| Learning Objective #1: Describe knowledge of the experience of recovery from alcoholism for a diverse group of recovering alcoholic women | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe knowledge of the experience of recovery from alcoholism as it is lived |
Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disease which afflicts both men and women. While there is no known cure for alcoholism, recovery from the disease is possible. What is known about recovery from alcoholism has been learned by studying male alcoholics. Little is known about female alcoholics and their recovery experiences. The purpose of the Phenomenological study was to describe women's experiences of recovery from alcoholism, and to identify the contextual factors that foster or hinder their recovery processes. Criteria for participation were: women self-identifying as recovering from alcoholism; aged 25 years and older; able to converse in English; and abstinent from alcohol use for a minimum of two consecutive years. Eleven women (7 Caucasians, 3 African-Americans, 1 native-American Indian, 8 heterosexuals, and 3 lesbians) were recruited through purposive sampling from the self help groups of Alcoholics Anonymous, Seculars for Sobriety, and Women for Sobriety, and ranged in age from 32 to 76 years. Data were collected through individual audiotaped interviews that lasted about 45 minutes. Analyzed data revealed the following themes and subthemes: (1)Living in the Abyss with subthemes of Hitting Botton, Experiencing an Epiphany,Accepting the Disease of Alcoholism; (2)Leaving the Abyss with subthemes of Making a Commitment to Recovery, Struggling to Maintain Sobriety, Dealing with Stigmatization; (3) Maintaining Recovery with subthemes of Working a Program of Recovery, Recognizing Triggers to Relapse; and (4) Living a New Life with subthemes of Experiencing Inner Peace and Believing in Self. Knowledge from this study may be used to inform nurse clinicians, nurse educators, and nurses involved in public policy decisions about the experiences of recovery for alcoholic women.
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