"We all need Purpose and Reason to be here.": A Qualitative Investigation of howmembers of Alcoholics Anonymous with Long-term Recovery Experience Aging. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McInerney, Kevin; Garip, Gulcan; Benson, Tony
• Is Part Of: Alcoholism treatment quarterly. Volume 40:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 100
• Page End: 115
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Alcoholics Anonymous -- aging -- alcohol use disorder -- health -- interpretative phenomenological analysis -- logotherapy -- long-term recovery; Alcoholism -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 613.81
• DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2021.1947165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-7324

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and theoretically framed within Frankl's logotherapy, the current paper explored how members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) with long-term recovery (LTR) experience aging and health-related issues. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore the lived experiences of three older members of AA with LTR. IPA revealed five higher-order group concepts: spirituality, being in the present, acceptance, self-esteemandfellowship: a support network. Interpretation of the themes revealed that LTR in AA is beneficial in helping individuals transition to later life, develop coping mechanisms for poor health and find a purpose and meaning to life.