The process of losing meaning in life among alcoholics

초록

This study explores the process of alcoholics losing their meaning in life. We collected memoirs about alcohol addiction published by A.A. Korea and selected 37 cases clarifying the addiction and loss-of-hope processes. Data were analysed using qualitative case-study methods to identify each stage of alcoholism. The process of losing meaning in life was divided into seven stages: 1. Drinking; 2. Dependence; 3. Problems; 4. Psychological pain; 5. Choosing alcohol as a solution; 6. Despair; 7. Alcoholism vs. abstinence. When support systems fail, addicts relapse, using alcohol to treat despair. Their recovery depended significantly on their support system.

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