Beyond the bridge. Steps towards an ecology of sobriety: A study of long -term recovering alcoholics.
Item
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Title
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Beyond the bridge. Steps towards an ecology of sobriety: A study of long -term recovering alcoholics.
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Identifier
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AAI9997095
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identifier
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9997095
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Creator
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Hildebrand, Lenore.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Paul Kurzman
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Date
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2001
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work
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Abstract
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An exploratory study of the experiences of 30 long-term recovering alcoholics sober in Alcoholics Anonymous for 10 or more years. Subjects selected were representative of a diverse urban population. A researcher-developed interview guide was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the long-term recovery process---how these individuals got sober, how they stayed sober, and why they remained sober and still active attenders of A.A. Nine themes emerged: (1) reasons for entering A.A.; (2) intensity of A.A. involvement; (3) milestones in the recovery process; (4) non-A.A. supports to recovery; (5) changing views of self and personal identity; (6) alterations in work and professional life; (7) changes in social life and environmental context; (8) development of spirituality; and (9) meaning and significance of long-term sobriety. The study applied narrative theory, a cultural competency perspective and an ecological framework to an interpretation of the data. Subjects managed to develop, foster, and maintain their own self-created ecology or culture of sobriety which served as a counterpoint to a larger social context dominated by what some have called a "culture of drinking." The study was designed to bridge a gap between the research and practice communities, provide a linkage between A.A. and the professional treatment community, improve the integration of alcoholism treatment with social work practice, and contribute to a more positive understanding of the alcoholic in recovery.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
