A Phenomenological Study: Exploring the Meaning of Spirituality in Long-term Recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McInerney, Kevin; Cross, Ainslea
• Is Part Of: Alcoholism treatment quarterly. Volume 39:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 282
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Alcoholics Anonymous -- alcohol use disorder -- behavior change -- interpretative phenomenological analysis -- long-term recovery -- secular spirituality; Alcoholism -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 613.81
• DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2021.1895016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-7324

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is framed within a broad notion of spirituality, in which members are encouraged to nurture personal concepts of spirituality. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), semi-structured interview study was conducted, to explore the role of spirituality for five members of A.A. with long-term recovery (LTR) from alcohol use disorder (AUD). Three higher-order themes, conceptualizing spirituality as a secular and existential phenomenon were identified. The study highlights the role of secular spirituality as a coping mechanism in LTR, demonstrating that A.A. can be an effective treatment for individuals wishing to recover from AUD, regardless of their belief systems.