| The study of self-change or natural recovery is in its infancy. Studies to date have yielded inconsistent results with regard to what triggers the recovery of individuals who stop drinking without treatment. This study interviewed participants recruited from the community to investigate factors that may influence self-recovery. After asking open-ended questions about influences on self-change, the inquiry increasingly narrowed to ask in more detail about the influence of family factors. A semi-structured interview and numerous paper and pencil questionnaires were administered to two groups of participants. Men and women who previously had a drinking problem of at least five years, who had been abstinent for at least two years, and who had resolved this problem with minimal, if any, treatment served as the experimental group ( n = 18). The control group included men and women who currently had a drinking problem of at least five years and who also had minimal, if any, treatment (n = 15). Results suggest that unhappiness within an important romantic relationship and experiencing life events which negatively impact one's life may serve as an impetus to change, and that feeling supported by and cohesive with one's family may give an individual the strength and/or encouragement to do so. |
