Dyson Jane
The Open University.
J Fam Health Care. 2007;17(6):211-4.
Despite the increasing incidence of alcohol misuse and the costs it incurs, British society continues to hold equivocal and ambiguous attitudes towards drinking, and understanding of the nature of alcohol dependence and related issues is limited. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the experiences of individuals with alcohol dependence to enhance understanding of the illness, identify key issues and common themes and provide insight into the experiences of the participants during their alcohol dependent period and recovery.
A qualitative approach, using narrative method, was used. Eight participants, all members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), were interviewed by the researchers. Using a grounded theory approach and content analysis, the in-depth narratives of the eight participants were systematically analysed.
While participants continued to deny the existence of a problem to those around them, their behaviours indicated that they were aware of the problem but were afraid to admit it openly through fear of other people's reactions. Participants generally regarded GPs as helpful but other health professionals less so, especially nurses and Accident and Emergency staff. Participants considered that the success of treatment depended on their own motivation and willingness to engage in radical behaviour change. They considered that reaching this stage represented a turning point in their illness. The point at which this stage was reached appeared to be different for each participant.
This systematic analysis of a small sample of alcohol dependent individuals gives insight into their experiences during alcohol dependency and the journey to recovery. The findings suggest that denial of the problem to the outside world occurs simultaneously with individuals being aware of their problem. Participants felt the illness carries a stigma and their negative experiences of health professionals other than GPs suggests that nurses and other health workers need to revise their understanding of alcohol dependence and their approach to it. AA was a significant factor in recovery for these participants.
尽管酒精滥用的发生率不断上升及其造成的成本高昂，但英国社会对饮酒仍持模棱两可的态度，对酒精依赖的本质及相关问题的理解有限。这项定性研究旨在调查酒精依赖者的经历，以增进对该疾病的理解，确定关键问题和共同主题，并深入了解参与者在酒精依赖期及康复过程中的经历。
采用定性研究方法，运用叙事法。研究人员对八名均为匿名戒酒互助会（AA）成员的参与者进行了访谈。运用扎根理论方法和内容分析，对这八名参与者的深度叙述进行了系统分析。
虽然参与者继续向周围的人否认存在问题，但他们的行为表明他们意识到了问题，但由于担心他人的反应而不敢公开承认。参与者普遍认为全科医生有帮助，但其他医疗专业人员则不然，尤其是护士和急诊工作人员。参与者认为治疗的成功取决于他们自己的动机以及参与彻底行为改变的意愿。他们认为达到这一阶段代表了他们疾病的转折点。每个参与者达到这一阶段的时间点似乎都不同。
对一小部分酒精依赖个体的系统分析深入了解了他们在酒精依赖和康复过程中的经历。研究结果表明，对外界否认问题与个人意识到自己的问题同时存在。参与者感到这种疾病带有污名，他们对全科医生以外的医疗专业人员的负面经历表明，护士和其他医护人员需要重新审视他们对酒精依赖的理解及其处理方式。匿名戒酒互助会对这些参与者的康复是一个重要因素。
