Imagining a sober self: the role of future, possible selves in recovery from alcohol addiction

Background Previous research has pointed to identity change as key to recovery from AUD and other SUDs. However, the psychological processes involved in such change are relatively unexplored. Findings are presented from a qualitative study, designed and carried out using a constructivist theoretical framework, which aimed to explore accounts of how those with an alcohol use disorder achieve and maintain sobriety. The findings contribute to the literature on identity change, casting light on the early stages of this.Method Eighteen participants (11 men and 7 women), who were attending self-help groups provided by an Alcohol Advisory Service in the UK, were interviewed about their experiences. The data were analyzed using Template Analysis, producing four themes: (i) Anticipating a new sense of self, (ii) Recognizing and owning the need to change, (iii) The role of social relationships in change and (iv) Reconstruction. The paper draws on the first two of these.Findings Participants reported that becoming sober and maintaining a sober lifestyle involved a change in identity triggered by imagining a new, sober self, and the desire for change was precipitated by events or epiphanies (‘turning points’) characterized by significant personal meaning for participants. In addition, participants reported the need to feel in control of their lives and of the change process itself.Recommendations for practice for relevant helping professions are given, such as the use of imaginative role-play to encourage the rehearsal of possible future selves and the verbalization of imagined self-change.