples and settings.

Greater number of group identifications is associated with healthier behaviour in adolescents

“…Indeed, in line with the Social Identity Model of Cessation Maintenance (Frings & Albery, 2015), and the more recent Social Identity Model of Recovery (Best et al, 2016), work with those suffering from substance use problems has shown that the introduction, development, and maintenance of 'recovery' or 'non-substance using' identities can enhance treatment outcomes amongst those with substance use disorder (e.g. Beckwith, Best, Dingle, Perryman, & Lubman, 2015;Dingle et al, 2015;Dingle, Stark, Cruwys, & Best, 2014).…”

“…Cruwys, Haslam, Fox, & McMahon, 2015;Dingle, Cruwys, & Frings, 2015). This is because defining oneself in terms of a specific identity (such as a substance using identity) may encourage behaviour in accordance with this identity (e.g.…”

Self-Medication with Cannabis in the Czech Republic from an Anthropological Perspective

“…Furthermore, addiction is conceived as a disease and addicted person as its victim. Current research shows that the truth is probably elsewhere: addiction often arises as part of complex processes that primarily involve close relationships (Dingle 2015). Branch (2011) argues that addiction is also largely influenced by the decision and will of the user.…”

An evaluation of intervention system for addicted children in Turkey

“…In addition to rapid change of social structure, efforts to adapt to new life styles, unemployment, poverty, access to drugs, and culture pave the way for addiction. Dingle, Cruwys and Frings (2015) draw attention the literature based on individual factors about addiction and emphasize the importance of social factors, which are involved in every stage of the development of and recovery from addiction.…”